Charged With Franklin Property Crimes? Protect Your Future With an Experienced Defense Lawyer
Property crimes in Tennessee typically involve unlawful destruction, damage, theft, or interference with a person’s property. There’s no violence threatened or used. Property crimes are usually serious and attract severe punishments and other long-term consequences, which is why you need to consult with a skilled and experienced Franklin property crimes lawyer to defend your rights.
The legal team at Byron Pugh Legal is committed to providing experienced legal guidance and strong representation to clients in Franklin property crimes cases. We have successfully defended property crime charges across Franklin, TN. Call us today at 615-255-9595 to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation and learn how we can help you fight the charges that you face.
Understanding Property Crimes in Franklin, Tennessee
Property crimes involve the theft, destruction, or unlawful interference with another person’s property—without the use of violence. These offenses can range from minor vandalism to serious felonies such as arson or aggravated robbery. In Franklin, property crimes carry severe penalties that can impact your record, career, and freedom. Having an experienced Franklin property crimes lawyer can make a crucial difference in how your case is resolved.
Types of Property Crime Cases our Criminal Defense Team Handles
At Byron Pugh Legal, our legal team represents clients facing a wide range of property crime charges in Franklin and throughout Middle Tennessee. Below are the most common types of property crime cases we handle:
Vandalism Defense
Vandalism occurs when someone deliberately damages or destroys private or public property. Under Tennessee law, this includes damaging merchandise, government property, or any structure without permission. Even minor vandalism charges can result in serious consequences—our defense team works to challenge intent and seek reduced penalties.
Arson and Reckless Burning Charges
Arson involves damaging property by fire or explosion without the owner’s consent. Tennessee law distinguishes between arson, reckless burning, and aggravated arson—especially if someone is injured. Our attorneys investigate the cause and intent behind the fire to defend against false accusations and overcharged offenses.
Trespassing and Criminal Trespass Defense
Trespassing happens when someone knowingly enters or remains on another person’s property without consent. Something as simple as crossing a fenced boundary can lead to charges. We help clients fight criminal trespass allegations and protect their rights under Tennessee law.
Burglary and Aggravated Burglary
Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building with intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony. When a person is injured or the act involves a habitation, it can escalate to aggravated burglary. Our Franklin property crimes lawyer builds strong defenses by challenging evidence and proving lack of criminal intent.
Theft Defense in Franklin
Theft occurs when someone knowingly takes property without consent and with intent to deprive the owner of it. Even misdemeanor theft can have lasting effects on your criminal record. Our team examines ownership, intent, and consent to fight for dismissal or reduced charges.
Robbery and Aggravated Robbery Charges
Robbery is a theft committed directly against a person through the use of force, fear, or intimidation. When a deadly weapon is involved or a victim suffers injury, the charge becomes aggravated or especially aggravated robbery. We work to challenge the prosecution’s claims and protect your rights throughout the process.
Penalties for Franklin Property Crimes
The penalties for property crimes in Tennessee generally differ depending on several factors, which include whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and the seriousness of the allegations, including the value and type of the property.
Here are some possible penalties for various property crimes:
Vandalism
The penalties for the offense of vandalism depend on the type as well value of the vandalized property along with the extent of damages. The defendant may face the following types of punishment if found guilty of vandalism:
- Class B felony if the value of the damaged property is higher than $60,000
- Class C felony if the value of the damaged property is between $10,000 and $60,000
- Class D felony if the value of the damaged property doesn’t exceed $10,000, but isn’t less than $1,000
- Class E felony if the value of the damaged property is between $500 and $1,000
- Class A misdemeanor if the damaged property is valued at $500 or less.
Arson
Arson is a Class C felony punishable with a prison sentence of 3 to 6 years for first time offenders. The penalty increases up to 15 years for offenders with extensive criminal histories. If there’s a person present at the time of the act of arson, the offender faces greatly increased punishment with a prison sentence of between 15 and 60 years and fines not exceeding $50,000.
Trespass
Under Tennessee law, criminal trespassing is charged as a Class C misdemeanor. The likely penalties for the offense of trespassing include a fine of up to $50 and a jail sentence of up to 30 days.
Burglary
Burglary is charged as either a Class D or Class E felony under Tennessee law and the possible penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of between 1 and 12 years, a portion of which may be served as probation. Aggravated burglary is charged as a Class C felony whose possible penalty is a prison sentence of between 3 and 15 years.
Theft
Tennessee classifies theft of property as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen property. Possible penalties for the theft of property in the state include:
- Property valued at $1,000 or less: Class A Misdemeanor with fines of up to $2,500 and a prison sentence not exceeding 12 months.
- Property valued at between $1,000 and $2,500: Class E Felony with fines of up to $3,000 and a prison sentence ranging between 1 and 6 years.
- Property valued at between $2,500 and $10,000: Class D felony with fines of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of between 2 and 12 years.
- Property valued at between $10,000 and $60,000: Class C felony with fines of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of between 3 and 15 years.
- Property valued at between $60,000 and $250,000: Class B felony with fines of up to $25,000 and a prison sentence of between 8 and 30 years.
- Property valued at $250,000 or higher: Class A felony with fines of up to $50,000 and a prison sentence of between 15 and 60 years.
Robbery
Robbery is a Class C felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a maximum of $10,000 in fines.
Aggravated Robbery and Especially Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated robbery is a Class B felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to 30 years while Especially Aggravated Robbery is a Class A felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to 60 years.
Building a Strong Defense Against Franklin Property Crimes Charges
At Byron Pugh Legal, our Franklin property crimes defense strategy is built on thorough investigation, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to protecting your rights. When you’re accused of a property-related offense—such as theft, vandalism, burglary, or fraud—every detail matters. Our legal team carefully examines the prosecution’s case, identifying weaknesses, inconsistencies, and potential violations of your constitutional rights.
One of the most effective defense techniques in property crime cases is challenging the intent behind the alleged act. Many property crime charges depend on proving that you intentionally damaged, took, or interfered with another person’s property. Our experienced attorney works to demonstrate lack of intent, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence—strategies that can lead to reduced charges or even dismissal.
We also conduct independent investigations, gather witness statements, review surveillance footage, and consult forensic experts when necessary. Our goal is to build a defense that exposes doubt in the prosecution’s claims while ensuring you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.
Property crime allegations can threaten your freedom, your finances, and your future—but you don’t have to face them alone. Contact Byron Pugh Legal today to speak with an experienced Franklin property crimes lawyer and begin building your defense.
Contact Our Experienced Franklin Property Crimes Lawyer in Tennessee
Property crimes in Tennessee can carry harsh penalties that may include limiting your ability to seek and hold employment in the state. Fortunately, this is one fact that we are all too aware of and are looking to help alleviate your stress.
If you have been charged with a property crime in Franklin, TN, you don’t have to face it alone. Call the experienced Franklin property crimes lawyers at Byron Pugh Legal today at 615-255-9595 to schedule a free case evaluation. We will aggressively defend your charges.
