Tennessee Motor Vehicle Theft Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed August 15, 2018
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Stealing a motor vehicle is often viewed as "car theft," but the term "motor vehicles" encompass a broad range of vehicles that also includes motor scooters, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles. If you do engage in motor vehicle theft, your charges and penalties will depend on the state law where the vehicle was taken.
If you boost a car or SUV in Tennessee, you could be facing charges for theft, but not for the familiar "grand theft auto" offense because the state doesn't have a separate motor vehicle theft statute. Any theft is subject under penalties from Tennessee's general theft laws.
Overview of Tennessee Motor Vehicle Theft Laws
Beginning your legal research with a plain English guide is a way to better understand the meaning of a statute when before reading the law in its entirety. See the chart below for an overview of motor vehicle theft laws in Tennessee, including links for the relevant code sections.
Statute |
Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-105 |
Elements of the Crime |
Theft In Tennessee, you commit a theft of property when you knowingly obtain or exercise control over another's property without consent and with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. Joyriding If you take someone's automobile, bicycle, boat, or other vehicle (without the owner's consent, but not with the intent of depriving the owner of property rights), you can be charged with a different Class A misdemeanor offense that is considered "joyriding." Carjacking If you intentionally or knowingly take a motor vehicle from another person using force or intimidation or a deadly weapon, then you can be charged with carjacking. Carjacking, an offense more serious than theft, is a Class B felony, punishable by incarceration of up to 30 years. |
Possible Penalties |
The penalties are based on the property value of the property involved.
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Possible Defenses |
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Tennessee Motor Vehicle Theft Laws: Related Resources
Contact a Tennessee Attorney about Motor Vehicle Theft
If you've been accused of motor vehicle theft in Tennessee, you could be facing costly fines or jail time, depending on the property value of the vehicle involved. Get peace of mind by contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Tennessee attorneys offer free consultations.
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