Did you receive a citation while in the Greater Nashville area? A citation is generally issued as an alternative to incarceration when the crime you allegedly committed is a misdemeanor. With a citation, you will still be required to be booked, but in lieu of immediate processing, you will be given a date and time to appear for fingerprinting. Citations are still serious offenses that should be handled by an experienced attorney.
At the Zanger Law Firm, we provide skilled representation for individuals who have been issued a criminal citation in White House, TN, or the surrounding areas. Our criminal citation lawyers will walk you through the legal process, always working to get you the best possible outcome in your case. If you were issued a citation, you still must complete the booking process and appear in court. Hiring an attorney will help you understand the process and help determine the best course of action moving forward.
Did you receive a citation for a criminal offense in Robertson or Sumner County, TN? Contact our office to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a member of our legal team.
Understanding Criminal Citations
Receiving a criminal citation in Tennessee can be both confusing and stressful. Unlike an arrest, a citation is issued when law enforcement suspects that you have committed a non-violent misdemeanor. A citation serves as an alternative to immediate incarceration, allowing you to remain out of custody until a scheduled court appearance. However, this does not mean that the situation should be taken lightly. Criminal citations are still serious legal matters that can carry significant consequences, including fines, jail time, and a permanent mark on your record.
It's important to recognize that a citation is not the same as a minor traffic ticket. Criminal citations can result in a criminal record and potential jail time, depending on the offense. Understanding the nature of a citation, the legal process that follows, and the potential penalties is essential for anyone who receives one. Knowing your rights and the steps you should take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Types of Criminal Citations in Tennessee
In Tennessee, law enforcement officers can issue criminal citations for a variety of non-violent misdemeanors. While these offenses may not result in an immediate arrest, they still carry serious legal implications. Understanding the types of citations that are commonly issued can help you grasp the severity of the situation and the need for legal representation.
Here are some of the most common types of criminal citations issued in Tennessee:
- Prostitution: Engaging in or promoting prostitution can result in a criminal citation with potential penalties that include fines and jail time.
- Patronizing Prostitution: Soliciting or engaging the services of a prostitute is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences.
- Public Intoxication: Being intoxicated in a public place to the extent that you are a danger to yourself or others can result in a citation.
- Driving on a Suspended License: Operating a vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended is a criminal offense that can lead to further suspension and other penalties.
- Driving Without a License: If you are caught driving without a valid driver’s license, you may be cited and face fines or jail time.
- Simple Possession: Possessing a small amount of illegal drugs, typically for personal use, can lead to a misdemeanor citation.
- Trespass: Entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission is considered trespassing and can result in a criminal citation.
While you may not be taken into custody when you are issued a criminal citation, the matter should still be taken seriously. Each of these crimes still comes with stiff penalties upon conviction.
Potential Consequences of a Criminal Citation
In Tennessee, receiving a criminal citation can lead to a range of penalties based on the nature of the offense. For a misdemeanor conviction, you may face penalties including fines up to $2,500, up to one year in jail, or both. While it is uncommon, it is possible to be cited for a felony rather than being immediately arrested. If convicted of a felony, you could be sentenced to several years in prison.
How an Attorney Can Help You
If you've received a criminal citation in Tennessee, it's crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Securing legal representation before your court date is essential, particularly if you intend to challenge the charges. An attorney can assist in potentially reducing your fines, minimizing jail time, or even avoiding a conviction altogether.
Arrested for a Criminal Citation in Robertson or Sumner County, TN? Contact Our Office.
Were you recently arrested for a criminal citation in White House, TN, or the surrounding area? Our legal team can help work to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Our defense lawyers will not give up on you or your case. Contact our office today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights!
You should never trust your case to a less-experienced attorney. Citations can have far-reaching consequences that may affect most areas of your life. Get the help you need now to mitigate the damages caused by the charges. You do not want to end up in jail if there is an available alternative or reduction to the charges. Our legal team is here for you and your family. Find out what we can do for you. Call us to discuss your case and determine the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Criminal Citation Attorney?
You are not legally required to retain the assistance of a lawyer if you are issued a criminal citation in Tennessee. However, it is generally in your best interest to at least consult with a lawyer. A criminal citation attorney can help you understand your rights and determine what defenses arise in your case. Without the help of a lawyer, you could face the maximum penalties allowed under state law.
What Is the Booking Process?
Because you are not taken into custody when you are issued a citation, you will have to complete the booking process at a later date. The citation will likely have a date by which you need to complete the booking.
During the booking process, you will have to get:
- Fingerprinted
- Photographed (mugshot)
- Entry into the system
The entire process takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the law enforcement location where your citation was issued. If you are unsure where you received your citation or if you have lost your citation, you should speak to an attorney immediately.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Once the booking process is complete, you will be issued an order to appear in court. You must comply with this order. Failure to appear in court could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. It is essential that you abide by any court orders and discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible.
What Happens If I Do Not Appear in Court?
If you do not appear in court on the date that you are ordered to, you could face additional penalties. If you do not attend the court hearing and do not have legal representation, the judge will likely issue a Failure to Appear. You will then be considered a fugitive and a warrant could be issued for your arrest.
Is a Criminal Citation a Serious Offense?
A criminal citation is an extremely serious offense that can result in jail time upon conviction. It is important to remember, however, that a criminal citation does not have to result in a conviction. There are ways to fight the charges and to get a favorable resolution to your case.
