A felony is a serious crime that typically results in penalties of more than a year in prison and significant fines. In Tennessee, criminal laws organize felonies into classes to assign punishments that fit the gravity of the offense. These classifications range from Class E, for the least severe felonies, up to Class A. This article provides clear information on what constitutes a Class A felony in the state, offers examples of such crimes, and details the potential sentences and other major consequences that follow a conviction.
Understanding Class A Felonies in Tennessee
Tennessee law establishes Class A felonies as the most serious category of criminal offense, second only to capital crimes like first-degree murder, which can result in a sentence of death or life without parole. This hierarchy places Class A at the top, signifying that the crimes within this category are considered exceptionally severe by the state legislature. This classification is not merely a label; it directly corresponds to the severity of the potential punishment an individual may face upon conviction. The designation of an offense as a Class A felony immediately signals to the court system that the crime involves extreme violence, significant harm to a person, or a profound threat to public safety. Consequently, the sentencing guidelines for this class are the most stringent outside of capital cases.
Examples of Class A Felonies
A variety of offenses fall under the Class A felony designation due to their serious nature. These crimes typically involve extreme violence, the death of another person, or a severe violation of personal autonomy. One prominent example is Second Degree Murder, defined as a knowing killing of another.1Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 39-13-210 (2024) – Second Degree Murder Another is Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, which involves false imprisonment combined with factors like holding the victim for ransom, using a deadly weapon, or inflicting serious bodily injury.2Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 39-13-305 (2024) – Especially Aggravated Kidnapping
Similarly, Especially Aggravated Robbery is a Class A felony that involves theft accomplished with a deadly weapon where the victim suffers serious bodily injury.3Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 39-13-403 (2024) – Especially Aggravated Robbery Offenses of a sexual nature also constitute some of the most serious Class A felonies. These include Aggravated Rape, where the act is committed with force or coercion that involves the use of a weapon or results in injury. Furthermore, Rape of a Child is another Class A felony.
Sentencing for Class A Felonies
State law sets forth the sentencing structure, which includes a lengthy period of incarceration and the possibility of a large fine. Upon conviction, an individual faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 15 to 60 years and a fine of up to $50,000.4Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 40-35-111 (2024) – Authorized Terms of Imprisonment and Fines for Felonies and Misdemeanors The actual sentence a person receives depends heavily on their prior criminal history, which places them into a specific sentencing range. For a standard offender with few or no prior felony convictions (Range I), the prison sentence is between 15 and 25 years. A multiple offender (Range II), who has a history of prior felonies, faces a sentence of 25 to 40 years. For a persistent offender (Range III), defined by an extensive criminal record, the sentence increases significantly to between 40 and 60 years.5Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 40-35-112 (2024) – Sentence Ranges
A judge determines the final sentence after considering all factors of the case, including the nature of the crime and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. For many violent Class A felonies, state law may require the convicted individual to serve a very high percentage of their sentence, sometimes as much as 85% or 100%, before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
Additional Consequences of a Class A Felony Conviction
Beyond imprisonment and fines, a Class A felony conviction in Tennessee carries a host of additional consequences that profoundly impact a person’s life long after their sentence is served. For the majority of Class A offenses, which are violent crimes, these effects are permanent, as expungement is not an option.
A primary consequence is the loss of fundamental civil rights. A convicted felon permanently loses the right to own or possess a firearm under both state and federal law.6Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 39-17-1307 (2024) – Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon The right to vote is also revoked, and while a complex restoration process exists, it is often inaccessible for those convicted of the most serious felonies like murder or rape.7Tennessee Secretary of State. Restoration of Voting Rights Additionally, a Class A felony conviction disqualifies an individual from serving on a jury.
The societal and personal impacts are equally challenging. Convicted individuals face immense difficulty securing employment, as background checks are a standard part of modern hiring practices. Obtaining or maintaining professional licenses for careers in fields like medicine, law, or education becomes nearly impossible. Furthermore, finding safe and stable housing can be a major obstacle, as many landlords and public housing authorities deny applications based on a felony record.