Chattanooga Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Process in Chattanooga

A Tennessee defendant’s first experience with a criminal case usually begins with an arrest. After an arrest, you will attend an arraignment or first appearance.

During this appearance, a judge or magistrate will:

• Verify your identity
• Tell you what charges are brought against you
• Ask you if you understand the charges against you
• Advise you of your right to counsel
• Set your bond amount

The judicial process in Tennessee begins in general sessions court, city court, or one of our municipal courts unless the case goes straight to the grand jury and an indictment is issued. Every defendant has a right to a preliminary hearing. The purpose of the preliminary hearing is for the judge to determine if there is probable cause that a crime was committed. A preliminary hearing has a lower standard of evidence than a criminal trial, so it is possible to be “bound over” to the grand jury at the end of a preliminary hearing, but still be found not guilty at trial.

If a true bill or indictment comes through the grand jury, the case proceeds in criminal court or circuit court depending on the county. In these courts of record, a defendant can enter into a plea agreement or have a trial before a Judge or jury. At trial, it is the prosecution’s burden to prove every element of the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. A jury would have to find you guilty unanimously. Trials play a vital role in our system of justice and the Best criminal defense lawyer can ensure that your case receives the best defense.

Dial (423) 829-1043 now for a FREE consultation with our criminal lawyers in Chattanooga. You can also contact us online.

Criminal Penalties in Tennessee

The consequences of any criminal conviction are unpleasant at best and can be severe, especially without the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Even seemingly small matters can come with big penalties. For instance, a conviction for a traffic violation might stack points onto your license that results in a suspension that could affect your ability to drive to work, doctor’s appointments, and other important matters.

Any kind of misdemeanor, such as simple assault or a first-time drunk driving (DUI) conviction, may require you to:

• Serve jail time
• Serve time on probation
• Perform community service
• Pay hefty fines

Further, a criminal record of any kind can affect your ability to gain certain types of employment, damage reputation, affect your ability to travel, carry the inability to own a firearm, or to obtain certain licenses and permits, and even affect your ability to purchase life insurance policies.

Call (423) 829-1043 Today

Whether you are looking at serious penalties or you are confused about the situation in which you found yourself, getting the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer will make all of the difference in the world. The legal system is a complex one, and there are also regional specifics. Defending yourself adequately will be a mission impossible, especially if you have committed a serious crime that carries the risk of jail time. At Best And Brock, our criminal defense lawyers are trained to do a thorough analysis of the case and choose the defense approach that will deliver the best results. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to criminal charges. Personalization is an absolute essential when it comes to guaranteeing a favorable outcome for a client.