Memphis Shoplifting Lawyer

Work Directly with Memphis Shoplifting Attorney Tim Francavilla, Practicing Since 1997

If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Memphis, you may be worried about your job, your family, and your future. An arrest or citation for retail theft can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been in trouble before. At Francavilla Law Firm, we provide direct, individualized representation for people facing these accusations.

Our Memphis shoplifting attorneys bring more than 25 years of legal experience to every criminal case. Tim Francavilla has practiced in Tennessee criminal courts since 1997 and understands how shoplifting accusations move through local courts. We take time to listen, explain the process, and discuss options so you’re not left guessing about what comes next. A criminal accusation is not a conviction, and the state must prove each element of the charged offense under the applicable Tennessee law.

From our office in the Memphis area, we represent clients throughout Shelby County, including Cordova.

Schedule a consultation with Francavilla Law Firm today by calling (901) 979-9992 or contacting us online.

Direct Access to Tim Francavilla Throughout Your Shoplifting Case

When you work with Francavilla Law Firm, you work directly with Tim Francavilla from start to finish. You don’t get rushed conversations or generic advice. Our one-on-one representation focuses on your circumstances, priorities, and questions rather than treating you as a case number.

Attorney Tim Francavilla has practiced law for more than 25 years. During that time, he has handled a wide range of criminal matters and has seen how a single allegation can affect a person’s work, education, and family relationships. This depth of experience helps us anticipate issues, explain realistic outcomes, and prepare you for what is likely to happen in court. Since 2016, Tim has also served as a Bartlett Municipal Court judge, giving him perspective on how courts evaluate legal arguments. Our work extends beyond the trial level as well: we have briefed and argued legal issues before the Tennessee Criminal Court of Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Our team is committed to respectful, judgment-free representation. Many clients feel embarrassed after a shoplifting arrest, especially if it’s their first experience with the criminal system. Our role is not to lecture you but to understand what happened, explain your options, and help you make informed choices about how to move forward.

What to Do After a Shoplifting Charge in Shelby County

A shoplifting accusation may lead to a citation, an arrest, or instructions to appear in court on a specific date. Follow the appearance date and instructions stated on your own court paperwork because procedures and scheduling vary by case.

Our shoplifting lawyers in Memphis recommend the following after an accusation, citation, or arrest:

• Keep Documentation: This can include a citation, booking information, bond paperwork, or any notice telling you when and where to appear. Missing a court date can create additional problems, so it’s important to mark those dates on your calendar and plan to attend.
• Be Careful About What You Say and Where You Say It: It can be tempting to explain yourself to store employees, loss-prevention staff, friends, or people online. Those statements can be misunderstood or used against you later. Before discussing the incident, talk with us about how to respond.
• Note What Happened: Write down your own account of what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include where you were, who you were with, and what you remember about your interactions with store staff or police. These notes can help you remember important details later when you speak with our team.
• Contact Our Attorneys Sooner Rather Than Later: Consider contacting our office as soon as possible after the incident. Early conversations give us more time to review your documents, understand your goals, and talk through options with you. When you call, we can discuss what has already happened and what your next court date might involve.

Tennessee Shoplifting Laws & Charge Classifications

Shoplifting allegations in Tennessee are generally prosecuted as a form of theft. Tennessee Code section 39-14-146 addresses merchandise-related conduct specifically, covering actions such as concealing merchandise, removing items from a store, altering or removing price markings, transferring merchandise between containers, causing a register to reflect less than the stated price, interfering with anti-shoplifting or inventory control devices, using a device to facilitate theft, and activating or interfering with a fire alarm to facilitate theft. The prosecution must establish the accused’s intent to deprive the merchant of the stated price of the merchandise.

The value of the property involved can affect the charge classification under Tennessee Code section 39-14-105. Property valued at $1,000 or less is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Higher value ranges can result in Class E, D, C, B, or A felony classifications. A prior record can also affect the potential consequences. When multiple alleged acts share a common scheme, they may be aggregated for purposes of determining the value and, therefore, the charge grade. Even when a dollar amount appears small, the charge classification and your prior history can affect what you face in Shelby County General Sessions Criminal Court or Shelby County Criminal Court.

Possible penalties for shoplifting in Memphis may include:

• Fines and court costs
• Probation
• Time in jail or, for felony-level charges, prison
• A conviction that appears on your criminal record

The penalties that may apply depend on the value of the items, prior theft offenses, and the circumstances of the case. A thorough evaluation distinguishes the alleged conduct, the intent at issue, the charging language, available evidence, and how each factor interacts under Tennessee law.

How a Shoplifting Charge Can Affect Your Life in Memphis

One of the most serious concerns about a shoplifting arrest is the effect it may have on your record. A theft-related conviction can appear on background checks that employers, landlords, and schools often use. This can affect job opportunities, housing applications, and professional licensing. Non-citizens should also understand that criminal charges can sometimes affect immigration matters. They may wish to discuss that concern with qualified immigration counsel because the consequences can vary significantly based on a person’s status and the specific charge or disposition.

How a charge ultimately affects your record can also depend on how the case is resolved. Matters that are dismissed, result in a not-guilty finding, or are handled through certain alternative dispositions may be eligible for expungement under Tennessee law, while conviction eligibility depends on statutory requirements and case history. At Francavilla Law Firm, our job is to explain the range of possibilities in clear language, discuss what may be realistic in Shelby County criminal court, and help you decide how you want to approach your case. We don’t promise a specific outcome. We explain the options supported by the facts and Tennessee law.

How We Approach Shoplifting Defense in Memphis

When you come to Francavilla Law Firm for help with a shoplifting charge, we start by listening. We want to understand what led to the accusation, what you remember about the incident, and your goals for the case.

After we talk with you, we review the available information. This can include police reports, store incident reports, surveillance video, loss-prevention records, witness accounts, documentation concerning the value of the merchandise, and your own notes about what happened. We look at how the events are described, when key moments occurred, and whether anything appears unclear or incomplete. Our goal is to understand both the strengths and the weaknesses in the state’s version of events.

Our team considers the relevant legal issues in your case, the practical realities of criminal courts in Shelby County, and your personal goals. We then walk you through potential paths, such as negotiating a resolution, asserting defenses in court, or pursuing other lawful options that may be available based on the charge, the evidence, and the facts of your situation.

Throughout this process, communication is central. We explain hearing dates, court procedures, and possible next steps in everyday language so you can follow along and ask questions. When decisions need to be made, we discuss the pros and cons with you. Tim Francavilla’s experience in Tennessee trial and appellate courts also means we can evaluate legal issues that extend beyond a single court appearance, which matters when a case involves questions that could affect how charges are interpreted or resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Shoplifting Charge Go on My Record?

A shoplifting charge can appear on your record, especially if it leads to a conviction. How it shows up and for how long can depend on the specific charge and outcome. We can review your situation and explain how the disposition and Tennessee expungement rules may affect your record.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer for First-Time Shoplifting?

Even a first-time shoplifting case can have long-term consequences. We explain the risks, what the court may consider, and the choices available based on the facts of your case.

How Will Your Firm Keep Me Informed?

We focus on clear and consistent communication. Our team talks with you about upcoming court dates, explains what happened after each hearing, and answers your questions along the way. You’re not left to figure things out alone or wonder what is happening with your case.

Will You Judge Me for What Happened?

No. People come to us during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Our role is to provide legal guidance, not to judge. We treat you with respect, listen to your concerns, and evaluate your legal options based on your circumstances.

When Should I Contact You About My Case?

It’s generally best to contact us as soon as you know about a charge or upcoming court date. Early conversations give us more time to review your paperwork, understand what happened, and discuss options with you. You don’t have to wait until the last minute to get guidance.

Talk with Our Memphis Shoplifting Lawyer Today!

A shoplifting accusation is serious, but it doesn’t determine the outcome of your case. The charge, evidence, prior record, and procedural posture all shape the available options.

At Francavilla Law Firm, we bring more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, a Memphis-based practice, and a commitment to treating every client as an individual. When you contact us, we review what happened, discuss your concerns and upcoming court dates, and explain the potential next steps.

If you have a citation, arrest paperwork, or an upcoming court date, Reach out to discuss your shoplifting charge with us.

Call (901) 979-9992 to speak with a Memphis shoplifting attorney about your arrest today.