Memphis Theft Lawyer

When people think of thieves, they might envision a hardened criminal or even a cartoon caricature. We understand that people charged with theft are real humans with family, friends, and a future worth protecting. Maybe you were wrongly accused of theft. Or maybe you made a simple mistake that will affect the rest of your life. Maybe you needed to aid your family, and you felt the only way you could do that was to commit theft.

Whatever the circumstances, if you’ve been charged with a theft crime you’ll need the help of an experienced Memphis theft lawyer.

At Pickford Law, we understand theft crimes have real consequences and penalties. But we view each case with care and empathy. We want to protect your legal rights and get your charges dropped or reduced. Our legal team will build a case for you to prove your innocence or to highlight mitigating factors to get charges reduced. Whether you committed theft or were wrongfully accused, we’re here to help you.

Have you been charged with theft in Memphis, Tennessee? Contact a criminal defense lawyer at Pickford Law today to schedule a free case review. We’ll discuss your legal options and help you achieve your desired results for your case.

Theft Charges and Penalties in Memphis, TN

Tennessee law defines a theft crime as when someone takes another person’s property without their consent or knowledge. Even if you are wrongfully accused of theft, you can face harsh consequences for the crime. The penalties for theft in Memphis depend on the classification of your charge. For example:

Class A Misdemeanor: When someone steals property valued at $1,000 or less, the consequences include up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Class E Felony: When someone steals property valued between $1,000 and $2,500, the consequences include 1 to 6 years in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Class D Felony: When someone steals property valued between $2,500 and $10,000, the consequences include 2 to 12 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Class C Felony: When someone steals property valued between $10,000 and $60,000, the consequences include 3 to 15 years in jail and a fine of $10,000.
Class B Felony: When someone steals property valued between $60,000 and $250,000, the consequences include 8 to 30 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
Class A Felony: When someone steals property valued over $250,000, the consequences include 15 to 60 years in jail and a $50,000 fine.

Besides the prison time and fines, you could lose professional licenses, gun rights, and child custody for theft crimes. Your immigration status may also be negatively impacted.

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors in Theft Cases

Aggravating factors are reasons a judge may increase a theft crime charge. For example, the judge may add more jail time to your sentence if you’re a multiple-time offender.

Here are some common aggravating factors that could negatively impact your case:

You have prior convictions
You were armed with a weapon
You harmed someone while committing theft
You were a leader in a conspiracy

On the other hand, mitigating factors are reasons for the judge to reduce a theft crime charge. Some common mitigating factors include:

You have no prior criminal record
You have a physical or mental illness
You’ve shown remorse for the crime
You acted out of relative necessity

Experienced Memphis Criminal Defense Attorneys

A Memphis criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and represent you in court. Whether you were wrongfully accused or you actually committed theft, an experienced theft attorney can help reduce your charges or get your case dismissed.

At Pickford Law, we support our clients every step of the way. Our goal is to protect your future by defending you today. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation so we can get started on your case.

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I am so glad that I chose Pickford Law Firm to handle my accident case. Their service and professionalism definitely exceeded my expectations. I have used another firm before and Pickford Law Firm by far has the best client-attorney rapport and compassion.

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Pickford Law Firm,LLC was the best any questions I had they were answer. They had patience with doing the process of my case. Their firm absolutely went above and beyond in helping me win my case. I will refer anyone who needs assistance in case. Thank you Pickford!!!

John

I had the pleasure of working on a case with the Pickford Law Team. They worked very hard for our mutual client and I am hoping for a positive result. I would strongly recommend this firm for someone who is injured in a car wreck or slip and fall!

Chereathia

I must say, hands down to the Pickford Law Firm! They are amazing! If you’re looking for a law firm that’s professional, empathetic, responsive, hardworking and dedicated to making sure all of your needs are meet, Pickford Law is the firm to call. Thank you Pickford Law Firm.

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Shalondra Grandberry Pickford

Shalondra Grandberry Pickford is the founding attorney and owner of Pickford Law. Her practice focuses on Social Security disability, Veterans’ disability and Car and Trucking accidents. Prior to founding Pickford Law, Shalondra worked as an Associate Attorney at Memphis’ most prominent Social Security disability firm. She later joined a personal injury firm where she oversaw the Social Security practice area and handled personal injury claims until hanging out her own…

Jayniece Higgins Harris

Attorney Jayniece Higgins Harris’ practice areas include criminal defense (including juvenile delinquency) and personal injury. She also handles orders of protection and matters arising out of environmental court.

Jayniece graduated from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and has always had one focus: “Make sure that your clients are treated the way you want your family to be treated.” From then on, she has made sure she has fought for others that may not have any one else to fight for them…

Chiara Mason

Chiara joined the Pickford Law team in 2021. She has had an interest in the law since 1998. She previously worked for the Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. She wanted to help people on a more personal level, so she began a different journey within a law office as a medical records clerk…

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I contact a theft lawyer?

It’s best practice to contact a theft lawyer as soon as you can after you’ve been charged. While the statute of limitations for theft-related crimes is anywhere from 1 to 15 years after the crime, depending on your charge, you should still call a lawyer before it’s too late.

If you call a lawyer as soon as possible, they can start compiling evidence and building a case for you to reduce your charges. This way, you can get your case moving instead of waiting for several months or years.

Why do I need a theft lawyer if a public defender is available?

Public defenders are often overworked since they handle many cases at once. They may not have the time, motivation, or resources to build a strong case for you. If you hire a good criminal defense lawyer, they’ll do everything in their power to help you achieve your desired case outcome.

What's the difference between theft, burglary, and robbery?

Theft is when someone takes property from another person without their consent. Meanwhile, burglary is when someone enters a building illegally to steal an item without the owner knowing. Finally, robbery is similar to theft: robbery usually involves force or intimidation. For example, if someone uses a weapon as a threat to steal something, it’s considered robbery.

Theft Lawyer

Memphis Theft Lawyer

Theft Charges and Penalties in Memphis, TN

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors in Theft Cases

Experienced Memphis Criminal Defense Attorneys