Were You Arrested While Visiting Nashville?
While getting arrested is a scary experience for anyone, it can be even more terrifying and stressful when you get arrested while visiting another state. If you live in another state and get arrested in Nashville, TN, for instance, you just can’t go home and pretend that it did not happen and go back to your normal life.
The Interstate Extradition clause of the U.S. Constitution provides that a person charged with a criminal offense who leaves the state where they committed the offense and goes to another state, for any reason and whether intentionally or unintentionally, can be extradited or sent back to the state where they committed the offense.
Let’s say you go back to your home in another state following your arrest in Nashville and don’t go back to answer for your charges and court appearances. In this case, a judge in Nashville will issue an arrest warrant for you, which will be enforced in the state you are in and result in you being extradited to Tennessee.
Will I Go to Jail If I Get Arrested in Nashville?
You might go to jail if you get arrested in Nashville, and the police might hold you in jail until your pretrial. You are, however, entitled to a Nashville criminal defense lawyer and a bail hearing. The police will not care that you’re just a tourist or visitor. The only thing they care about is that you committed an offense and broke the law in their jurisdiction.
Depending on the charges against you, you might be able to go back home, but this does not mean you avoid getting prosecuted for your alleged offense and that you should go back home right away if you’re released after your arrest. For instance, if you posted bail and the judge released you pending trial, staying in the state might be one of the conditions of your release. But if you leave the state, the court will not refund your bail, and the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest.
If the police don’t hold or arrest you, you might be able to go back home, but you should discuss your case with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer before doing anything. When you talk to a Nashville criminal defense lawyer, you will know whether you should stay or go back home, what the court expects from you if you leave the state, how often and whether you will have to go back to Nashville for court dates, and what you can expect moving forward with your criminal case.
Get Legal Help From a Seasoned Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Our Nashville criminal defense attorneys at Raybin & Weissman have defended many people, from in and out of the state, against various criminal charges. They can explain how your case will play out, the charges and penalties you may face, and the best legal options given the circumstances of your case. You can arrange a free case review with our Nashville criminal defense attorney by sending us a message online or calling our office at 615-256-6666.