I came across a question that was worth repeating. Can you move out of the state while on probation in Tennessee ? When a person is placed on probation usually they sign a order of probation . One of the conditions of probation is that a probationer can not travel out of the state without
Punishment
Comments Are Welcome
I recently received a comment to a blog post . First , I welcome all comments. Sometimes , folks post a comment that is a question . I will try to answer most questions if possible.
The comment addressed the new expungement law . The new expungement law did not change the status of expungements…
Can You Terminate Your Probation Early in Tennessee ?
I know it is shocking but there are some people that are guilty as charged. The criminal justice system cannot afford to put everybody in prison. So , the Tennessee Legislature created alternative sentencing that allows the judge to not send a person convicted of a crime to jail in certain circumstances. The most typical…
Mandatory Sentences Give Prosecutors The Hammer
Richard A. Oppel Jr. of the New York Times just published a article entitled " Sentencing Shift Gives New Leverage to Prosecutors". From my perspective handling criminal cases in Tennessee , Mr Oppel is right on target. Under Tennessee criminal sentencing laws , there are mandatory minimum sentences in certain criminal offenses.Some prosecutors use…
Reflections on the Death Of Troy Davis
Yesterday , I watched and waited on whether the execution of Troy Davis would be stayed . It was not and Troy Davis was put to death. In the days before his execution , public interest swelled . Protesters , posts on twitter and an outcry to stop the execution. The last minute appeal to…
Tennessee Sex Crimes FAQ
What is the punishment for aggravated sexual battery under Tennessee criminal law ?
Aggravated sexual battery is a Class B felony in Tennessee . The full range of punishment is 8 to 30 years in jail . The true length of the prison sentence depends on the number of felony convictions that one…
The Price of Incarceration
The New York Times had a piece in the editorial section on recidivism’s high cost to the taxpayers. Correction costs has risen to 52 billion dollars annually.It’s the fastest growing budget item other than medicare.
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts Center on the States , 43 % of prisoners nationally return to prison within…
A Tip for a Successful Sentencing Hearing In Tennessee
Why am I showing a image of someone rolling a joint when the title is " Tennessee Sentencing Hearing Tips". Simple. Avoid drug use when facing a criminal charge.Okay , I know drugs are illegal .However , I do realize some individuals use recreational drugs. It creates problems if your charged with a…
John Lennon’s Killer Denied Parole Again
John Lennon’s killer Mark David Chapman was denied parole for the sixth time in New York recently. Mr. Chapman has served over 30 years for the murder. Yoko Ono urged against Mr. Chapman’s release on fears of safety for her family. Chapman will go up for parole again in 2012. He received 20 to life…
What Crimes Exclude You From Probation ?
I have a trial set for Monday. While I was working on the case today, I got the call with a plea bargain offer. The call made me hit the books just to verify my client is good to go for probation. Last year , The Tennessee Supreme Court found a lawyer was ineffective for telling his…