Theft & Shoplifting Attorney
Theft and shoplifting charges are graded almost entirely by the dollar value involved, which means small factual disputes about value can change a misdemeanor into a felony. At DeVore Law, PLLC, theft and shoplifting cases are handled exclusively by Devin S. DeVore, who represents clients throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee.
Retailers and loss prevention staff don’t always get the value, the intent, or the incident itself right — and that gap is often where a case is won.
Theft & Shoplifting in Tennessee — What You Need to Know
Tennessee grades theft by the value of the property involved. Property valued at $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Property valued at more than $1,000 but not more than $2,500 is a Class E felony, punishable by one to six years in prison, with higher felony classes applying as the value increases further.
Shoplifting is charged under the same grading scale as general theft, based on the value of the merchandise. A fifth or subsequent shoplifting offense within a two-year period increases the punishment by one full classification — turning what would be a Class A misdemeanor into a Class E felony.
Retailers also have a civil remedy option: where the district attorney allows it and the retail price of the merchandise is less than $500, a merchant can pursue a civil claim for two to three times the value of the stolen goods, separate from any criminal case.
How DeVore Law, PLLC Can Help
The Theft & Shoplifting Case Timeline
How Theft Charges Are Graded
Misdemeanor Theft
Property valued at $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.
Felony Theft
Property valued above $1,000 escalates through felony classes, starting at a Class E felony for $1,000 to $2,500 and rising with higher values.
Repeat Shoplifting
A fifth or subsequent shoplifting offense within two years bumps the classification up one full level, regardless of value.
Common Areas of Focus
Valuation Disputes
The value assigned to the property directly determines the grade of the charge, and that number is not always accurate or well-documented.
Intent
Theft requires an intent to permanently deprive the owner of property — an honest mistake or misunderstanding is a real defense.
Surveillance and Loss Prevention Evidence
Store video and loss prevention reports don’t always support the version of events in the police report.
Civil Demand Letters
Retailers sometimes send civil demand letters separate from criminal charges, and responding correctly matters for both tracks.
What to Expect — The Defense Process
While each case differs, most Knoxville theft and shoplifting cases follow these general stages:
01
Case Review
We review the charging documents, valuation, and any available surveillance footage.
02
Diversion Evaluation
For eligible first-time offenders, we pursue diversion to avoid a permanent conviction.
03
Negotiation
We negotiate the classification and resolution based on the strength of the evidence.
04
Resolution
We finalize the case through dismissal, diversion, plea, or trial, and advise on expungement timing.
Why Work With Devin DeVore for Your Theft Case
Theft and shoplifting defense at DeVore Law, PLLC is not delegated between attorneys. Devin DeVore personally handles every case, offering:
Direct access to your attorney
Personal handling of every case
Membership in the Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations
Familiarity with local courts and diversion programs
Practical advice focused on protecting your record
Speak With a Theft & Shoplifting Attorney
If you’ve been charged with theft or shoplifting, Devin DeVore can review the valuation and evidence against you.
Contact DeVore Law, PLLC to schedule a consultation.