Helping You Move Forward
Felonies
Chattanooga Felony Defense Lawyer
Experienced Legal Guidance in Hamilton, Bradley, Marion, Polk, & McMinn Counties
Being accused of a felony crime can be a traumatic and scary experience. It can have lasting consequences for the person accused and their loved ones. At Andrea Hayduk Law, we believe that no one should face Tennessee’s criminal justice system alone. Doing so without adequate legal representation could lead to harsher legal penalties than you might otherwise receive.
Everyone deserves an opportunity to express their story and pursue justice, no matter the circumstances that brought them here. Andrea Hayduk Law is committed to helping Tennesseans charged with felonies by providing them with experienced and knowledgeable representation at each phase of the criminal justice process. We know the seriousness of felony charges and their long-term consequences, so our firm will work diligently toward the best possible outcome for your situation. Attorney Hayduk will take steps to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process, including helping you secure release from jail, filing motions for bail reduction (if necessary), and making sure you receive a fair trial.
Contact us today by calling (423) 301-5050 to request a free consultation with our felony defense attorney in Chattanooga.
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“Choosing Ms. Hayduk was the best choice I could have made... I can’t express the relief I’ve felt.” - Former Client
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“She handled it all. Wonderful, caring, prompt, and knows what she is doing for sure.” - Rochelle
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“She managed to bring about an outcome that far surpassed anything I could have hoped for.” - Former Client
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“Andrea is extremely intelligent, caring, and very knowledgeable...I finally have my peace of mind back.” - Former Client
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“If you want an attorney who takes a genuine interest in their client, then Andrea is the attorney for you.” - Steve
Types of Felonies
By definition, felonies carry a punishment of more than one year in prison or some other form of incarceration, as opposed to misdemeanors, which typically carry sentences no longer than 11 months and 29 days. The different classes of felonies are distinguished from one another by their potential sentences. For example, whereas a Class E felony (the lowest felony charge) carries a prison sentence of up to six years, a Class A felony (the most serious felony charge) can result in life imprisonment.
The different legal penalties for felony charges include:
- Class E: One-to-six-year prison sentences, fines up to $3,000
- Class D: Two-to-12-year prison sentences, fines up to $5,000
- Class C: Three-to-15-year prison sentences, fines up to $10,000
- Class B: Eight-to-30-year prison sentences, fines up to $25,000
- Class A: 15-to-60-year prison sentences, fines up to $50,000
In combination with fines and prison sentences, courts may order community service, treatment programs, restitution, or probation for felony convictions. Probation may be assigned in place of prison sentences for certain low-level offenses. Many felonies also have specific laws that apply to them. Drug offenses, such as felony possession and trafficking, are also regulated by Tennessee’s Drug Control Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §39-17-401). Under this statute, Class D drug felonies carry fines of up to $50,000, which is increased to $100,000 for Class B convictions (Tenn. Code Ann. §39-17-417). Felony DUI offenders also receive additional penalties, such as license suspension, vehicle confiscation, and installation of an ignition interlock device after their release and license reinstatement.
Felony Charges Can Have Other Legal and Collateral Consequences, Such as:
- A criminal record
- Inability to carry firearms
- Voting right limitations and restoration costs
- Restricted parental privileges
- Limited job opportunities
Because of the seriousness of felony charges, it’s extremely important to have a strong defense lawyer on your side. Our firm will help you prepare a defense for your specific situation. We will thoroughly research the facts of your case, gather evidence, and defend you from all possible angles. Attorney Hayduk will carefully examine the terms of your arrest, cross-examine witnesses, closely scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, and fiercely represent your interests in the courtroom and in negotiations with prosecutors. Whether it’s securing lesser charges or penalties or having your case dismissed altogether (depending on the circumstances), we will use all our resources to fight the criminal charges brought against you.
Why Choose Andrea Hayduk Law for Your Felony Defense?
It's important to remember that each case is unique and carries its own set of circumstances and consequences. If you or someone you know has been charged with a felony, it’s essential to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Our founder, Attorney Andrea Hayduk, is a lifelong advocate for Tennesseans accused of criminal offenses. She is a board member of both the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL) and the Tennessee Innocence Project, as well as a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA). In addition, she has practiced criminal defense for 15+ years and has defended countless clients in the state’s judicial system. You can trust that she truly knows what sorts of legal obstacles may arise in your pursuit of justice and will aggressively advocate for your interests at each stage of the legal process.
Call (423) 301-5050 or send us a message to discuss your legal options with our Chattanooga felony defense lawyer.