In 2021, Tennessee passed an amended law making the punishment harsher for those convicted of stealing packages from people’s porches. The Porch Pirate Law was initially created to deter and punish those who steal items delivered to a person's home or front porch. Under the original and amended law, if someone is caught stealing packages from another person's porch, they can face criminal theft charges, fines, and even incarceration, depending on the value of the stolen property. The law also covers misdemeanors related to the theft of items shipped by common carriers, such as U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, and UPS shipments, from delivery locations other than the recipient's residence.
Overall, this law was created to help protect people from losing their expensive shipped parcels and put an end to persistent package theft in Tennessee.
Penalties For Porch Piracy in Tennessee
Those found guilty of stealing delivered goods can face hefty penalties. Depending on the value of goods taken, suspects are subject to criminal charges that range from misdemeanors to felonies. Under the new amendment, a first offense for stealing mail is usually defined as a misdemeanor. If someone is convicted of this crime for a second time, they could face imprisonment for up to a year.
Have You Been Accused of Porch Piracy?
Were you wrongfully accused of porch piracy? With the rise in this crime, more and more people have become victims of false accusations. In such a situation, you should protect your rights and contact an experienced attorney to represent you.
Meade Law Group provides experienced legal services to help defend individuals determined to fight such unfair accusations. If you need protection from any type of criminal charge, contact Meade Law Group for representation. Our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case and develop the best defense strategy to achieve the best outcome possible.
