As with most states, felony crimes in the state of Tennessee classifies legal wrongdoing as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A felony indicates that the crime is more serious and is treated that way by the law and court system. While certain exceptions can be made in sentencing based on whether the crime in question was a state or federal violation, the state of Tennessee does follow specific guidelines on how to charge and punish individuals convicted of a felony. Tennessee

While drug trafficking can occur in any U.S. state, the penalties for the crime can vary depending on location and a variety of other factors. The state of Tennessee has its own unique challenges and penalties for drug trafficking, applicable to even small amounts of controlled substances. Trafficking Definition In Tennessee, drug trafficking is defined as any activity involved with the handling of controlled substances. Penalties for drug use may not apply to trafficking sit

Generally speaking, probable cause means that a reasonable person would believe that a crime has taken place. Probable cause is a...

Have you heard about taking a DUI Class in Tennessee? In addition to the fines and penalties that result from being convicted of driving...

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a criminal offense with significant consequences if convicted. If a police officer suspects you of a DUI, they may ask you to take a blood test or a breath test (breathalyzer) to obtain evidence to support their suspicion. Additionally, police may ask you to perform a field sobriety test, although these tests are subjective, relying on the arresting officer's judgment, and do not carry the same evidentiary weight as a breath test or blo

While even misdemeanor shoplifting charges can result in jail time, the crime becomes more serious as the value of the stolen items goes...

While the conditions of an individual’s probation sentence will vary for every situation, it may help to think of the probation system as...

Even outside the state of Tennessee, law enforcement tends to take a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug possession charges. But while...

It is important to avoid the chances of a DUI by making smart decisions. Because Driving under the Influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Tennessee, you want to have some strategies to safely enjoy your "partying." DUI situations arise if you are not being careful about choices about drinking or other substance abuse and then driving while possibly impaired. For example, if a person has spent the evening overindulging in alcohol, they will lose the ability to properly assess t

While driving under the influence, or DUI, generally gets used as a term to describe drunk driving, a DUI can apply whenever the driver of a vehicle appears to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Quick Definitions A DUI charge generally refers to legal substances (such as alcohol), illegal substances (cocaine, heroin, etc.), and prescription drugs that have impaired the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. As such, it’s possible for a driver to be under the in

While driving under the influence, or DUI, generally gets used as a term to describe drunk driving, a DUI can apply whenever the driver of a vehicle appears to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Quick Definitions A DUI charge generally refers to legal substances (such as alcohol), illegal substances (cocaine, heroin, etc.), and prescription drugs that have impaired the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. As such, it’s possible for a driver to be under the in

Sexual offense crimes carry some of the heaviest penalties in the criminal justice system, both in the immediate and the future. While the immediate penalties can include jail sentences, future penalties can include registration as a sex offender and a loss of privacy. Definition and Penalties The State of Tennessee defines sexual assault crimes as unlawful sexual contact accomplished by force, coercion, non-consent, or incapacity. In the eyes of the law, anyone under the age

The primary factor that decides whether a charge qualifies as “assault” comes down to intention. No Jokes Allowed? It’s important to note...

First of all, it’s important to note the penalties for being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) depend on the location and the specific details of the crime in question. A first time DUI in Florida is likely different from the third DUI offense in Tennessee. That being said, the loss of a driver’s license will always remain a very real possibility in every situation involving a DUI conviction. DUI Quick Notes It’s important to remember that DUIs, while commonly un

There’s an old saying that “only the guilty ask for a lawyer.” That old saying has never been true. The right to legal representation...

While the list of controlled and illegal substances applies to a variety of drugs, the specific type of drug charges tend to be fairly...

To be brief, yes, but that answer does come with a few conditions that have to be considered in every situation. Generally speaking, a law enforcement officer has to determine some manner of suspicious activity before attempting to pull over and question a driver for driving under the influence or engaging in a DUI. How an individual law enforcement officer makes that determination cannot be universally considered; what one person considers suspicious, another might find a ro

Probation refers to a form of punishment for misdemeanor/felony convictions that allows the convicted defendant to avoid jail time in favor of a supervised release. However, the defendant may face some level of restriction during the period of probation, and any violations of the probation can result in greater punishment. Sentencing Options When facing a legal challenge for criminal charges, it’s important for the defendant to remember they could have multiple sentencing opt

To get bailed out of jail, you have to make use of the bond system. While the system details can vary from state to state, Tennessee...

Every U.S. state considers the act of driving under the influence, also known as DUI, to be a crime. While Tennessee law does carry stiff penalties for committing DUIs, first-time offenses obviously tend to carry lighter sentences in general circumstances. Potential First-Time Offender Penalties A first-time DUI in the state of Tennessee can include the following penalties: • Jail time of up to 29 days First-time offenses do not guarantee the avoidance of jail. Depending on t