Memphis Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you are arrested in Tennessee, chances are you will need a criminal defense attorney.  Finding a good criminal defense attorney is the most important part of your defense, since this is the person who will be representing you and presenting your side of the case to the court.  A Memphis criminal defense attorney who understands the Tennessee courts and the status of criminal cases in the state can be just as important to your defense as understanding the charges against you.

Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Charges

Criminal charges fall into two categories – misdemeanor and felony.  Generally speaking, misdemeanor charges are less serious than felony charges, although if you are charged with a misdemeanor, it is still pretty serious business and should not be ignored under any circumstances.  Examples of misdemeanor charges include minor drug possession, marijuana possession (½ ounce or less), minor domestic violence, DUI, prostitution, indecent exposure and underage drinking.  Examples of felony charges include capital murder, marijuana possession (greater than ½ ounce), conspiracy, aggravated assault, rape and felony possession of a weapon.  Misdemeanors carry possible penalties of a fine and less than a year of jail time, while felony charges carry a possible jail sentence of greater than a year.

• If you have been charged with a Crime, Submit your Case for a Free Review from a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Memphis. This website is for informational purposes only, and nothing stated here should be taken as legal advice.

Tennessee Prison System

In 1989, the Tennessee Penal Code, the set of legal rules that determines criminal cases, was revised.  Now, the state not only has the burden of proving a person guilty of the crime, but also of proving that person will not benefit from parole or from an alternative form of sentencing that does not include jail time.  Additionally, because of severe overcrowding in the prison system, the State of Tennessee routinely offers plea deals that result in smaller sentences or no jail time at all.

Benefit of an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

It is to your benefit to use the services of a criminal defense attorney.  Many defense attorneys go into private practice after years of experience working for the prosecuting attorney’s office.  This means that they have intimate knowledge of how the criminal justice system in Tennessee works and the ability to bring that knowledge to your defense.  He or she will also have contacts from their prosecution experience, such as private investigators, court clerks and others, who can help you when working on your defense strategy.  While you will be offered the services of a public defender, frequently public defenders are overworked, overwhelmed and underpaid.  A private criminal defense attorney, on the other hand, is fresh and eager to help you to the best of the abilities.

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