Burglary & Robbery | The Evans Law Firm
Tennessee Criminal Defense
Knox, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, and other counties in East TN.
The Details Matter
Robbery and Burglary Defense Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Serious Charges Require a Serious Defense
Few criminal charges are viewed more harshly than robbery and burglary. These offenses are often classified as felonies and can expose a person to years—or even decades—in prison if convicted.
If you have been charged with robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary, aggravated burglary, or another theft-related felony in Tennessee, it is important to remember one thing:
Being charged is not the same as being convicted.
The police report is only one version of events. Witnesses can be mistaken. Evidence can be incomplete. Prosecutors may overcharge a case. Critical facts are often missing from the initial allegations.
At The Evans Law Firm, we represent individuals charged with robbery and burglary offenses throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee. We thoroughly investigate every case, challenge weak evidence, and fight to protect our clients' futures.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation, contact our office immediately for a confidential consultation.
Understanding Robbery Charges in Tennessee
Many people confuse robbery with theft. While both offenses involve allegations of taking property, robbery is treated much more seriously because it involves force, violence, or intimidation.
Under Tennessee law, robbery generally occurs when a person intentionally takes property from another person through violence or by putting that person in fear.
Unlike burglary, robbery does not require entering a building.
Because robbery involves direct interaction with another person, prosecutors often classify it as a violent offense.
Types of Robbery Charges in Tennessee
Robbery
Standard robbery generally involves taking property through force or intimidation.
Examples may include:
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Alleged street robberies
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Purse snatching involving force
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Physical confrontations during thefts
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Threats used to obtain property
Potential Penalties
Robbery is generally charged as a felony and can result in:
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Significant prison exposure
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Thousands of dollars in fines
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Restitution
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Probation restrictions
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Permanent felony record
Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated robbery involves additional factors that increase the seriousness of the offense.
These allegations often involve:
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Use or display of a deadly weapon
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Conduct causing injury to another person
Examples include:
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Alleged armed robberies
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Displaying a firearm during a theft
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Brandishing a knife
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Physical injuries suffered during the incident
Potential Penalties
Aggravated robbery carries substantially higher penalties than standard robbery and may result in many years of incarceration.
Especially Aggravated Robbery
Especially aggravated robbery is one of the most serious robbery offenses in Tennessee.
This charge generally involves:
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A deadly weapon; and
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Serious bodily injury to the alleged victim
Because of the severity of the allegations, prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases.
A conviction can result in decades of imprisonment and long-term consequences affecting every aspect of a person's life.
Common Defenses to Robbery Charges
Every robbery case is unique, but common defenses may include:
Mistaken Identity
Many robbery cases rely heavily on eyewitness identification.
Unfortunately, eyewitnesses can be wrong.
Stress, darkness, distance, and brief observations often lead to mistaken identifications.
Lack of Intent
The government must prove criminal intent.
In some cases, misunderstandings, ownership disputes, or other circumstances may undermine the prosecution's theory.
False Accusations
People sometimes make accusations out of anger, fear, revenge, or confusion.
A thorough investigation may reveal inconsistencies that weaken the state's case.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Weak witness testimony, poor surveillance footage, and lack of physical evidence may create significant problems for the government.
Understanding Burglary Charges in Tennessee
Many people assume burglary simply means stealing something.
In reality, burglary focuses primarily on unlawful entry and criminal intent.
The government generally must prove:
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Unlawful entry or unlawful remaining; and
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Intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault inside.
This means a burglary charge may arise even if nothing was actually stolen.
Intent is often one of the most heavily contested issues in burglary cases.
Types of Burglary Charges
Burglary
A standard burglary charge may involve entering a building, structure, or certain vehicles without permission and with the intent to commit a crime.
Examples include:
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Entering a business after hours
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Entering a storage facility
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Entering certain vehicles with criminal intent
Potential Penalties
Burglary is generally a felony offense and can result in:
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Prison exposure
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Probation
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Significant fines
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Permanent criminal record
Aggravated Burglary
Aggravated burglary generally involves entering a habitation.
A habitation typically means a place used for living purposes, such as:
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Houses
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Apartments
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Condominiums
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Mobile homes
Because homes receive special protection under Tennessee law, aggravated burglary penalties are substantially more severe.
Especially Aggravated Burglary
This offense generally involves a burglary where serious bodily injury occurs.
These cases are among the most serious burglary allegations prosecuted in Tennessee courts.
Potential consequences include lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
Why Intent Matters in Burglary Cases
One of the most important issues in a burglary case is intent.
The government must prove not only that a person entered a structure unlawfully, but also that they intended to commit a crime once inside.
Examples of situations where intent may be disputed include:
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Entering to seek shelter
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Entering while intoxicated
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Entering by mistake
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Misunderstanding permission to enter
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Entering without any plan to commit a crime
Without proof of criminal intent, the prosecution's case may be significantly weakened.
Common Defenses to Burglary Charges
Consent
If the property owner gave permission—or if you reasonably believed you had permission—the burglary charge may be challenged.
Lack of Intent
A person who enters a property without intending to commit a felony, theft, or assault may not be guilty of burglary.
Alibi
Sometimes the simplest defense is the strongest.
Evidence showing you were elsewhere when the offense occurred can completely undermine the prosecution's case.
Misidentification
Surveillance footage is not always clear.
Witnesses are not always accurate.
Many burglary cases involve disputed identification issues.
Insufficient Evidence
The government bears the burden of proof.
If prosecutors cannot prove unlawful entry, intent, or identity beyond a reasonable doubt, the case may not survive trial.
The Long-Term Consequences of a Robbery or Burglary Conviction
When most people are charged with robbery or burglary, they naturally worry about jail or prison.
However, a felony conviction can have consequences that last long after your sentence has been completed. In many cases, the long-term effects of a conviction can impact your career, finances, and future opportunities for years to come.
A robbery or burglary conviction may affect your:
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Employment opportunities
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Professional licenses
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Housing applications
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Educational opportunities
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Firearm rights
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Financial aid eligibility
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Reputation in the community
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Immigration status
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Future criminal sentencing exposure
Protecting your future means looking beyond the immediate criminal charge. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help identify opportunities to reduce charges, avoid a conviction when possible, and minimize the long-term impact on your life.
What Happens After an Arrest?
Being arrested for robbery or burglary can be overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the criminal justice system before.
Although every case is different, the criminal process typically includes:
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Booking
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Bond hearing
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Court appearances
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Discovery review
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Investigation
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Negotiations
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Motions
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Trial preparation
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Potential trial
The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the greater the opportunity to preserve important evidence, investigate the allegations, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and build the strongest defense possible.
Robbery and Burglary Defense in Knoxville and East Tennessee
The Evans Law Firm represents individuals charged with robbery and burglary offenses throughout East Tennessee, including:
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Knox County
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Blount County
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Anderson County
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Sevier County
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Loudon County
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Roane County
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Jefferson County
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Union County
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Surrounding East Tennessee communities
Robbery and burglary charges are serious felony offenses that require a thoughtful and aggressive defense. Our firm understands what's at stake and works tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future while pursuing the best possible outcome in every case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between robbery and burglary?
Robbery involves taking property from a person through force or intimidation. Burglary generally involves unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside.
Can robbery charges be reduced?
Depending on the evidence and circumstances, robbery charges may sometimes be reduced through negotiations or litigation.
What if I was present but did not participate?
Mere presence at the scene does not automatically make someone guilty. The facts must be carefully investigated.
What if nothing was stolen?
A burglary charge may still be possible if prosecutors believe there was criminal intent. However, proving intent can be difficult.
Can felony charges be dismissed?
Yes. Depending on the facts, charges may be dismissed because of insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, mistaken identity, or successful negotiations.
Should I talk to the police?
You should speak with an attorney before answering questions from law enforcement.
Contact The Evans Law Firm Today
A robbery or burglary charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone.
At The Evans Law Firm, we investigate aggressively, challenge weak evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome in every case.
If you have been charged with robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary, or another felony offense in Tennessee, contact The Evans Law Firm today for a confidential consultation.
