What Happens After an Arrest in Tennessee? Key Information

Being arrested can be a stressful and confusing experience. Understanding what happens after an arrest in Tennessee can help you better navigate the legal process and make informed decisions about how to move forward. This article provides an overview of the arrest process, your rights, and the steps that follow once you’ve been taken into custody.

The Arrest Process

When you are arrested in Tennessee, law enforcement officers take you into custody because they have reason to believe you’ve committed a crime. This can happen after a traffic stop, during an investigation, or as the result of a warrant issued for your arrest. After being arrested, you will typically be taken to a local detention center or jail for processing. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to be polite and calm but do not answer any questions about the offense or make any statement. The arresting officers or detectives will probably make every effort to come across as helpful or kind but remember they are not there to help you or to be your friend. Their job is to put you in jail. Do not answer any questions and immediately and specifically demand to be given an attorney.

Key steps in the arrest process include:

• Booking: Law enforcement will collect your personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph you for official records. You will also be searched, and any personal belongings will be confiscated and inventoried.
• Charges: You will be formally informed of the charges against you. These charges may be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the alleged offense.
• Bail or Release: Depending on the charges and your criminal history, you may be eligible for bail, which allows you to be released from jail while awaiting trial. In some cases, you may be released on your own recognizance (without bail) if the court believes you are not a flight risk.

Your Rights After an Arrest

In Tennessee, as in any other state, you have specific rights after being arrested. These rights are designed to protect you throughout the legal process, and it’s important to be aware of them:

• The Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer any questions posed by law enforcement without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
• The Right to an Attorney: You have the right to consult with an attorney before speaking to law enforcement or during any questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.
• The Right to a Phone Call: After being booked, you have the right to make at least one phone call to inform someone of your arrest and arrange legal assistance.

Court Appearances After an Arrest

Once you have been arrested and charged, you will have to appear in court. This usually begins with an initial appearance or arraignment, where you will be formally informed of the charges and given the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, your case will proceed to further court hearings.
Key court appearances following an arrest include:

• Preliminary Hearing: For felony charges, a preliminary hearing may be scheduled to determine if there is enough evidence for your case to go to trial.
• Plea Bargaining: In many cases, plea negotiations between your attorney and the prosecutor can result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence, avoiding the need for a trial.
• Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to trial, where both sides will present evidence and arguments.

Why You Need an Attorney After an Arrest

Navigating the legal process after an arrest can be overwhelming. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Your attorney will:

• Protect your rights throughout the process
• Investigate the evidence against you
• Negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or penalties
• Represent you in court, building the strongest possible defense

If you have been arrested, it is you against law enforcement, the prosecuting attorneys, and all of their staff. You need someone to stand with you and help you. You can’t do it alone and you don’t have to.

Trust Knox Defense with Your Defense

At Knox Defense, our attorneys are dedicated to providing strong, reliable defense representation for individuals facing criminal charges in Tennessee. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and working to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.  If you’ve been arrested in East Tennessee, don’t face the legal system alone. Contact Knox Defense today for a confidential consultation at (865) 269-9926 or complete our online form.