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Misdemeanor & Felony Crimes

Memphis Criminal Attorney – Defending Your Rights Against Criminal Charges

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime in Memphis or anywhere in Tennessee, it is essential to have an experienced attorney by your side. While misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they still carry serious penalties, including fines, probation, and possible jail time. A conviction can also result in a permanent criminal record that may impact employment and future opportunities.

Being convicted of a felony will have serious lifelong consequences. Not only will you face the prospect of a prison sentence and crippling fines, but you will also have severely limited life opportunities once you’ve served your sentence. If you’ve been charged with a felony, you owe it to yourself and your future to take every step possible towards avoiding a conviction and the pitfalls of becoming a convicted felon.

In Tennessee, the consequences of any criminal conviction can be serious and long-lasting, resulting in jail sentences and/or lengthy probations. of more than one year. An arrest does not have to mean automatic jail time or fines with an experienced criminal lawyer to steer you through the process for the best results possible.

What Are Misdemeanor Crimes in Tennessee?

  • Class A Misdemeanor: The most serious type, carrying up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500 (e.g., DUI, assault, theft under $1,000, domestic assault).

  • Class B Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $500 (e.g., reckless driving, prostitution, criminal trespassing).

  • Class C Misdemeanor: The least severe, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $50 (e.g., public intoxication, disorderly conduct).

What Are Misdemeanor Crimes in Tennessee?

Class A Felony – 15 to 60 Years in Prison

  • Class A Felony: The most serious carrying 15 to 60 years in prison (e.g. aggravated rape, especially aggravated robbery/kidnapping, theft over $250,000).

    • Murder: The most serious A felony in Tennessee, punishable by life imprisonment or death penalty.

  • Class B Felony: Punishable from 8 to 30 years in prison (e.g. rape, aggravated robbery/kidnapping, theft $60,000 - $250,000, carjacking).

  • Class C Felony: Punishable from 3 to 15 years in prison (e.g. robbery, aggravated assault, kidnapping, theft #10,000 - $60,000).

  • Class D Felony: Punishable from 2 to 12 years in prison (e.g. burglary, reckless aggravated assault, theft $2,500 - $10,000, ID theft).

  • Class E Felony: The least sever, punishable from 1 to 6 years in prison (e.g. statutory rape, sexual battery, theft $1,000 - $2500).

How Pehanick Law Can Defend You?

  • Investigating the Case Thoroughly – We analyze all evidence, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong defense strategy.

  • Challenging the Charges – If law enforcement violated your rights or if evidence is weak, we will fight to have charges reduced or dismissed.

  • Negotiating with Prosecutors – In some cases, plea deals or alternative sentencing may be possible to avoid long prison sentences.

  • Aggressive Trial Representation – If necessary, we will take your case to trial and fight vigorously for your freedom.

A misdemeanor charge can have lasting effects, but with an experienced defense attorney on your side, you can fight for the best resolution. If you have been charged with a felony, you need a Memphis criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your fundamental rights. Because felony offenses can carry very harsh penalties, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will work to reduce charges and keep your criminal record clean. When facing murder charges, you are most likely going to trial. You need a legal team that includes not only experienced attorneys, but also investigators, and relevant experts to help develop a defense in your case. Whether it is to establish an alibi, prove self-defense or other justifiable killing, or to convince the jury it was an accidental killing, you need a dedicated advocate on your side. Our firm has successfully defended all the above misdemeanors and felonies, and many more in Memphis, Tennessee

📞 Call (901) 552-6228 today to schedule a consultation with Attorney Joseph Pehanick

FAQ

Can a misdemeanor result in jail time?
Yes, Class A misdemeanors can carry nearly a year in jail, while lower classes may result in fines and probation instead.

Will a misdemeanor show up on a background check?
Yes, unless it has been expunged, a misdemeanor conviction will appear on background checks.

Can I get a misdemeanor expunged in Tennessee?
Many first-time misdemeanor offenses (except DUIs and violent crimes) may be eligible for expungement after completion of sentencing.

How does a felony conviction affect my rights?
Felony convictions can lead to loss of voting rights, firearm possession rights, job opportunities, and professional licenses.

Can a felony conviction be expunged in Tennessee?
Some non-violent Class E and D felonies may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period and meeting certain requirements.

What are the different types of murder charges in Tennessee?

  • First-degree murder (premeditated killing or felony murder)

  • Second-degree murder (intentional but not premeditated killing)

  • Voluntary manslaughter (heat-of-passion killing)

  • Vehicular homicide (causing death due to reckless driving, DUI, or drag racing)

Can I get bail if I am charged with murder in Tennessee?
Bail is typically not granted for first-degree murder charges. For second-degree murder and lesser homicide charges, a judge may set bail based on the circumstances of the case.