Knoxville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Defense You Can Count On in the Face of Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less severe than a felony. In Tennessee, crimes are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies and carry less severe punishments. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or up to $2,500 in fines.

Because misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, the punishments for misdemeanors are not as severe as the punishments for felonies. However, misdemeanors can still have a significant impact on your life. A conviction for a misdemeanor can result in a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to obtain employment, housing, and other life necessities. Additionally, a misdemeanor conviction can cause you to be denied certain government benefits and can make it more difficult to obtain professional or educational licenses.

At The Bosch Law Firm, P.C., our Knoxville misdemeanor defense attorney has handled hundreds of misdemeanor cases. Our firm has handled cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex misdemeanors. Regardless of the circumstances, we will use our experience and expertise to fight for you in the face of misdemeanor charges.

Contact us today at (865) 225-6466 to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Misdemeanors in Tennessee

Here are some common types of misdemeanors that can be found in Tennessee:

• Simple Assault: Intentionally causing bodily harm or threatening someone with physical harm.
• Domestic Assault: Committing assault against a family or household member.
• Theft: Taking someone else's property without their consent.
• Shoplifting: Stealing items from a store without paying for them.
• Disorderly Conduct: Behaving in a disruptive or disturbing manner that causes public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm.
• Public Intoxication: Being intoxicated in public to the point where it poses a danger to oneself or others.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others.
• Criminal Trespassing: Entering or remaining on someone else's property without permission.
• Possession of Marijuana: Having a small amount of marijuana for personal use.
• Prostitution: Engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money or other goods.
• Harassment: Engaging in unwanted conduct directed at another person that causes them distress or alarm.
• Vandalism: Damaging or destroying someone else's property without permission.

Misdemeanor Classes in Tennessee

Tennessee classified misdemeanors based on their severity into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors. The classification determines the potential penalties and consequences for each offense.

Here's a general overview of how Tennessee classifies misdemeanors:

• Class A Misdemeanors: Class A misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanors in Tennessee. They are punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Some examples of Class A misdemeanors include assault, domestic assault, theft (if the value is under a certain threshold), and driving under the influence (DUI) offenses.

• Class B Misdemeanors: Class B misdemeanors are less serious than Class A misdemeanors but still carry potential penalties. They are punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. Common Class B misdemeanors include simple possession of marijuana, reckless driving, and disorderly conduct.

• Class C Misdemeanors: Class C misdemeanors are the least severe misdemeanors in Tennessee. They are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $50. Examples of Class C misdemeanors include public intoxication, shoplifting (if the value is under a certain threshold), and minor traffic offenses.

How Can a Misdemeanor Attorney Help Me?

A misdemeanor attorney can help you in several ways if you're facing misdemeanor charges. Here are some ways they can assist you:

• Legal advice and representation: A misdemeanor attorney can provide you with legal advice tailored to your specific case. They can explain the charges against you, the potential consequences, and your legal options. They can also represent you in court proceedings, including hearings and trials.
• Negotiating plea deals: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution to reduce your charges or penalties. A misdemeanor attorney can advocate on your behalf during these negotiations to try to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
• Building a defense strategy: A misdemeanor attorney can help you build a strong defense strategy based on the facts of your case. They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop legal arguments to support your case.
• Court representation: If your case goes to trial, a misdemeanor attorney can represent you in court. They can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments to defend you against the charges.
• Sentencing advocacy: If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, a misdemeanor attorney can advocate for a fair and lenient sentence on your behalf. They can present mitigating factors to the court and argue for a sentence that takes into account your individual circumstances.

Overall, a misdemeanor attorney can provide you with invaluable legal guidance and representation to navigate the criminal justice system and work towards the best possible outcome in your case.

Why You Need an Experienced Misdemeanor Attorney

Misdemeanor cases are often handled by general session court judges. However, these judges are also responsible for handling felony cases. As a result, these judges may have a difficult time handling misdemeanor cases with the same level of attention and care that they would give to felony cases.

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At The Bosch Law Firm, P.C., our skilled criminal defense attorney has handled hundreds of misdemeanor cases. Our firm has handled cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex misdemeanors.

Contact The Bosch Law Firm, P.C. online or at (865) 225-6466to schedule a free consultation with our attorney.