Murfreesboro Felony Lawyer

Over 75 Years of Combined Experience Handling High-Profile Federal & State Felony Cases

A felony charge in Tennessee is one of the most serious legal situations you can face. Convictions carry the potential for years or even decades in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you into every job application, housing decision, and professional opportunity for the rest of your life. At Santel | Garner, our team includes former government prosecutors who understand how the state builds its case against defendants and where that case can be challenged. We represent clients facing both state and federal felony charges throughout Rutherford County, and we get involved early because the decisions made before and at arraignment, through grand jury proceedings, can shape the entire trajectory of a case.

Contact us today online or call (615) 987-0268 for a case evaluation with a felony attorney in Murfreesboro.

What Is a Felony Charge in Tennessee?

Felonies are crimes that carry a sentence of at least one year in state prison.

Tennessee classifies felonies into five classes, A through E, with Class A carrying the most severe penalties and Class E the least, unless a specific statute provides otherwise. Having a felony attorney in Murfreesboro engaged immediately after charges are filed, or even during the investigation phase, can affect how evidence is preserved, challenged, and presented at every stage that follows.

Felony Classifications & Penalties in Tennessee

Tennessee law assigns every felony to one of five classes, each carrying a defined sentencing range and maximum fine. The class of a charge is the starting point for understanding what a defendant is up against.

• Class A felonies are the most severe, carrying a prison term of 15 to 60 years and a fine of up to $50,000. First-degree murder carries its own separate penalties of death or life imprisonment. Aggravated rape is one example of a Class A felony.
• Class B felonies are punishable by 8 to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. Certain serious drug offenses and other major crimes fall into this category.
• Class C felonies include white-collar crimes, fraud, and robbery, with a prison term of 3 to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Class D felonies carry a punishment of 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Possession of 10 to 70 pounds of marijuana is one example. Aggravated assault can be charged as a Class C or Class D felony depending on the circumstances.
• Class E felonies are punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. Theft of property valued between $1,000 and $2,500 is one example.

Sentencing enhancements can elevate a charge to a higher felony class based on prior convictions, use of a weapon, or commission of the offense in a protected zone such as a school or park. A standard offender with no prior convictions typically faces a sentence at the lower end of the range, while multiple, persistent, or career offenders may face sentences approaching the class maximum.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction

The consequences of a felony conviction extend well beyond prison time and fines. A conviction requires mandatory disclosure on most employment applications, can cost you professional licenses or bar you from obtaining one, and can affect your right to vote and bear arms. For noncitizens, a felony conviction can trigger deportation proceedings. Housing eligibility and access to certain educational and financial aid programs may also be affected. These consequences don’t expire when your sentence does, which is why the quality of your defense from day one matters.

Types of Felony Charges We Defend in Murfreesboro

Felonies in Tennessee cover a wide range of criminal conduct. Our firm handles all of the following at both the state and federal level, building each defense from the facts specific to the client’s situation.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes involve the use of force or the threat of force against another person. The state prosecutes them aggressively, and the penalties reflect that. Common violent felonies include murder, aggravated assault, rape and sexual assault, robbery, and kidnapping.

Property Crimes

Property crimes involve the unlawful taking or destruction of property. Felony-level examples include burglary, theft, and arson.

Drug Offenses

Tennessee enforces strict laws around the possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled substances. Drug crimes range from simple possession to large-scale trafficking, and the class of felony charged can shift significantly depending on the substance and quantity involved.

White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses involving deceit or financial gain, but they carry serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment. Common charges include fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.

Defending Against Felony Charges in Rutherford County

When you’re charged with a felony in Rutherford County, the case moves through a structured process: grand jury review, arraignment, and pre-trial motion stages before any trial date is set. The grand jury reviews the prosecution’s evidence in a closed proceeding without defense participation, which is precisely why experienced legal counsel matters from the earliest possible point. Preliminary hearings and pre-trial motions are strategic opportunities to challenge evidence and pursue charge reductions or dismissals before a case reaches trial. From charge to resolution, a felony case in Rutherford County can span several months to over a year depending on the charges, the court’s calendar, and the evidence involved.

What separates our approach is that our attorneys include former government prosecutors who understand how the state builds felony cases from the inside. That background directly informs how we identify weaknesses in the evidence, anticipate the prosecution’s strategy, and position the defense. We investigate every aspect of a case, determine whether constitutional rights were violated during arrest or investigation, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts. Santel | Garner handles felony matters from initial investigation through trial.

Potential defense strategies include:

• Self-Defense: If you were acting to protect yourself or others, we may be able to argue that your actions were justified under Tennessee’s self-defense laws.
• Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution can’t prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we may argue for dismissal or acquittal.
• False Accusations: People are sometimes wrongfully accused due to mistaken identity, fabricated evidence, or malicious intent. We investigate to uncover flaws and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
• Lack of Intent: For many felony charges, intent is a required element. We may be able to show you didn’t have the intent to commit the crime, which can affect the charges.
• Alibi: If you can establish that you were elsewhere at the time of the offense, an alibi defense may be available.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Evidence obtained through an unconstitutional search or seizure may be inadmissible. We identify constitutional violations that can weaken the prosecution’s case.

Why Clients Choose Santel | Garner for Felony Defense

When you’re facing felony charges in Murfreesboro, TN, having a felony lawyer who understands the prosecution’s playbook from the inside is a real advantage. Our team at Santel | Garner includes former government prosecutors who know exactly how charges are built and where they can be challenged. That background, combined with over 75 years of combined legal experience across our team, gives us the foundation to handle the full range of felony matters, from pre-trial negotiations to complex courtroom advocacy.

We have a track record of handling numerous high-profile federal and state felony cases. Our non-outsourcing policy means clients work directly with a designated attorney rather than being passed from one person to another. That attorney is backed by the collective experience of our entire legal team, bringing a collaborative approach to every case. We cover both trial advocacy and pre-trial negotiation, including charge reduction and pursuit of dismissal where serious legal errors exist.

Contact a Felony Attorney in Murfreesboro

If you’ve been charged with a felony, don’t wait. Our attorneys are zealous advocates with a record of courtroom success and experience defending all types of felony charges. We craft defense strategies aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for each client, whether that means pursuing a charge reduction, seeking dismissal where serious errors exist, or taking a case to trial. We’re with you from the initial consultation through every stage of the process.

Contact us today online or call (615) 987-0268 for a case evaluation with a felony lawyer in Murfreesboro.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Felony Court Process Usually Take in Rutherford County?

The timeline depends on the charges, the volume of evidence, and the court’s calendar. In Rutherford County, felony cases can take several months or considerably longer. Your attorney can give you a more realistic estimate once the specifics of your case are known.

Can a Felony Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Tennessee?

In some cases, yes. Certain felony charges may be reduced to misdemeanors through negotiations, plea agreements, or where the evidence supports a lesser charge. The outcome depends on the specific facts, the class of the felony, and the options available during the legal process.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date for My Felony Charge in Murfreesboro?

Missing a scheduled court date can result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. Contact your attorney immediately so they can take steps to address the situation and limit any additional consequences.

Don’t wait to get help. Contact Santel | Garner today to schedule a consultation with a felony attorney in Murfreesboro who can fight for your rights and your future.