Felonies

Felonies in the State of Tennessee

TN Felonies

In Tennessee, if you received a sentence of 11 months, 29 days, you have received a misdemeanor sentence. Anything more than this is a felony and is typically phrased as a sentence in a number of years. Therefore, a one-year sentence or more is considered a TN felony.

Different states have different definitions for what constitutes a felony. Typically, the standard line of demarcation is 12 months. You can read more about felonies in the state of Tennessee in T.C.A. §§ 40-20-112 and 114.

By comparison, the state of Georgia is different in how it defines felonies. In Georgia, according to OCGA § 16-1-3(5), a felony is any sentence that is more than 12 months in length. If you were sentenced to a 12 month sentence in the state of Georgia, then you were convicted of a misdemeanor.

If you are convicted of a felony, you are automatically rendered “infamous” and deprived of certain rights of citizenship such as the right to vote, own a gun, and hold public office. A felony conviction could also affect your immigration status and cause you to be deported. If you were an elected official and committed a crime in your official capacity, you “shall be forever disqualified” from seeking or holding public office ever again.

Call Our Chattanooga Criminal Defense Lawyers for Quality Representation

If you have been accused of a crime in the state of Tennessee, it is important that you act quickly to consult a Chattanooga criminal defense attorney who can help you assess your situation. Your attorney can find out what criminal offense you have been charged with and what the punishment that you face could be. At Davis & Hoss, PC we frequently meet with potential clients who are unaware that they have been charged with a felony and of the possible sentence they face. Don’t guess.