Tennessee Theft & Property Crimes
Tennessee consolidated old larceny/embezzlement offenses into one 'theft of property' offense (T.C.A. § 39-14-103), graded by the value of what was taken (§ 39-14-105). Theft of $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor; above that, it's a felony with the class rising as the value increases. Confirm the current dollar tiers against the statute.
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 25, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
This is general information, not legal advice. Dollar thresholds are amendment-prone — confirm the current tiers against the statute and talk to a Tennessee attorney.
Tennessee folded the old offenses of larceny, embezzlement, shoplifting, and the like into a single “theft of property” offense.
The offense
Under T.C.A. § 39-14-103, a person commits theft who, with intent to deprive the owner of property, knowingly obtains or exercises control over it without the owner’s effective consent.
Graded by value
How serious the charge is depends on the value of what was taken (T.C.A. § 39-14-105). The general tiers:
| Value of property | Offense class |
|---|---|
| $1,000 or less | Class A misdemeanor |
| More than $1,000 – under $2,500 | Class E felony |
| $2,500 – under $10,000 | Class D felony |
| $10,000 – under $60,000 | Class C felony |
| $60,000 – under $250,000 | Class B felony |
| $250,000 or more | Class A felony |
Tennessee raised the misdemeanor/felony line to $1,000 (from the old $500) in 2016 reforms. Because value tiers are exactly the kind of number that gets amended, confirm the current thresholds against the live statute before relying on them. Note too that some property offenses (certain merchandise/shoplifting or specific property types) have their own grading rules.
After a case resolves, some records may be eligible to clear — see Tennessee expungement. To get matched with a local Tennessee theft-defense attorney, connect with a lawyer.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- When does theft become a felony in Tennessee?
- Theft of property worth $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor; once the value exceeds $1,000 it becomes a felony, with the felony class rising as the value increases (T.C.A. § 39-14-105). Confirm the current thresholds against the live statute.
- How is the 'value' of stolen property decided?
- Value is generally the fair market value of the property at the time and place of the offense, which determines the grading tier under T.C.A. § 39-14-105.
- Did Tennessee change its theft thresholds?
- Yes. Reform legislation raised the felony threshold so that theft of $1,000 or less is now a misdemeanor (up from the old $500). Always check the current statute for the controlling numbers.
Sources
Related guides
- Tennessee Assault & Domestic Assault Charges Tennessee simple assault (T.C.A. § 39-13-101) is a misdemeanor, but it becomes the felony of aggravated assault (§ 39-13-102) when there's serious bodily injury, a deadly weapon, or strangulation. Domestic assault (§ 39-13-111) is an assault against a 'domestic abuse victim' and carries enhanced consequences and firearm restrictions.
- Tennessee Drug Charges Tennessee drug charges turn on what you did with the substance. Simple possession or casual exchange (T.C.A. § 39-17-418) is generally a Class A misdemeanor, while manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing with intent (§ 39-17-417) is a felony graded by the drug's schedule and amount. Tennessee classifies substances into schedules under § 39-17-403 and following.
- Tennessee DUI Charges Tennessee DUI law (T.C.A. § 55-10-401) makes it illegal to drive while impaired or with a BAC of 0.08% or more — lower for commercial drivers (0.04%) and drivers under 21 (0.02%). The implied-consent law means refusing a test triggers a license suspension. Penalties escalate with each prior offense, and a fourth DUI is a felony. Confirm specific jail minimums and fines against the current statute.
- The Tennessee Criminal Case Process A Tennessee criminal case generally moves from arrest and booking, to bond, to General Sessions Court (which handles preliminary hearings for felonies and most misdemeanor trials), to a grand jury indictment for felonies, and finally to trial in Circuit or Criminal Court. Misdemeanor convictions in General Sessions can be appealed to Circuit/Criminal Court.