Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Tennessee theft attorneys understand that joyriding is typically committed by juvenile offenders, most of which are male. Someone may commit joyriding because it is believed to be exciting, stimulating, gives status, and so on. Juveniles often commit this offense to rebel against authority, due to peer pressure, and for other reasons. Many offenders commit joyriding in a reckless manner that threatens danger to public safety.

According to Tennessee law, a person commits the offense of joyriding who takes another's automobile, airplane, motorcycle, bicycle, boat or other vehicle without the consent of the owner and the person does not have the intent to deprive the owner thereof. Tenn. Code Ann. 39-14-106 (2007).

Joyriding typically occurs when someone borrows another’s car without permission, but plans on returning the vehicle. Joyriding closely resembles the crime of theft. The difference between joyriding and theft is that no intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property exists with joyriding.

Joyriding is a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum of eleven months, twenty-nine days incarceration or a fine not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars, or both. Joyriding is taken very seriously by the courts because it typically poses a threat to public safety. If you or someone you know has been charged with joyriding, contact a Tennessee theft lawyer. A Tennessee criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights and legal options. Our office handles these charges in Knoxville, Sevierville, Morristown, Greenville, Johnson City, and Chattanooga.