Aggressive Defense Strategies for Clients Charged with Felonies in Tennessee
Upholding the rights of residents and visitors in Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Felony charges are the most serious charges you can face in Tennessee. Penalties vary wildly depending on whether or not you’re facing a charge from the state government or the federal government, on whether you have any prior convictions or whether there were enhancements – like weapons charges – added to the original alleged crime. You want a tough and tireless advocate on your side, upholding your rights and fighting for your future when you are charged with a felony.
You can find that advocate at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC. We have been defending people in state and federal courtrooms in and around Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and throughout East Tennessee, since we started our firm. Our ultimate goal is always have our clients’ charges dropped, but if that is not possible, we know what it takes to keep you from a felony conviction.
Felonies vs. misdemeanors
The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is prison time: if you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you may not have to serve any time at all, or you could be sentenced to up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. If you are convicted of a felony, you will be sentenced to at least one year in a prison. Convicted felons in Tennessee also lose some of the rights granted to all U.S. citizens:
- You cannot possess a firearm
- You cannot vote
- You cannot serve on a jury
- You must disclose any felony convictions on job applications
- You may be prevented from attending the college of your choice, or be denied financial aid
- You could lose the right to see your children, depending the conviction
- You may lose the right to travel to other countries
- You may lose your right to public assistance or housing
Having a felony conviction on your record will affect almost every single aspect of your life for the rest of your life. Your name will be published (usually in the newspaper), your case might be searchable online if the details are not sealed, and your family will have to deal with the fallout – loss of income, loss of parenting time, potential humiliation – long after you have served your time.
Serious defense for serious charges
Our criminal defense lawyers in Sevierville handle crimes of various complexities at courts throughout the state. Because of our extensive background trying cases in the federal court system, we are regularly hired by residents and travelers facing some of the most serious crimes on the books:
- Capital murder
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Drug crimes
- Assault charges
- Rape
- Arson
- Grand theft
- Kidnapping
- Fraud
Why you want local counsel on your side
If you live out of state and are accused of a crime in Tennessee, you will need an attorney who is licensed in our state to defend you. But even if you have lived in Sevier County your entire life – as some of our staff has – you can still benefit from hiring a criminal defense lawyer who lives and works in the area. Our team is familiar with every court, every judge and every prosecutor in the area. We know how to leverage this knowledge into effective, aggressive representation that produces the best results for our clients. There is no part of the Tennessee Code that we do not know, and we can build creative and innovative strategies based on the specific strengths of your case. When you visit a new place, you want a local guide. The criminal defense courts are our home, and we are the guides who will fight to lead you back to yours.
Skilled criminal defense lawyers by your side when you’re facing felony charges
The right Sevierville criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between going to prison and going home. At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we have the experience, the resources and the drive to uphold your rights when you are facing felony charges. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. Our team offers in-custody visits.
