Misdemeanor vs Felony in Tennessee
At Byron Pugh Legal, we are committed to providing strong criminal defense for individuals across Nashville and the state of Tennessee. Our firm focuses on defending clients against both misdemeanor and felony charges, with a clear goal of protecting rights and securing the best possible outcome in every case. We understand the weight that criminal charges place on a person’s life, and we use our knowledge of Tennessee criminal law to guide our clients through each step of the process.
Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor vs felony in Tennessee is critical for anyone facing criminal charges. These classifications determine whether a person could spend less than one year in a county jail or many years in state prison. They also affect fines, probation, civil rights, and even professional licenses.
Knowing how Tennessee law defines misdemeanor and felony crimes helps defendants see the seriousness of the charges and why working with a skilled Nashville criminal defense attorney is essential.
What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor vs Felony in Tennessee?
Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor vs felony in Tennessee is important because the classification affects punishment, jail time, and long-term consequences.
Definition of a Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor in Tennessee is a criminal act that is considered less serious than a felony. Under T.C.A. § 40-35-111, a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by less than one year in a county jail. These offenses are divided into three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Examples of crimes considered misdemeanors include assault, disorderly conduct, reckless driving, and indecent exposure. Penalties may include jail sentences, fines, probation, or required programs.
Definition of a Felony
A felony is the most serious type of criminal offense under Tennessee law. According to T.C.A. § 40-35-110, a felony is a crime punishable by one year or more in state prison. Felonies are divided into five classes: Class A through Class E. Examples of felony crimes include murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, burglary, and theft of property over a set value. Felony convictions can lead to long prison sentences, significant fines, and loss of civil rights such as voting or firearm ownership.
Key Differences
The main difference between a misdemeanor vs felony in Tennessee is the level of punishment. Misdemeanors are punishable by less than one year in a county jail, while felonies are punishable by more than one year in a state prison. Felonies also carry harsher fines, stricter probation terms, and lasting effects on civil rights and professional licenses. In many cases, the same crime may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and prior convictions.
Misdemeanors in Tennessee
Misdemeanors in Tennessee cover a wide range of criminal offenses that are less severe than felony charges but still carry serious consequences.
Classes of Misdemeanors
Tennessee law divides misdemeanors into three classes.
- Class A misdemeanor is the most serious, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in county jail and fines up to $2,500. Crimes in this class include DUI, assault, and indecent exposure.
- Class B misdemeanor carries penalties of up to six months in jail and fines up to $500. Examples include reckless driving and disorderly conduct.
- Class C misdemeanor is the least severe, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $50. Common examples include speeding and other minor offenses.
Possible Penalties
A person convicted of a misdemeanor may face jail time, probation, fines, or mandatory programs such as community service or drug education classes. Jail sentences are served in county jail rather than state prison. Many cases also result in probation, which can require reporting to a probation officer, avoiding further violations, and paying court costs.
Impact Beyond Jail Sentences
Even though misdemeanors are considered less serious than felony crimes, they can still affect a person’s future. A misdemeanor conviction may impact employment, housing opportunities, and professional licenses. In some cases, repeated misdemeanor convictions can lead to harsher punishments. Criminal defense attorneys often work to reduce penalties or keep a conviction off a person’s record.
Felonies in Tennessee
Felonies in Tennessee are the most serious criminal offenses and carry severe punishments that can change a person’s life permanently.
Classes of Felonies
Tennessee law defines felony crimes. There are five classes of felony offenses.
- Class A felony carries a sentence of 15 to 60 years in state prison and fines up to $50,000. Examples include first-degree murder and aggravated rape.
- Class B felony carries a sentence of 8 to 30 years and fines up to $25,000. Armed robbery often falls into this class.
- Class C felony carries a sentence of 3 to 15 years and fines up to $10,000. Aggravated assault is a common example.
- Class D felony carries a sentence of 2 to 12 years and fines up to $5,000. Burglary is often charged in this category.
- Class E felony carries a sentence of 1 to 6 years and fines up to $3,000. Theft of property over $1,000 is a typical example.
Sentences and Punishments
Felony convictions almost always result in state prison time instead of county jail. In addition to prison sentences and fines, defendants may face probation, restitution, or parole supervision. A felony conviction can remain on a person’s record permanently, making it harder to secure employment, housing, or professional licenses.
Civil Rights and Lasting Effects
Felony charges also affect civil rights. A convicted felon may lose the right to vote, serve on a jury, or own firearms. These consequences often extend long after a prison sentence ends. Because felony convictions are serious, criminal defense attorneys focus on reducing charges or negotiating outcomes that limit prison exposure and protect future opportunities.
Why the Difference Matters for Defendants
The difference between a misdemeanor vs felony in Tennessee matters because the penalties and long-term impact on a person’s life are very different.
Punishments and Jail Sentences
A misdemeanor conviction can result in less than one year in a county jail, fines, or probation. A felony conviction can mean years or even decades in state prison, along with higher fines. Felony charges often lead to stricter probation conditions and longer periods of supervision after release.
Civil Rights and Professional Consequences
Felony convictions can cause the loss of civil rights such as voting, serving on a jury, or owning firearms. Professional licenses may also be suspended or revoked, making it harder to work in certain careers. Even misdemeanor convictions can create problems with employment and housing opportunities when background checks are required.
Long-Term Impact
The impact of a conviction does not end with the jail sentence or probation period. Both misdemeanors and felonies remain on a criminal record, which can limit future options. Felony convictions in particular follow a person for life and often restrict their ability to rebuild fully. This is why many defendants work with a criminal defense attorney to fight charges, seek reduced penalties, or explore alternatives such as diversion programs.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can guide defendants through the Tennessee legal system and work to protect their rights when facing misdemeanor vs felony charges.
Explaining Charges and Options
A criminal defense attorney reviews the charges, explains the possible penalties, and helps the defendant understand the difference between a misdemeanor vs felony. Clear information allows a person to make informed choices about their defense strategy.
Building a Strong Defense
An experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer at Byron Pugh Legal investigates the case, examines evidence, and challenges weak points in the prosecution’s argument. This defense work can lead to reduced charges, lighter sentences, or even dismissal in some cases.
Negotiating Outcomes
Criminal defense attorneys often negotiate plea agreements that lessen penalties or avoid the harshest punishments. They can also pursue alternatives such as probation, diversion programs, or treatment options instead of long jail sentences or state prison time.
Protecting Future Opportunities
A conviction has lasting effects on employment, housing, and professional licenses. A skilled Nashville criminal defense lawyer at Byron Pugh Legal focuses on limiting these long-term consequences while defending the immediate case. Protecting a defendant’s future is as important as resolving the current charges.
Speak With Our Team at Byron Pugh Legal!
If you are facing misdemeanor vs felony charges in Tennessee, you do not have to handle the legal system alone. Our team at Byron Pugh Legal is ready to protect your rights, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact us at 615-255-9595 for a free case consultation today!
