Nashville Criminal Citations Lawyer
You may be confused about the legal implications of a criminal citation. Criminal citations only apply to misdemeanors, not felonies. A police officer will issue a criminal citation instead of physically arresting you, but it still means you have been charged with a crime.
Just because you received a citation instead of being physically arrested does not make you immune to the court system. You must still come to court and if you are convicted, you will have a criminal record, face incarceration, and potentially steep fines. Your future endeavors can be impeded by just one offense.
If you or a family member have received a criminal citation, our Nashville criminal citation lawyers will do everything possible to help you avoid a conviction.
Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure
Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.5 permits the use of a criminal citation in lieu of an arrest for misdemeanor offenses. The following is a list of examples of offenses that often result in citations rather than physical arrests:
- Disorderly conduct
- Leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run)
- Public intoxication
- Simple possession of a controlled substance
- Underage consumption of alcohol
- Driving on a revoked license
- Indecent exposure
- Vandalism
- Trespass
The Booking Process
On your citation, you will notice a booking date and time. You must report to the courthouse on that date. You will need to go to the Citations Office, where you will be fingerprinted, and your mugshot will be taken.
The Sheriff will enter your information into the arrest system to check for any outstanding warrants in your name. However, that is not the end of the citation process. They will also take your fingerprints and “mugshot.” Once the process has been completed, in most situations they will then give you an actual court date at which to appear for the prosecutor and judge to consider your case. In certain situations, the prosecutor may go on and look at your case the same day as your booking date.
Before the booking process begins, you will want to secure legal counsel. An attorney can give you advice on what steps to take prior to your booking date. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to move up or even postpone your booking date if you are unable to appear at the date you are given. Even after your initial appearance, you may need to return to court on a future date.
Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Citations Lawyer
The legal team at Raybin & Weissman, P.C., is committed to helping our clients achieve the best resolution for criminal citations. We will meet with you prior to your booking to discuss what to expect on that date. Our Nashville criminal citation lawyers will discuss the severity of your charges and any possible resolution for your case. We will attempt to negotiate a plea deal with the district attorney to help you avoid being booked. We may even be able to get your charges dismissed.
We know that receiving a criminal citation is stressful, and we want to help ease any anxiety. We have been helping clients resolve their legal issues since 1976, and we are more than happy to assist you.
Speak with a Dedicated Nashville Criminal Citations Lawyer Today
A criminal citation will not go away on its own. If you choose to ignore a citation, you may be arrested immediately. If you have been issued a criminal citation, you need to consult with the Nashville criminal citations lawyers at Raybin & Weissman, P.C. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.