Clarksville Theft Crime Defense Lawyer

Crimes of Theft in Clarksville

Theft has generally been defined as the unauthorized taking or use of another's goods or property. It is a very broad term and encompasses a whole field of actions which involve the taking and/or removal of personal property with the intent to permanently deprive another of its use or possession. Accidental removal of an item, for example picking up the wrong black suitcase at the baggage claim with no intent to deprive another, is not a crime of theft.

Types of Theft Crime Cases in Clarksville

Theft has many different variations:

Larceny refers to non-violent theft and is a term used more in English law than in US codes. Here most codes refer to larceny as theft.

Burglary involves actual trespass into a building with the intent to steal. Sometimes this is referred to as "breaking and entering".

Embezzlement is the theft of funds from an owner from one entrusted with the care of those funds. This is often committed by financial personnel such as bookkeepers or banking officers.

Aggravated Burglary occurs when the act of "breaking and entering" with the intent to steal is accompanied by a weapon such as a firearm, knife or explosive.

These are all quite serious crimes and will be tried in criminal courts. If a weapon is involved and if the defendant was aware of possessing a weapon then the potential for very lengthy prison time exists. Most crimes of this nature are generally classed as felonies which can mar an individual's records for life. Don't take a chance with an inexperienced lawyer or one that is not familiar with this zone of criminal defense. It is very important to select a Clarksville criminal defense attorney such as Lance Miller that has spent extensive time in actual courtroom and trial situations.

Two Categories of Theft

Tennessee law divides theft into two classifications. One is the theft of property and the other is the theft of services. Depriving another of their property or taking control of another's property without their consent is one class. The other class would be a case of one intentionally obtaining a service through the use of fraud, deception, coercion, false pretenses or any other means that would avoid non-payment. The second category could include non-payment for services such as fleeing a restaurant or leaving a motel without paying. Additionally if one diverts services intended for the benefit of another to oneself this could constitute theft.

Whatever the type of theft, this is a serious crime and in most cases will be tried as a felony offense. To mount a strong defense you will need a highly experienced attorney and should contact a Clarksville Theft Crimes Defense Attorney today.