Tennessee Criminal Defense Laws

While most felonies have no limitation, specific exceptions include: theft and fraud offenses (4 years), certain environmental crimes (8 years), and some financial crimes (2-6 years).

Juvenile court jurisdiction generally ends at age 18 (19 for felonies). After that, the case would need to be transferred to adult court or dismissed.

Class A: 15-60 years. Class B: 8-30 years. Class C: 3-15 years. Class D: 2-12 years. Class E: 1-6 years. Sentences increase based on offender range (I-standard, II-multiple, III-persistent). All sentences over 1 year are served at 30% (most offenses) to 100% (most violent offenses) before parole eligibility.

Tennessee allows expungement of certain records: dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and specific eligible offenses. Since 2012, certain nonviolent felonies (listed in § 40-32-101(g)) are eligible for expungement after completion of sentence and a waiting period. Eligible offenses must meet specific criteria (no sex offenses, no DUI, etc.). Filing fee ranges from $280-$450.

Class C, D, and E felonies with sentences of 10 years or less are presumed eligible for alternative sentencing (probation or community corrections). The court may deny alternatives based on specific factors including criminal history and the nature of the offense.

Offenses committed in furtherance of a criminal gang are subject to enhanced penalties — the offense is classified one level higher than it would otherwise be (e.g., a Class C felony becomes Class B).