Murfreesboro Theft & Burglary Attorneys

Dedicated Legal Support Against Theft & Burglary Charges in Tennessee

If you or someone you know has been charged with a theft crime of any kind, you will need a competent attorney to defend you. Our theft attorneys in Murfreesboro at Santel | Garner can provide excellent legal service that is compassionate and tenacious. With a former Assistant District Attorney with plenty of trial experience at our helm, you can be confident that your best interests and rights will be upheld and protected by dedicated legal professionals from start to finish.

Located in the heart of Murfreesboro and serving clients throughout Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee, our theft lawyers are familiar with the nuances of local courts, judges, and procedures. This local insight enables us to deliver strategic counsel tailored specifically to the approaches commonly seen in the Murfreesboro legal system. We understand the worry and uncertainty that come with criminal theft charges; that's why we are dedicated to keeping you informed at every stage. We believe in collaborative, transparent legal representation, helping you evaluate your options and build a strong defense in line with Tennessee law.

Call us at (615) 987-0268 or fill out our online form to contact our burglary attorneys in Murfreesboro and start your legal process with our team by your side.

What to Expect During the Legal Process With Our Theft Attorneys in Murfreesboro

Facing theft, burglary, or larceny charges in Murfreesboro involves navigating multiple legal steps, each with unique local procedures and court requirements. After an arrest, cases generally include arraignment, preliminary hearings, discovery, plea negotiations, pretrial motions, and potentially trial. Much of this process occurs in downtown Murfreesboro at the Rutherford County Courthouse, where familiarity with the court’s preferences can impact your experience. A dedicated theft attorney in Murfreesboro will guide you through every phase, defend your rights, and explain all deadlines and possible court outcomes.

At Santel | Garner, our client-focused approach means you work directly with a designated attorney throughout your case. From your very first consultation, our attorneys walk you through anticipated court proceedings, paperwork requirements, and appropriate responses when interacting with judges or law enforcement. We thoroughly assess your case, collecting evidence, reviewing witness statements, and evaluating potential options for resolution. Our extensive local experience in Rutherford County’s court system allows us to tailor our defense strategies to specific judicial expectations and offer clear, actionable advice so you can approach court proceedings with confidence.

Tennessee's Theft & Robbery Laws

A theft crime consists of taking something of value from another without their permission and without the intent of ever returning it. Theft crimes will be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case, including the monetary value of the stolen property. For items valued below $500, a theft crime in Tennessee is generally charged as a misdemeanor, and anything else can be felony grand theft.

Tennessee law carefully distinguishes among theft, larceny, burglary, and robbery crimes. Burglary charges require unlawful entry with intent to commit theft or a felony, while robbery involves the use or threat of force during a theft. In Rutherford County, all theft-related offenses are prosecuted following the Tennessee Code Annotated, with penalties increasing in severity due to prior convictions, use of weapons, or causing injury. These subtle classifications can impact not just the charges and penalties you face but also available defense strategies. Working with a burglary attorney in Murfreesboro maximizes your ability to challenge or reduce accusations and penalties tied to these serious crimes.

Types of Common Theft Crimes

Common theft crimes that may not include direct physical violence include:

• Shoplifting
• Larceny
• Identity theft
• Using fraudulent checks
• Embezzlement
• Counterfeiting

When a theft crime involves violence, the threat of harm or destruction, or is conducted by a person in possession of a deadly weapon, it is considered robbery. In most instances, robbery will be escalated to a felony charge because someone could have been or has been hurt.

Some forms of robbery, which is still a theft crime, include:

• Armed robbery
• Carjacking
• Extortion

How Are Burglary & Theft Different?

Understanding your charges is a key element to defending yourself from the accusations at hand. If you have been accused of committing burglary, you might not actually be accused of stealing anything in particular. Burglary is a property crime that is defined as entering a vacant structure without permission and with the intent of committing another crime once inside. Due to the fact that most people burglarize a location in order to steal something, it is often categorized with other theft crimes.

Get Legal Assistance from Our Murfreesboro Theft Crimes Attorneys

Our Murfreesboro theft and burglary lawyers are ready and waiting to take on the toughest of theft crime cases. If you are being investigated or have already had charges filed against you, consult with us as soon as possible to get started on your defense. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

Charged with a theft crime? Contact our Murfreesboro theft crime attorneys at our firm today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do if I am Contacted By Law Enforcement Regarding a Theft Crime?

If you are contacted by law enforcement in Murfreesboro concerning a theft, burglary, or larceny investigation, stay calm and avoid making any statements without legal representation. You have the right to an attorney—exercise that right immediately. Even sharing routine information can have serious consequences. At Santel | Garner, our theft attorneys in Murfreesboro are ready to protect your rights from the first contact. We provide urgent guidance, explain the investigation process, and represent your interests when interacting with law enforcement and prosecutors in Rutherford County. Always contact an attorney before responding to questions or requests for information.

How Long Does a Theft or Burglary Case Usually Take to Resolve in Murfreesboro?

The duration of theft, burglary, or larceny cases in Murfreesboro depends on the facts, evidence, court schedules, and whether a case goes to trial or is settled through negotiation. Some misdemeanor cases with clear facts can be resolved within a few months, especially when plea agreements are reached early. Felony cases, contested matters, or those that require extensive investigation and motion practice may extend for a year or more. Partnering with a burglary attorney in Murfreesboro who understands the process at the Rutherford County Courthouse can help you anticipate each stage and minimize unnecessary delays.

Can a Theft or Burglary Conviction Be Expunged From My Record in Tennessee?

In some circumstances, a theft, burglary, or larceny conviction in Tennessee may be eligible for expungement, depending on the nature of the offense, sentence completion, and your criminal history. Misdemeanor theft convictions and certain low-level felonies sometimes qualify for expungement after meeting waiting periods and restitution requirements. There are strict rules and application procedures in Rutherford County and statewide that your attorney can help navigate. At Santel | Garner, we assess your eligibility, guide you through required paperwork, prepare for hearings, and advocate for expungement whenever possible—so you can move forward with confidence and a cleaner slate.

Our legal team at Santel | Garner is ready to solve all your questions and stand by your side in your case. Call us at (615) 987-0268.