Murfreesboro Felony Crimes Attorney

Aggressive & Committed Criminal Defense Representation

If you are currently being investigated for felony charges or have already been arrested in or around Murfreesboro, it is important to consult with a trusted criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You may feel that your situation is hopeless but valid defenses can exist for anyone. You need a knowledgeable attorney who knows how to investigate, what to look for, how to build cases, and how to match prosecutors in an aggressive fight. You will find all of those qualities at the Law Office of Michael Auffinger.

Attorney Auffinger has handled thousands of criminal cases at all levels of the criminal court system, from simple assault to serious drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, and more. Under his care, you are innocent until proven guilty and entitled to a fair process under the law, which he fights for day in and day out in Tennessee courtrooms. With his knowledge, determination, and resources, your chances for a favorable outcome will be increased, whether that leads to dropped charges, reduced charges, reduced sentencing, or an acquittal at trial. He understands the high stakes of felony charges and will be relentless in providing the committed representation you need at this difficult time.

Charged with a felony? Call the Law Office of Michael Auffinger at (615) 258-6575 or contact the firm online to arrange for a consultation with a Murfreesboro felony crimes lawyer.

What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor & a Felony?

Under Tennessee law, many crimes are charged at the felony level. Felonies are considered to be more serious offenses than misdemeanors and thus they carry jail or prison time of more than a year along with fines, probation, and other court-ordered sanctions. Misdemeanors are charged in crimes of a less serious nature and are punishable by less than a year in jail. In Tennessee, felony crimes are divided into five classes with each class carrying its own range of prison terms.

Examples of felonies can include but are not limited to:

• Felony DUI. This is charged in a fourth or subsequent DUI within 10 years, when a child under 13 has been injured in a DUI accident you caused or when you have seriously injured or killed another due to drunk driving.
• Child abuse. This is a felony due to mistreating or neglecting a minor under the age of 18 to such a degree that it adversely affects his or her health and welfare.
• Burglary. This crime is a Class D felony when you illegally enter or stay in a private or public building without permission and with the intention to engage in theft, assault, or some other felony. This act becomes aggravated burglary when it involves a habitation, charged as a Class C felony.
• Domestic violence. Acts of domestic violence can be charged at the felony level when the alleged victim has been injured or when a history of domestic abuse convictions exist.
• Assault and battery. Aggravated assault is charged as a felony because it results in serious injury or death or involves a deadly weapon or attempted strangulation. Battery in the first degree is also a felony because it results in serious injury or unwanted and lewd contact of another’s sexual body parts.
• Felony theft. Theft is charged as a felony when the value of the property or goods taken exceeds $1,000.
• Rape. Rape is also called sexual battery or sexual assault in Tennessee. All crimes of this nature are charged as felonies, whether involving minors, adults, or committed by strangers, authority figures, or someone known to the alleged victim.
• Weapons offenses. Many weapon offenses in the state are charged as felonies, such as when they involve a firearm in public or when a convicted felon is found in possession of a firearm.
• Murder. This is one of the most serious crimes you can be accused of and thus is always charged at the felony level.

Felony Penalties

The most serious felonies, such as first-degree murder, are punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.

Other felony crimes are classified in the following manner:

• Class A, punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison along with a fine of up to $50,000. Example: aggravated rape.
• Class B, punishable by eight to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Example: aggravated burglary.
• Class C, punishable by three to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Example: aggravated assault.
• Class D, punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Example: Marijuana possession of 10 to 70 pounds.
• Class E, punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. Example: Theft of property valued between $1,000 and $2,500.

How the Law Office of Michael Auffinger Can Help

As a Murfreesboro felony crimes lawyer, Attorney Auffinger knows that facing allegations of a felony offense can be terrifying. Your freedom and future are at stake. If convicted, you will carry the burden of that conviction forward once you are released from prison. A felony record can severely impact your ability to find work, housing, or be eligible for other opportunities. These are grave consequences and Attorney Auffinger understands that you will be fighting for your life. He can be counted on for tireless attention and an aggressive approach to your felony defense inside the courtroom as well as compassionate counsel outside it.

Set up your felony case consultation by contacting the firm online or phoning (615) 258-6575 today.