Misdemeanor and Felony Offenses in Tennessee
As in most states, the State of Tennessee breaks down its crimes into two main categories — misdemeanors and felonies. You may be wondering, what’s the difference?
MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES IN TENNESSEE
Tennessee classifies misdemeanors as Class A, Class B, and Class C, with Class A being the most serious.
CLASS A MISDEMEANORS
A Class A misdemeanor usually involves bodily injury or the threat of imminent bodily injury. A Class A misdemeanor can border on a felony, depending on the extent of the bodily injury and other circumstances.
For instance, in a bar brawl, Customer A punches Customer B and opens wounds on the victim’s face. This will likely be charged as a misdemeanor offense, but if Customer B falls backward and suffers a traumatic brain injury, it could rise to the level of a felony.
A Class A misdemeanor carries penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
CLASS B MISDEMEANORS
A Class B misdemeanor involves some sort of physical contact that the victim deems “extremely offensive or provocative.” This could be as simple as a finger in someone’s chest done in a threatening manner or something more aggressive, such as a shove. Penalties can range anywhere from up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of $500.
CLASS C MISDEMEANORS
Class C misdemeanors, the least serious offense, involve crimes such as public intoxication and petty theft, and are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $50.
FELONY OFFENSES IN TENNESSEE
Felonies are classified as A, B, C, D, and E, with Class A being the most serious:
Class A Felony - A Class A felony is punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison and a fine up to $50,000. Aggravated rape, which is when rape is carried out using a weapon as a threat or that results in injury to the victim, is one example of a Class A felony.
Class B Felony - Class B felonies, such as aggravated burglary resulting in serious bodily injury, carry a maximum sentence of anywhere from eight to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Class C Felony - Class C felonies, such as aggravated assault, carry a sentence that can range from three to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Class D Felony - Class D felonies are punishable by anywhere from two to 12 years in prison along with a fine of up to $5,000. An example of a Class D felony would be the possession of marijuana between 10 and 70 pounds.
Class E Felony - Class E felonies, the least serious, carry possible sentences of one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. An example of a Class E felony would be the theft of property worth more than $1,000 but less than $2,500.