Tennessee Armed Robbery Gets Stiffer Penalties While Property Crime Punishments Grow Soft
A bill passed the state House in Tennessee and is likely to pass the Senate as well. The legislation involves tightening penalties for armed robbery while simultaneously reducing penalties for several property offenses. The bill is called a “balancing act” on financing by this Commercial Appeal report.
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According to the news report, this bill will require people convicted of armed robbery to serve at least 5 years and 11 months behind bars before being eligible for parole. Current laws have that minimum term at 2 years and 5 months, revealing quite a jump.
On the other side of the scale, the law would require probation and other community correction alternatives for first time offenders of 19 nonviolent property offenses. Most of these offenses, like forgery, theft, and vandalism, will involve damage to property valued at under $1,000.
Judges will sentence people convicted of these offenses to probation and other similar programs unless there are compelling reasons for prison time. Similarly, multiple offenders will be more likely to go to prison as well.
Typically, property offenses like theft and shoplifting, when valued less than $1,000 but more than $500 are considered Class E felonies and carry a potential 1 to 6 years in prison.
Lawmakers are making the changes in sentencing practices to attempt to make up for the increased costs of extending sentences for those convicted of burglary. With budgets across the country feeling the crunch, any excess spending has to be accompanied with simultaneous cutbacks.
Most people in society agree that violent crimes should lead to greater periods of incarceration than property crimes. This, however, doesn’t decrease the seriousness of property crimes. The potential for a lengthy prison stint still exists, even if you are convicted of a theft.
If you are facing charges that you have questions about, you need someone with experience on your side. Contact our attorneys for a consultation on your criminal case today.
