Felony FAQ
Felonies are broadly defined as all violations that must be punished by one year or more of confinement or by the infliction of the death penalty.
Felonies in Tennessee are divided into five categories for purposes of sentencing: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E.
Class A felonies include burglary and some drug crimes. These are punishable by incarceration of a period not less than 15 nor more than 60 years and possibly a fine not to exceed $50,000, unless otherwise provided by statute.
Class B felonies include theft of $60,000 or more, possession of 0.5 grams or more of cocaine, and robbery. These are punishable by incarceration of a period not less than 8 nor more than 30 years and possibly a fine not to exceed $25,000, unless otherwise provided by statute.
Class C felonies include certain drug crimes and fraud. These are punishable by incarceration of a period not less than 3 years nor more than 1 year, and possibly a fine not to exceed $10,000, unless otherwise provided by statute.
Class D felonies include failure to pay child support, aggravated assault, and DUI. These are punishable by incarceration of a period not less than 2 years nor more than twelve 12 years, and possibly a fine not to exceed $5,000, unless otherwise provided by statute.
Class E felonies include computer fraud and aggravated gambling promotion. These are punishable by incarceration of a period not less than 1 year nor more than six 6 years, and possibly a fine not to exceed $3,000, unless otherwise provided by statute.