Understanding Criminal Citations in Tennessee: What You Need to Know

A domestic assault charge in Tennessee can lead to serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and restrictions on firearm rights, making a strong defense essential. Sluder Law, PLLC provides aggressive legal representation in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, challenging false accusations, defending self-defense claims, and fighting to reduce or dismiss charges.

Receiving a criminal citation in Tennessee may seem less severe than an arrest, but it carries the same legal consequences as being taken into custody. If you ignore or mishandle a citation, you could face fines, probation, or even jail time upon conviction. At Sluder Law, PLLC, we provide strategic legal defense for individuals cited for misdemeanors and other offenses in Nashville, Davidson County, and Middle Tennessee. Our goal is to protect your record, minimize penalties, and work toward getting charges reduced or dismissed.


What Is a Criminal Citation in Tennessee?

A criminal citation (also called a citation in lieu of arrest) is issued when law enforcement believes you have committed a crime but do not find it necessary to take you into custody immediately. Instead of being arrested, you are given a citation with a court date, requiring you to appear before a judge.

Common offenses that may result in a criminal citation include:
✔ Simple possession of drugs
✔ Shoplifting or petty theft
✔ Disorderly conduct
✔ Public intoxication
✔ Driving offenses, such as reckless driving

Although you are not booked into jail at the time, failing to appear in court can lead to a warrant for your arrest and additional penalties.


Penalties for Criminal Citations in Tennessee

Even though you were not arrested, a criminal citation can result in serious consequences if convicted. Depending on the offense, penalties may include:

✔ Misdemeanor Citation

  • Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail
  • Fines up to $2,500
  • Probation, community service, or mandatory programs

✔ Felony Citation (in rare cases)

  • Longer jail sentences or prison time
  • Substantial fines
  • Permanent criminal record affecting employment and housing

Even a minor misdemeanor conviction can impact your future, job opportunities, and reputation. That’s why it’s essential to take a criminal citation seriously and seek legal representation immediately.


How Sluder Law, PLLC Fights Criminal Citations

At Sluder Law, PLLC, we work to protect your record and minimize the impact of a criminal citation. Our legal strategies include:


1. Challenging the Evidence

Law enforcement must have sufficient evidence to issue a citation. We investigate whether the charge is justified and look for errors in police procedures that may allow us to have the case dismissed.


2. Negotiating Reduced Charges or Dismissal

We work to:
✔ Have charges dropped if there is insufficient evidence
✔ Negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense
✔ Explore diversion programs that can prevent a criminal record


3. Protecting Your Criminal Record

A criminal conviction can stay on your record permanently, affecting job applications, background checks, and future opportunities. If possible, we fight to have charges expunged to prevent long-term damage to your record.


What to Do If You Receive a Criminal Citation

If you have been issued a criminal citation in Tennessee, take the following steps:


✔ Do not ignore the citation – Failing to appear in court can result in a warrant for your arrest.
✔ Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately – A lawyer can help reduce or dismiss charges.
✔ Gather any relevant evidence – Witness statements or documentation may support your case.
✔ Follow all court instructions – Ensure you comply with deadlines and legal requirements.


Why Choose Sluder Law, PLLC?

✔ Licensed in Tennessee, practicing in Davidson, Sumner, Williamson, Robertson, Rutherford, and Wilson counties
✔ Extensive experience handling misdemeanor and felony citations
✔ Aggressive defense strategies to minimize legal consequences
✔ Personalized legal representation focused on protecting your future


Take Action Today – Contact Sluder Law, PLLC

A criminal citation is not something to take lightly—it can have serious legal consequences. If you have been cited for a misdemeanor or other offense, Sluder Law, PLLC is here to fight for you and protect your rights.


☎ Call Now: (615) 934-0047