Clarksville Theft, Robbery and Burglary Defense Lawyers

Theft is considered a crime of dishonesty. If you plead guilty to a crime of dishonesty, it could affect your future in many ways. An employer could decide not to hire you. A landlord could turn you down as a renter. If you are ever involved in a court case, you could be impeached as a dishonest person based on this one event in your life.

At Patton | Pittman in Clarksville, our attorneys defend people charged with shoplifting, auto theft, robbery, burglary and other property crimes throughout Middle Tennessee. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. 

Protecting Your Rights and Freedom

Many people who face criminal charges plead guilty because they are embarrassed and want to "make the case go away." Unfortunately, pleading guilty to any misdemeanor or felony charge will result in a permanent criminal record. In a world where background checks are increasingly commonplace, anyone with a criminal record is at a disadvantage.

Theft of less than $500 in money or property is a misdemeanor in Tennessee. Theft of more than $500 is a felony. Robbery (theft from another person by force or threat of force) and burglary (breaking into a residence or business with the intention of committing a crime) are felonies regardless of the amount taken.

Our attorneys are here to provide personalized guidance and support every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options in detail. Call (931) 361-4477 today!

Defenses in Clarksville Theft Cases

If you have been accused of a property crime, the government will try to build a case based on eyewitness testimony, confessions or statements made by you, and corroborating physical evidence. Our lawyers meticulously examine the evidence against you for weaknesses to attack.

The physical evidence of the crime may not be there or may have been mishandled by police. An alternative theory may tell a different story than the story told by police. One defense may be that you thought you had a right to the property.

Attorney Chris Clark brings six years of experience as an assistant district attorney and a wealth of trial experience to your case.

Diversion and expungement: If you are eligible, pretrial or judicial diversion allows you to resolve your case without a criminal record, sometimes without pleading guilty.

Understanding Your Rights After a Burglary Charge

If you are charged with burglary, you retain several important rights under the law.  At Patton & Pittman Attorneys, we are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process and ensuring that your rights are protected. Understanding your rights can empower you to take the necessary steps towards protecting your freedom. 

• Right to Remain Silent: You are not obligated to answer questions from law enforcement or prosecutors about the charges against you. Exercising this right can help protect you from making statements that might be misinterpreted or used against you in court. It is advisable to remain silent until you have consulted with an attorney.
• Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to be represented by an attorney who will advocate on your behalf and help you navigate the legal system. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint a public defender to ensure you are not left without legal assistance.
• Presumption of Innocence: You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This means the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which must demonstrate your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This fundamental principle protects you from being convicted without sufficient evidence.
• Right to a Fair Trial: You are entitled to a fair and impartial trial, which includes several protections:
  • Reviewing Evidence: You have the right to examine the evidence the prosecution plans to use against you.
  • Presenting a Defense: You can gather and present evidence, call witnesses, and build a case in your favor.
  • Cross-Examination: You have the right to question the witnesses brought against you to challenge the credibility or validity of their statements.
  • Impartial Jury or Judge: If your case goes to trial, the proceedings must be conducted without bias.
• Protection Against Self-Incrimination: You cannot be forced to testify against yourself in court. This ensures that your statements or actions cannot be compelled to establish your guilt.

Understanding and exercising these rights is crucial to ensuring your legal protections are respected throughout the process of addressing the charges. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to provide you with the legal support you need to understand and exercise your rights effectively. Don’t face this challenging time alone

Contact Our Tennessee Felony Theft Charge Attorneys

If you’ve been charged with burglary, your rights and your future are at stake. At Patton & Pittman Attorneys, we are dedicated to defending your freedom and ensuring your rights are upheld every step of the way. Don’t face these charges alone—let our experienced legal team fight for you.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and work tirelessly to build a strong defense. Time is critical, so take the first step toward protecting your future. 

Call (931) 361-4477 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with our Clarksville attorneys.