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Sevierville Felony Crimes Defense Attorneys
Aggressive defense strategies for clients charged with felonies in Tennessee
Felony charges are the most serious you can face in Tennessee. The penalties vary greatly depending on whether or not you’re facing a charge from the state government or the federal government, whether you have any prior convictions, whether there were enhancements – like weapons charges – added to the original alleged crime, and other factors. Felony convictions often result in prison time, substantial fines, and loss of many rights and privileges.
Defendants who face felony charges need a tough and tireless advocate on their side, upholding their rights and fighting for their freedom and reputation. You can find that advocate at Delius, McKenzie & McCarter. We have been defending people in state and federal courtrooms in and around Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, and throughout East Tennessee, since we started our firm 20 years ago. Our ultimate goal is always to obtain dismissals or acquittals. If those are not feasible, we can work to obtain a fair plea bargain that can reduce the charges and/or the penalties.
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Felonies vs. misdemeanors
Offenses
The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is prison time. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you may not have to serve any time at all, or you could be sentenced to up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Felonies carry authorized terms of at least one year under Tennessee law (though some defendants receive alternatives like probation or local confinement instead of state prison).
If convicted of a felony, you may serve the sentence under TDOC jurisdiction, typically in a state prison or sometimes a local jail; misdemeanor sentences are generally served in local jails.
The fines for felonies are usually much larger than they are for misdemeanors.
Consequences of a felony conviction
Convicted felons in Tennessee also lose some of the rights granted to all U.S. citizens, for example, they may:
- Lose their right to possess a firearm
- Lose their right to vote
- Not be able to serve on a jury
- Need to disclose any felony convictions on job applications
- Be prevented from attending the college of your choice, or be denied financial aid
- Lose the right to see their children, depending on the criminal offense
- Lose the right to travel to other countries
- Lose the right to public assistance or housing
Having a felony conviction on your record will affect almost every single aspect of your life for the rest of your life. Your name may be published (usually in the newspaper), your case might be searchable online if the details are not sealed, and your family will have to deal with the fallout – which could include loss of income, loss of parenting time, and potential humiliation – long after you have served your time.
What types of felony cases do you handle in Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge?
Our criminal defense lawyers in Sevierville handle crimes of various complexities in courts throughout the state. Because of our extensive background trying cases in the federal court system, we are regularly hired by residents and travelers facing some of the most serious crimes on the books. Delius, McKenzie & McCarter, represents defendants charged with Tennessee Class A, B, C, D, and E felonies and federal felonies. These charges include:
- First degree murder
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Arson
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Robbery
- Rape
- Drug crimes
- Fraud
- Theft crimes
- White-collar crimes.
- Assault charges
- Identity theft
- Felony theft
- Other felonies
The sentences for felonies can include the following:
- Class A felonies can result in prison time between 15 years and 60 years.
- Class B felonies can result in prison time between 8 years and 30 years.
- Class C felonies can result in prison time between 3 years and 15 years.
- Class D felonies can result in prison time between 2 years and 12 years.
- Class E felonies can result in prison time between 1 year and 6 years.
There may be enhancements (additional time) for repeat violent offenders and criminal gang offenders.
For less serious felonies, defendants may be eligible for alternative sentences that include time in a local jail, work release, or treatment programs. Some sentences may also include probation instead of prison confinement.
Certain lower-level, nonviolent convictions may be eligible for expunction under Tennessee law (subject to statutory criteria).
How do your lawyers fight for clients charged with felony crimes?
If you live out of state and are accused of a crime in Tennessee, you will need an attorney who is licensed in our state to defend you. But even if you have lived in Sevier County your entire life – as some of our staff have – you can still benefit from hiring a criminal defense lawyer who lives and works in the area.
Our team is familiar with the courts, judges, and prosecutors in the area. We know how to leverage this knowledge into effective, aggressive representation that produces the best results for our clients. We’ve also gained the experience to know how to prepare cases (what evidence is necessary and what defenses work).
We assert every Constitutional, legal, and factual defense that can help you gain your freedom and restore your reputation. These defenses vary depending on the particular felony charge. Some of these defenses include:
- Asserting your Constitutional rights. These rights include:
- The Fourth Amendment. The right to be free from illegal searches and seizures. We file motions to suppress any evidence that was illegally obtained.
- The Fifth Amendment. The right not to have to incriminate yourself. We challenge confessions and statements that the prosecution took improperly.
- The Sixth Amendment. You have the right to a speedy trial for any felony charge. You also have the right to question the witnesses against you in court.
- Holding the government to its burden to prove the criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Arguing that you did not have criminal intent.
- Showing that the government failed to provide exculpatory evidence.
- Showing that the government broke the chain of custody requirement of any physical evidence taken from you.
- Arguing that the value of the items is less than set forth in the charges, which can reduce the felony class (A, B, C, D, or E) or reduce the charge to a misdemeanor.
- Asserting that you have an alibi.
- Many other defenses.
We represent defendants at every stage of their court case, including the arrest, a lineup, bail hearings, arraignments, preliminary hearings, suppression hearings, court motions, discussions with prosecutors, and trials before local juries.
Do you have a Sevierville felony lawyer near me?
Yes. We meet defendants at our office located at 124 Court Avenue in Sevierville. We also meet clients who are in custody, wherever they are being held. Phone and online video conversations are also options.
We fight for your freedom every step of the way
Contact our Sevierville felony defense lawyers now
Skilled criminal defense lawyers are by your side when you’re facing felony charges. The right Sevierville criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between going to prison and going home. At Delius, McKenzie & McCarter, we have the experience, the resources, and the drive to uphold your rights when you are facing felony charges. Please call us or use our contact form to schedule an appointment.