Understanding Tennessee Felonies

Crimes in Tennessee are set out by the criminal code, and they are ranked according to the seriousness of the crime. Capital crimes (for which death and life imprisonment are the only punishments) are the most serious and misdemeanors are the least serious crimes. After capital crimes, felonies are the most serious crimes that exist in Tennessee, and offenders face harsh penalties for these offenses.

Felony crimes in Tennessee range from murder and arson to certain DUI charges to computer fraud. Felonies are sub-categorized into classes based on the severity of the crime. Class A felonies are the most serious and can result in a term of imprisonment of 15-60 years and a fine of up to $50,000. The least serious felonies are Class E felonies, and they can result in a term of imprisonment from 1-6 years and a fine of up to $3,000.

The police need probable cause to arrest you for a felony. This means that the officer has good reason to believe that you committed the crime. The police may try to gather such evidence through searching your property with a search warrant, or without a warrant if they can establish that evidence is about to be destroyed or if you consent to the search.

If you are arrested on suspicion of a felony, you will be read your rights. You have the right to refuse to answer questions from police, and you also have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. The arraignment comes next, where you enter a formal plea. The judge may then set bail so that you can be released while the trial is pending. However, bail is not always set in felony cases since they are such serious crimes.

You have the right to a speedy trial, but you can waive that right if you want more time to prepare your case. You also have the right to a jury trial, and you can also waive that right if you want to have your case heard by a judge only (a bench trial) or if you want to plead guilty. You may also be able to have some or all of the evidence against you thrown out by bringing a motion to suppress evidence prior to the trial.

Felonies are serious crimes, so if you find yourself facing these charges, proceed with an experienced criminal law attorney.