A misdemeanor charge can feel “less serious” than a felony—but the consequences can still change your life. In Tennessee, misdemeanors can lead to jail time, steep fines, license issues, and a criminal record that follows you into jobs, housing, and professional licensing.

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Nashville or surrounding areas, the most important thing you can do is take it seriously from day one.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Tennessee?

Tennessee misdemeanors are criminal offenses punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, depending on the class of charge.

Class A: up to 11/29, fines up to $2,500
Class B: up to 6 months, fines up to $500
Class C: up to 30 days, fines up to $50

Even a Class C misdemeanor can cause long-term problems if it results in a conviction.

Common Misdemeanor Charges

Some of the most frequent misdemeanor cases include:

DUI (first offense is often treated as misdemeanor)
Simple possession
Theft/shoplifting under the felony threshold
Assault or domestic assault
Disorderly conduct
Criminal trespass
Public intoxication
Driving on suspended license
Harassment or stalking allegations

Each one can carry hidden consequences beyond the immediate penalties.

The Real Risks People Don’t See Coming

Many people worry about “going to jail,” but misdemeanors also affect your future in quieter ways:

Background checks for jobs or apartments
Professional licensing (nursing, teaching, CDL drivers, etc.)
Gun rights / federal disqualifiers for certain convictions
Immigration consequences, even for small offenses
Probation requirements that can be hard to meet

The goal of defense isn’t just avoiding jail—it’s protecting your life from the ripple effects of a record.

How a Defense Strategy Starts

A solid misdemeanor defense begins with facts and procedure:

Was the stop or arrest legal?
Did police follow required steps?
Is the evidence reliable?
Are witnesses credible?
Are there diversion or dismissal options?

Sometimes cases collapse because the state can’t prove what it claims. Other times, defense focuses on negotiated resolutions that keep your record clean.

Diversion and Alternative Outcomes

In many Nashville-area misdemeanor cases, people may qualify for:

Pretrial diversion (charges dismissed after conditions)
Judicial diversion (no conviction if completed)
Reduction to lesser charges
Dismissal for lack of evidence

Eligibility depends on your record, the offense, and how the case is handled early.

Why Having a Trial Attorney Matters—Even for “Small” Charges

Prosecutors handle thousands of misdemeanors a year. If you walk in unprepared, you’re treated like a number. A trial attorney changes that dynamic.

Mark Scruggs has spent more than 40 years in criminal courtrooms across Tennessee. That courtroom experience allows him to:

Spot weaknesses the state hopes you’ll miss
Push for dismissal or reduction where possible
Prepare for trial when negotiation fails
Protect clients from avoidable mistakes markscruggs.com+1

Get Help Before You Plead to Anything

Misdemeanor convictions are permanent unless properly handled. Never assume “it’ll go away on its own.”

Call Mark Scruggs, Trial Attorney at 615-419-6154 or visit markscruggs.com to schedule a free consultation. The earlier you get a defense focused on your goals, the stronger your outcome can be.