Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Using what may possibly be the worst disguise of all time, none at all, a naked man apparently under the influence of drugs or alcohol broke into a residence in Slidell, Louisiana and made himself at home for a while before eventually leaving. According to the Associated Press, the bare-naked burglar was captured on a surveillance camera taking a shower via a garden hose before breaking several windows and then entering the house. After ransacking the house, the man cooked and ate a full meal, had a few drinks, took another shower (this time inside the home), wrapped himself in a bed sheet, and then exited the home. The police are still looking for the suspect, who will presumably have clothed himself by the time this blog is posted.

Although this is an amusing manner in which to perpetrate a crime, burglary is a serious offense in Tennessee. Burglary in Tennessee of a habitation is considered aggravated burglary and is a Class C felony, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000. A “habitation” under Tennessee law is basically any building that is designed or adapted to provide overnight accommodations for a person.

The entering of a building or dwelling only constitute a “burglary” as defined by Tennessee law where the offender does one of the following without the consent of the property owner:

1. Enters a building other than a habitation (or any portion thereof) not open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft or assault;


2. Remains concealed, with the intent to commit a felony, theft or assault, in a building;


3. Enters a building and commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft or assault; or


4. Enters any freight or passenger car, automobile, truck, trailer, boat, airplane or other motor vehicle with intent to commit a felony, theft or assault or commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft or assault.