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.
What Is a Criminal Citation?
A criminal citation is what is issued by law enforcement when a person is suspected of committing a non-violent, misdemeanor offense but they are not taken into custody. Law enforcement may issue a citation when the alleged perpetrator is not a threat to themselves or others and has committed an eligible offense.
Common types of criminal citations issued in Tennessee:
- Prostitution
- Patronizing Prostitution
- Public Intoxication
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Driving Without a License
- Simple Possession
- Trespass
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.
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.
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 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.
