Criminal Defense Lawyer in Rutherford County

A criminal charge in Rutherford County can threaten your employment, your family stability, and your constitutional rights from the moment police make contact. At May McKinney, PLLC, our attorneys provide thorough criminal defense representation in the Rutherford County General Sessions and Circuit Criminal Court. Always exercise your right to remain silent and request legal counsel before answering law enforcement’s questions.

Crimes We Represent in Rutherford County

Our firm represents clients in criminal matters throughout Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and the surrounding communities. Whether the case involves a single allegation or a broader investigation, our attorneys apply the same level of thorough preparation to every matter:

Driving under the influence (DUI)
Drug crimes
Domestic assault
Theft crimes
Fraud charges
Sex offenses
Violent crimes
White-collar offenses
Weapons charges
Probation and parole violations
Juvenile transfer hearings
Speeding tickets

Criminal Charges in Tennessee

Tennessee classifies criminal offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies; penalties vary widely based on the specific statute charged and the facts of your case. Each classification carries different sentencing ranges, collateral consequences, and long-term effects on your criminal record. Some serious criminal offenses have special sentencing guidelines based on the specific offense. This includes mandatory prison sentences instead of probation, enhances sentencing ranges as well as specific release eligibility terms.

Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanors are broken into three classes under Tennessee law, with Class A being the most serious. A Class A misdemeanor can result in up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines reaching $2,500, while Class B and C offenses carry shorter sentences and lower financial penalties.

Felony Charges

Felony offenses are organized into five classes with sentencing ranges set out in Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-111. Potential prison time and fines are as follows:

Class A Felony: 15 to 60 years and fines up to $50,000.
Class B Felony: 8 to 30 years and fines up to $25,000.
Class C Felony: 3 to 15 years and fines up to $10,000.
Class D Felony: 2 to 12 years and fines up to $5,000.
Class E Felony: 1 to 6 years and fines up to $3,000.

Why Clients Choose May McKinney, PLLC

Choosing the right defense team shapes every phase of your case. Our firm brings 80+ years of combined experience to the table, and we like to say that we represent good people who have had a bad day and need the tools to make the right choices going forward, such as:

Personalized attention to every client
Straightforward advice and honest case assessments
Familiarity with Rutherford County prosecutors and judges
Strategic defense planning from the first consultation
Responsive communication at every stage
A steady, non-judgmental approach to your situation

Consult Our Criminal Defense Lawyer in Rutherford County

The steps you take in the early hours after an arrest often determine how far the case goes and what options remain on the table. Call May McKinney, PLLC, at 615-256-7337 or contact us online to schedule a confidential strategy session with a reputable criminal defense lawyers in Rutherford County. Our firm will review the charges and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that we may use to build a strategic defense.