Joshua T. Crain Law Blog

How Does a Judge Determine Your Consequences for a Violent Crime?

By: Joshua T. Crain - Attorney at Law

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March 20, 2025

The penalties associated with violent felony convictions can range anywhere from fines to life imprisonment or even death. No two crimes, or people, are the same. Tennessee judges have discretion to consider the specific circumstances of your case, including your character and prior criminal history, during sentencing. With dedicated legal advocacy, the judge might also consider certain mitigating factors associated with a felony conviction.

If you’ve been charged with a violent crime in Tennessee, contact a dedicated criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your potential sentence and mitigating factors.

Judicial Consequences of Violent Crimes in Tennessee

Tennessee classifies violent crimes as those causing serious bodily injury to another person. They most often include charges related to homicide (murder or manslaughter), direct-contact sexual offenses, robbery, and aggravated assault and battery. You might also be charged with attempting to commit these violent crimes, which carries the same penalties. If you’re convicted of a violent felony, it generally has the following consequences.

Jail Time

Most violent felony offenses result in jail time of at least one year up to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The length of any jail sentence will depend on the crime committed and any aggravating or mitigating factors associated with your case. Capital murder might even support the death penalty. An attorney will present a strong defense that certain crimes, such as manslaughter, were committed in self-defense or under provocation. This might significantly reduce your jail time.

Fines and Restitution

Violent felonies often result in significant fines, including charges for court costs and restitution. Fines are paid to the court, but restitution is paid to the victim. Restitution is generally mandatory and compensates the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, and any other financial loss resulting from the crime.

Criminal Record

Violent felony convictions result in a serious criminal record, often disqualifying you from quality employment. Certain crimes, such as vehicular manslaughter, may result in license suspension, while sexual offense convictions require registration as a sex offender.

Fines and jail time are not the only consequences of a criminal conviction in Tennessee. Violent crimes may have a significant impact on your employability and social life. Call an experienced violent crimes defense lawyer immediately to reduce the penalties associated with a criminal conviction.

During sentencing, your criminal defense lawyer will present certain mitigating factors to reduce your sentence. Experienced legal defense counsel may raise the following with the court, which might result in less jail time and financial consequences:

Additionally, your defense attorney can produce character evidence and call witnesses to speak on your behalf. All these factors combined might reduce the overall penalties associated with a violent crime in Tennessee.

Retain an Experienced Tennessee Criminal Sentencing Defense Lawyer

Hiring a dedicated violent crimes defense attorney before you plead guilty is the best way of mitigating the penalties associated with a violent felony. Joshua T. Crain has experience in negotiating a more favorable plea deal, reducing the charges, or getting the charges dismissed before trial. If necessary, he will still present the above mitigating factors to the judge and fight to reduce any potential sentence associated with a violent offense in Tennessee. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call us today.