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Gatlinburg Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney in Gatlinburg, TN for Traffic Violations, Assault Defense, and Drug Charges

Under Tennessee law, there are generally two types of crime classifications: misdemeanor and felony. There are different categories of offenses within these classifications, depending on the seriousness of the crime. The more serious the offense, the harsher the potential penalties if the accused is convicted. Anyone charged with a crime in the Gatlinburg area should contact our office to ensure their rights are protected.

At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we have defended clients for over a decade, and we use all available resources to protect our clients' constitutional rights. We are committed to providing every defendant with a solid and aggressive defense. But our commitment does not stop there. Our Gatlinburg, TN criminal defense attorneys are also dedicated to treating each client with the utmost dignity and respect they deserve, no matter the crime they are accused of. We understand that everyone deserves fair treatment and a chance to be heard.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges in Tennessee

Tennessee has three misdemeanor classes, which are as follows:

  • Class A misdemeanor: Conviction can result in jail time of up to 11 months, 29 days.
  • Class B misdemeanor: Conviction can result in jail time of up to six months.
  • Class C misdemeanor: Conviction can result in jail time of up to 30 days.

Some of the most common types of misdemeanor charges our clients face include the following (note that some of these crimes can also be charged as felonies, depending on the circumstances):

Our firm also has extensive experience defending clients charged with the following felony-level crimes:

Tennessee classifies felonies as follows:

  • Class A felony convictions can result in a prison sentence of 15 to 60 years.
  • Class B felony convictions can result in a prison sentence of eight to 30 years.
  • Class C felony convictions can result in a prison sentence of three to 15 years.
  • Class D felony convictions can result in a prison sentence of two to 12 years.
  • Class E felony convictions can result in a prison sentence of one to six years.

Some crimes, such as white-collar crimes and weapons violations, can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime.

Collateral Consequences of Felony Convictions

Not only do felony convictions carry harsher penalties than misdemeanors, but defendants face other serious consequences. One of the most serious of these is felony disenfranchisement. This is when the person convicted of a felony loses his or her right to vote. If the defendant has a professional license, such as a medical or nursing license, a felony conviction can result in restriction or even revocation of that license.

The state of Tennessee also makes it illegal for a convicted felon to possess a handgun. If you are a felon who is caught with a gun, you could face Class E felony charges. A person convicted of a felony drug crime will also become ineligible for federal student grants and loans. Drug felony convictions can also impact a person's eligibility for public aid, including temporary cash assistance and food stamps.

DUI Charges

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Tennessee have their own set of classifications. The penalties for a conviction will depend on the circumstances of the case and the defendant's criminal history. However, Tennessee does have mandatory sentencing for DUIs that include loss of license, fines, mandatory substance abuse programs, interlock ignition devices (IID), and potential jail or prison time.

Our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience defending clients in the following categories of DUI offenses:

Our criminal defense team can also defend people charged with boating under the influence (BUI). Many people enjoy water activities in the Gatlinburg area at locations that include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Douglas Lake Marina, Mountain Cove Marina, and Volunteer Landing Marina. It is not uncommon for boaters to enjoy alcoholic beverages while they are on the water. Unfortunately, these outings often result in operators being charged with BUI.

Contact Our Gatlinburg Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you have been charged with a crime in the Gatlinburg area, do not delay in reaching out to Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney for legal assistance. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can investigate your case and strategize a solid defense. Call us at 865-281-1000 or contact our firm online to arrange a complimentary consultation and get legal help from our dedicated Gatlinburg criminal defense lawyers.

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