Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cheatham County
A criminal charge in Cheatham County places your freedom, finances, and reputation on the line from the moment of arrest. At May McKinney, PLLC, our attorneys provide focused criminal defense representation to people facing prosecution in the Cheatham County General Sessions Court, and the first step you should take is to stop speaking with law enforcement until counsel is at your side.
Criminal Cases We Handle in Cheatham County
Our firm represents clients across a wide range of misdemeanor and felony matters in Ashland City and throughout Cheatham County. Whether the charge stems from a traffic stop, a domestic dispute, or a long-running investigation, our lawyers bring the same level of preparation and strategic thinking to every case we take on:
- DUI crimes
- Drug possession and distribution
- Domestic violence
- Theft and burglary
- Fraud crimes
- Weapons offenses
- Probation violations
- White collar crimes
- Sex crimes
- Violent crimes
Potential Consequences and Penalties of Criminal Convictions in Tennessee
Tennessee law divides felonies into five classes, and each carries distinct sentencing ranges that can reshape your life for years after a conviction. The structure is set out in Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-111, which establishes the following penalty ranges:
- Class A Felony: 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000 (example: aggravated rape).
- Class B Felony: 8 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000 (example: aggravated robbery).
- Class C Felony: 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 (example: aggravated assault).
- Class D Felony: 2 to 12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000 (example: theft of property valued between $2,500 and $10,000).
- Class E Felony: 1 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000 (example: some drug possession offenses).
Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties; Class A misdemeanors in Cheatham County are punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. However, collateral consequences like job loss, housing denials, and immigration complications follow convictions at every level.
Building a Strong Defense
Every criminal case rests on evidence, procedure, and the credibility of the people involved. Our lawyers dig into each of these areas to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory and develop a defense strategy grounded in the specific facts of your arrest:
- Review of police reports and body camera footage
- Investigation of witness accounts and backgrounds
- Analysis of search and seizure procedures
- Examination of forensic and laboratory evidence
- Pretrial motions to suppress or dismiss
- Negotiation with prosecutors for reduced charges when appropriate
Don’t Wait to Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cheatham County
The hours and days following an arrest are when meaningful decisions get made, from bond conditions to preliminary hearings to early plea offers that can close off better outcomes. Call May McKinney, PLLC, at 615-256-7337 or contact us online to schedule a confidential strategy session with a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Cheatham County who can assess the charges against you, explain the road ahead, and begin building a defense tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
