Facing any criminal charges can be daunting and overwhelming. Although misdemeanor offenses are not as severe as felonies, there are still many penalties that an individual will be issued after being convicted. It is important to understand what to expect when on trial for a criminal offense. You can go to jail for a misdemeanor in Tennessee under certain circumstances. Work with a Memphis criminal defense attorney during your case to learn more about your legal options and obtain skilled representation.
What is a Misdemeanor?
In Tennessee, a misdemeanor is a criminal act that violates a state law. They are not quite as significant of crimes as felonies but are still taken seriously. TN state laws recognize three classifications of misdemeanors.
- Class A: This is the most serious type of misdemeanor. Examples can include stalking, domestic assault, simple assault, or violating a restraining order. Compared to the other classifications class A misdemeanors are penalized the most severely.
- Class B: Class B misdemeanors are considered less serious than class A and can include crimes like criminal trespassing, prostitution, reckless driving, and indecent exposure.
- Class C: The least serious of the three, class C misdemeanors carry the least harsh punishments. Examples include public intoxication, using a fake ID, speeding, and other traffic violations.
All of the above are crimes that are taken seriously in the state of Tennessee. The penalties you receive for a misdemeanor conviction will vary depending on several factors.
Will I Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor Conviction in TN?
The penalties you will incur due to a misdemeanor conviction will vary depending on the classification of your crime as well as the details of the situation. The standard penalties for each misdemeanor are as follows.
Class A:
- Fines of up to $2,500
- Jail sentence of up to 11 months and 29 days
Class B:
- Fines of up to $500
- Jail sentence of up to 6 months
Class C:
- Fines of up to $50
- Jail sentence of up to 30 days
Jail time is a potential penalty for every misdemeanor classification, but there is no guarantee that an individual will actually be sentenced to any amount of time. Oftentimes people convicted of misdemeanors are given probation, community service, or mandatory educational courses instead of imprisonment.
What Factors Affect the Penalties for a Misdemeanor?
Several factors can influence the severity of penalties that an individual is issued for a misdemeanor charge. One of the most significant factors is the defendant’s prior criminal history. An individual with a criminal record, especially one that reflects the same or similar crime, will likely be penalized more severely.
Aggravating factors can also cause a person to be more likely to face jail time. Aggravating factors can include violence, use of drugs or alcohol, committing the crime in the presence of children, someone being injured due to the crime, and more.
Obtain the help of a skilled attorney when facing misdemeanor charges. Your lawyer will help you understand the charges you are facing, defend you in court, and prepare you for all possible outcomes.
