Crimes in Tennessee are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. In general, misdemeanor offenses are not as harsh as felony crimes. However, getting convicted of a misdemeanor can still result in serious penalties, including a jail sentence, fines worth thousands of dollars, and a criminal record.
The following are the misdemeanor classes in Tennessee:
Class A misdemeanor – Considered the most serious misdemeanor class, a conviction can result in a jail term of up to 11 months and 29 days and/or a maximum fine of $2,500.
Class B misdemeanor – A conviction is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of six months and/or a fine of up to $500.
Class C misdemeanor – The least serious misdemeanor class, a conviction carries a jail term of up to 30 days and/or a maximum fine of $50.
In contrast, felony offenses carry a state prison sentence of one year or more, and some of them may lead to fines worth tens of thousands of dollars. Furthermore, you can lose certain rights if convicted, such as the right to possess or own a firearm and the right to vote.
Felony classes in Tennessee include:
Class A felony – A conviction carries a maximum prison term of 60 years and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
Class B felony – A conviction is punishable by imprisonment for up to 30 years and/or a maximum fine of $25,000.
Class C felony – A conviction carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.
Class D felony – A conviction is punishable by imprisonment for up to 12 years and/or a fine of no more than $5,000.
Class E felony – Considered the least serious felony, a conviction can result in a maximum prison term of six years and/or a fine not exceeding $3,000.
Keep in mind, the most serious felonies, such as first-degree murder, are punishable by either life imprisonment or the death penalty. In addition, they often have no statute of limitations.
If you have been arrested for either a misdemeanor or a felony offense in Knoxville, call Eldridge and Cravens, PC at (865) 544-2010 or fill out our online contact form today to request a free consultation. Our legal team has more than nine decades of combined legal experience!
