There are few crimes more severe than a violent crime against another person in our society. Being arrested or investigated for any type of violent crime can be stressful. Violent crimes in Tennessee carry serious penalties and incarceration. Most violent crimes are serious felonies carrying long prison sentences and fines. In Tennessee, a felony is a crime punishable by a year or more in prison. Certain felonies carry prison time and other serious penalties, like large fines and long-term post-sentence punishments.
It’s important to secure the services of a criminal defense attorney if you are charged with any of the following felony offenses:
- Homicide
- Aggravated assault
- Rape or sexual assault
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Robbery
- Drug trafficking
- White-collar crimes
Violent criminal charges, like manslaughter or sexual assault, are serious crimes that require a serious legal defense. Violent crimes in Tennessee range from serious felonies, like homicide, to lower-level felonies that still carry prison time.
Felonies by Class and Sentence in Tennessee
Class A Felonies: Class A felonies carry sentences between 15 and 60 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000. This class of felony is the most serious felony in Tennessee. An example of a class A felony would be aggravated rape, which according to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111 (2019) is rape that causes secondary injury to the victim or where the accused is armed during the crime.
Class B Felonies: Class B felonies carry sentences between 8 and 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. This class of felony is also a serious offense. Aggravated burglary, according to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111 (2019) is a burglary that results in severe injuries to the victim.
Class C Felonies: Class C felonies carry sentences between 3 and 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Aggravated assault is an example of a class C felony, and according to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111 (2019), aggravated assault is the crime of intentionally causing bodily harm to another person.
Class D Felonies: Class D felonies carry sentences between 2 and 12 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111 (2019), possession of marijuana in quantities between 10 and 70 pounds is a class D felony.
Class E Felonies: Class E felonies carry sentences between 1 and 6 years in prison and fines of up to $3,000. A class E felony is the least serious felony, and according to Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 40-35-110, 40-35-111 (2019), any crime that Tennessee lawmakers have designated as a felony but have not classified it will be charged as a Class E felony. Theft of more than $1000 but less than $2500 is a class E felony.
Thoughtful and Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a violent crime or felony is a serious situation. At Patton Pittman, our attorneys and staff can work with you to build your case. We provide our clients with almost 80 years of combined legal experience. Our thoughtful and dedicated legal team understands what you have at risk when you come to us for a legal defense in a criminal law case. Our Clarksville criminal law attorneys have the experience and attention to detail to ensure our clients feel their case is being professionally handled. Call us today at (931) 361-4477 to schedule a consultation or use our online contact form to request more information.