Nashville Burglary Lawyer

Nashville Burglary Attorney

Facing burglary charges in Tennessee is serious. Tennessee penalizes those who enter into or break into a property without permission with the intention of committing a crime with heavy fines and prison sentences. If you find yourself facing these charges, a Nashville burglary lawyer can help you.

At The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that everyone’s story is unique. Our defense team will work to examine the charges being brought against you and craft a defense strategy to achieve a favorable outcome for your case.

With a track record for proven results, our lead criminal defense attorney in Nashville, Cesar Arbelaez, is someone you want on your side when facing burglary charges in Nashville. Having represented over 500 clients, Mr. Arbelaez has gained a reputation for providing a strong defense that can potentially reduce penalties or dismiss your case.

Different Types of Burglary Charges in Tennessee

In Tennessee, burglary charges are categorized by the severity of the crime committed. Burglary is the unlawful entry into someone’s personal property with the intent to commit a crime, steal, or commit another felony while inside. The types of burglaries are:

• Burglary – Simple burglary that does not take place in someone’s dwelling is a Class D felony and punishable by 2 to 12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
• Aggravated burglary – Burglary that takes place in someone’s home is a Class C felony and is punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines.
• Especially aggravated burglary – Burglary that is committed in someone’s dwelling that also causes bodily injury to anyone not involved in the crime is a Class B felony and is punishable by 8 to 30 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
• Burglary of a motor vehicle – Entering a motor vehicle without permission with the intention of committing a felony, theft, or assault is a Class E felony. You may face 1 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000.

Nashville had 2,524 burglaries in 2025, which is the lowest total number in government history, a 13% drop from the previous year. Law enforcement has cracked down on serial offenders in an effort to keep burglaries from happening.

How a Nashville Burglary Lawyer Can Help You

Defending against burglary charges in Nashville, TN, requires a skilled attorney with comprehensive knowledge of Tennessee’s laws and proven trial strategies. If you or your loved one is facing such charges, it is important to hire a burglary lawyer right away.  At The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we have led our clients to success through strategic defenses customized to their specific circumstances.

To be convicted of burglary, the prosecution must prove that you entered the premises with the intention of committing a theft, assault, or felonious act. Our team can challenge the prosecution’s ability to establish intent.

If you have been wrongfully accused of burglary due to mistaken identity, our team can investigate and present evidence to prove that you were not the person who committed the crime. By providing a strong alibi, it can be difficult for the prosecution to pursue the charges against you. Our team can gather evidence and witnesses to attest to your whereabouts during the burglary.

Another defense strategy that could be used is to argue that the accused had the right to be on the property or had obtained prior consent from the owner. This defense can be strong in cases where there has been a misunderstanding between the two parties or confusion about intent.

Our team will look into law enforcement’s procedures during and after your arrest. If at any time your constitutional rights were violated, such as through an unlawful search, we can challenge the evidence collected and potentially have it suppressed.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Burglary Law

What Is the Burglary Law in Tennessee?

Tennessee codes §§ 39-13-1001 through 39-13-1004 define burglary as a person who enters the property of someone without permission and with the intention of committing a theft, assault, or felonious act. Burglary is different from robbery as it focuses on the unlawful entry with the intent. Robbery is the actual taking of property from a person using violence or intimidation.

What Are the Three Types of Burglary?

The three primary types of burglary, as categorized by Tennessee law, are simple burglary, aggravated burglary, and especially aggravated burglary. Penalties increase based on whether the building being burglarized was inhabited and based on the intent of the crime, or if a victim was harmed. A Nashville burglary attorney can help review your charges and let you know what categories your case falls under.

Does a Burglary Have to Be at Night?

No, a burglary does not have to occur at night in most states, including Tennessee. At one time, the common law defined burglary as breaking and entering a dwelling at night with the intent to commit a felony. States decided to broaden the definition by including daytime and categorizing burglaries based on the property that is being broken into.

What Are the Intruder Laws in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s intruder laws are a part of the Castle Doctrine and “Stand Your Ground” principles that allow legal protections for individuals using force, including deadly force, against unwelcomed intruders on their personal property. There are limitations to the amount of force that may be used in these circumstances, such as the fact that deadly force can only be used when preventing death or serious injury.

Hire a Burglary Lawyer – The Music City Defender

Navigating Tennessee’s burglary laws can be challenging. Our seasoned legal team at the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez is prepared to help you every step of the way. We focus on the optimal way to secure the most favorable outcomes for all of our clients. From offering early case intervention to advocating for you at the Davidson County Circuit Court or another courthouse, our team can provide a strong defense to protect your future.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation so we can discuss the details of your case.

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Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee

When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.