Tennessee Theft and Shoplifting Laws

If you're looking for a Tennessee online theft or shoplifting class, it's important to know your Tennessee theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Tennessee theft laws shown on this page are to aid you in understanding your state Tennessee theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have tried to show the latest version of Tennessee theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a substitute for legal advice from a lawyer. It is in your best interest that you find an appropriate attorney for more information about Tennessee theft laws.

Class	Price
4 Hour Theft Class	$99	Register Now
6 Hour Theft Class	$129	Register Now
8 Hour Theft Class	$149	Register Now
12 Hour Theft Class	$199	Register Now
16 Hour Advanced Class	$249	Register Now
24 Hour Extended Theft Class	$349	Register Now

39-14-101. Consolidation of Theft Offenses

In Tennessee, various actions that were previously treated as separate crimes, such as embezzlement, false pretense, larceny, and receiving stolen property, are now all considered a single offense under theft laws. This consolidation means that all these related theft activities are handled together under one category.

39-14-102. Definitions for This Section

To understand Tennessee's theft laws, it's important to know the specific terms used:

1. Cable Television Company: Any licensed company that receives TV signals from one or more stations, amplifies them, and redistributes these signals to subscribers through cables, wires, or other means.

2. Credit Card: Any real or fake card or document that shows an agreement to pay for goods or services provided to a specific person or bearer.

3. Debit Card: Any real or fake card or document issued by a financial institution that allows the holder to access funds already deposited in an account to obtain money, goods, or services.

4. Expired Credit or Debit Card: A card that is no longer valid because the expiration date has passed.

5. Issuer: The bank or financial institution that issues a credit or debit card.

6. Library: Includes public libraries, libraries of educational or historical institutions, archives, and museums.

7. Library Material: Any books, pictures, photographs, manuscripts, documents, audio-visual materials, electronic data, artifacts, or other items owned by or on loan to a library.

8. Microwave Multi-Point Distribution System Station (MDS): A licensed company that receives TV signals and redistributes them via microwave transmissions to subscribers.

9. Receiving: Gaining possession, control, ownership, or a security interest in property.

10. Revoked Credit or Debit Card: A card that is no longer valid because the issuer has suspended or canceled its use.

39-14-103. Theft of Property

A person commits theft of property if they intentionally take or control someone else's property without the owner's permission, intending to keep it or deprive the owner of it.

39-14-104. Theft of Services

A person commits theft of services in the following situations:

1. Avoiding Payment: Intentionally obtaining services through deception, fraud, coercion, or other means to avoid paying for them.

2. Diverting Services: Controlling how services are provided to others and knowingly redirecting those services for personal benefit or to benefit someone not entitled to them.

3. Leaving Without Paying: Leaving places like hotels, motels, or restaurants without paying for the services received, without a genuine intention to pay.

39-14-105. Classification of Theft

The severity of a theft offense depends on the value of the property or services taken:

1. Class A Misdemeanor: Theft involving $500 or less.

2. Class E Felony: Theft involving more than $500 but less than $1,000.

3. Class D Felony: Theft involving $1,000 or more but less than $10,000.

4. Class C Felony: Theft involving $10,000 or more but less than $60,000.

5. Class B Felony: Theft involving $60,000 or more.

39-14-106. Unauthorized Use of Vehicles — Joyriding

Taking someone else's vehicle (like a car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, or airplane) without the owner's permission and without intending to keep it is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

39-14-108. Theft of Pawned or Rented Property

This section deals with stealing property that has been rented or pawned:

• Intent to Steal: If someone rents property and then pawns or sells it, uses a fake name or address, or fails to return it by the agreed date despite being notified, it's considered theft.

• Returning Property: If rented or leased property is sold or disposed of during the rental period, it must be returned to the owner if it's properly marked and the owner can prove ownership.

• Marking Property: Owners must clearly mark rented or leased property with details like the rental company's name, address, and the property's serial number. This doesn't apply to motor vehicles as defined in Title 55.

39-14-146. Theft of Property Involving Merchandise

This section outlines specific actions that constitute theft of merchandise from a merchant:

1. Concealing Merchandise: Hiding items to steal them.

2. Removing Merchandise: Taking possession of or moving merchandise without permission.

3. Altering Price Marks: Changing or removing price tags or any markings that show the value of the merchandise.

4. Transferring Merchandise: Moving items from one container to another to hide them.

5. Falsifying Sales Records: Causing the cash register or sales system to show a lower price than the actual price of the merchandise.

Additionally, in cases of theft under this section, the state doesn't need to prove that the defendant had control over the merchandise, simplifying the prosecution process.

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This breakdown should help you understand Tennessee's theft and shoplifting laws more clearly. If you have specific questions or need further clarification on any section, feel free to ask!

You might also be interested in Tennessee Theft and Shoplifting Classes.