Are There Different Classes of Felonies and Misdemeanors?

Posted: May 02, 2024

Understanding punishments for criminal offenses can be complicated. While Tennessee law details specific penalties for crimes, many people remain confused regarding the difference between felonies and misdemeanors.

The gravity of a crime will determine if you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor. Nevertheless, both felony and misdemeanors stay on your criminal record for seven years. This means that anyone who runs a background check under your name will see any arrests, charges, or convictions.

Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you need to hire an experienced Nashville, TN, criminal defense attorney to combat such charges.

Felony Charges

A felony is a serious offense which involves a minimum prison sentence of at least one year, served in state prison. Felonies are often associated with hefty fines, with even the least severe charge involving a fine of up to $3,000.

Common examples of felony crimes include:

Aggravated assault
Rape
Murder, voluntary manslaughter, and vehicular homicide
Fourth or subsequent DUI
Drug sales or manufacturing
Theft over $500
Child pornography

Misdemeanor Charges

Often deemed less serious than a felony charge, you will be charged with a misdemeanor if you are found in violation of Tennessee law. Even still, the most serious misdemeanor charge can result in almost a year in jail.

Even so, multiple offenses can enhance a misdemeanor to a felony charge, as is the case in a fourth DUI. This applies even if the DUI was not accompanied by any aggravating factors.

Common examples of misdemeanor crimes include:

Felony Classifications

According to Tennessee Code §40-35-111, felonies can be classified as any of the following:

Class A felony: Imprisonment of 15-60 years and a fine of $50,000
Class B felony: Imprisonment of 8-30 years and a fine of $25,000
Class C felony: Imprisonment of 3-15 years and a fine of $10,000
Class D felony: Imprisonment of 2-12 years and a fine of $5,000
Class E felony: Imprisonment of 1-6 years and a fine of $3,000

Misdemeanor Classifications

According to the Tennessee Code, misdemeanors can be classified in the following:

Class A misdemeanor: Imprisonment of 11 months, 29 days, a fine of $2,500, or both.
Class B misdemeanor: Imprisonment of six months, a $500 fine, or both.
Class C misdemeanor: Imprisonment of thirty days, a $50 fine, or both.

The Importance of Having a Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney

At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our main goal is to protect your civil liberties. Our Nashville criminal defense attorney will do whatever it takes to help you avoid a conviction. If there is an opportunity for your charges to be reduced, Attorney Beasley will negotiate the terms of a plea bargain with a district attorney. Safeguarding your freedom is of the utmost importance to us.

A Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney Persevering for You

Criminal accusations must be taken seriously. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you need a dedicated attorney advocating on your behalf. To speak with our Nashville, TN, criminal defense attorney, contact our office today by phone or by filling out our online contact form. We offer free case evaluations.