First-Degree Felony in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a first-degree felony refers to the most severe version of a felony offense. Such crimes typically show premeditation and an intention to cause death or grievous physical harm. Tennessee statutes also classify a first-degree felony as one in which the act was perpetrated via the use of a deadly weapon or substance.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-110 classifies felonies into different classes based on the crime type, severity, and corresponding penalties. You will find most first-degree felonies under the Class A and B felony categories. Examples of first-degree felonies include especially aggravated robbery, first-degree murder, aggravated rape, and especially aggravated robbery.

Public Access to First-Degree Felony Records in Tennessee

Persons or entities can look up and access most first-degree felony records in Tennessee. However, the state may exempt access to records whose disclosure does not serve the public interest. Record seekers can access public felony records using the resources designated by government entities. For instance, the Tennessee Courts website maintains an online search portal of first-degree felony cases handled in the state’s appellate courts.

Record seekers may obtain copies of trial court records at the circuit clerk’s office. In most counties, the circuit court clerk oversees the record-keeping of all case files generated within the county. The court clerks may allow online or offline access to records. Offline access may include sending mail requests or visiting the clerk’s physical address.

Common Crimes Classified as First-Degree Felonies in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the following crimes are classified as first-degree felonies:

• First-degree murder.
• Especially aggravated robbery.
• Especially aggravated burglary.
• Aggravated rape.

The FBI’s Crime Data Explorer annually reports on all crimes, including first-degree felonies. Per the 2024 report, Tennessee’s law enforcement recorded 682 homicides, 2,970 rapes, 7,456 robberies, and 573 arsons.

Prison Sentences and Fines for First-Degree Felonies in Tennessee

In Tennessee, persons convicted of first-degree felonies may face between 7 and 60 years of imprisonment and pay up to $50,000 in fines. The penalties may differ based on these factors:

• Felony class
• Number of prior convictions
• Use of deadly weapons
• Number of felony counts
• Crime severity.

Based on felony class, the sentencing range is 13.5 years to life imprisonment or the death penalty for first-degree felonies under Class A. Class B felonies, however, have a 30-year maximum sentence.

The number of prior convictions also determines the severity of the penalty. First-time offenders are likely to get the minimum penalty under a felony class. However, the penalties become severe if the offender has two or more past convictions for the offense.

What is the Maximum Sentence for a First Degree Felony in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the maximum sentence is death or life imprisonment for first-degree felonies. Note that persons convicted of first-degree murder or aggravated rape may get the maximum sentence.

The maximum sentence does not apply to persons convicted of other first-degree felonies. For instance, Tennessee imposes a maximum 60-year sentence on first-degree felony convictions under the Class A category. However, persons convicted of first-degree felonies in Class B may attract the 30-year maximum sentence. The maximum sentences for other felony classes are:

• Class C: 15-year maximum sentence.
• Class D: 12-year maximum sentence.
• Class E: 6-year maximum sentence.

What is First Degree Murder in Tennessee?

Per Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-202, a first-degree murder is:

• An intentional and premeditated killing of another;
• The killing of another while attempting or perpetrating a first-degree felony;
• The act of killing another while throwing a bomb or a destructive device.
• The act of killing another while committing rape, aggravated rape, or rape of a minor;
• The killing of another while perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate an act of terrorism.

Although a first-degree murder is a class A felony, offenders may face any of these penalties:

• Death sentence.
• Life imprisonment
• Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Note: Convicted felons may get life imprisonment without parole if the act led to the death of government officials like correctional officers, paramedics, or firefighters.

Can First Degree Felony Records Be Sealed or Expunged in Tennessee?

Per T.C.A. §40-32-101, not all first-degree felonies can be sealed or expunged. Offenders are unable to expunge first-degree felonies that contain elements of violence or felonies classified under Class A and B. For instance, first-degree murder and aggravated rape are not eligible for expungement or sealing.

The state law allows the expungement or sealing of some Class B, C, and E felonies under these conditions:

• The charges were dismissed.
• The defendant was arrested and released without being charged.
• A grand jury returned a “no true bill”.
• The case ended in a nolle prosequi.

Eligible parties may apply for expungement by filing a petition at the court that passed the conviction.

Difference Between First-Degree and Second-Degree Felonies in Tennessee

Tennessee’s first- and second-degree felonies may differ based on intent or premeditation, number of prior convictions, and penalties.

Based on intent, first-degree felonies often reveal that the offender had the intent to cause death or inflict serious harm on another. Second-degree felonies, however, do not include intent but could potentially lead to death or severe physical injury.

The state may also distinguish felonies based on the circumstances around the incident. It’s often a first-degree felony if the incident leads to death or bodily injury. For example, it’s a first-degree arson if the incident results in the bodily injury of firefighters or paramedics.

Based on penalties, first-degree felonies often have more severe penalties than second-degree ones. For example, aggravated robbery carries a maximum 60-year sentence, while aggravated robbery attracts up to a 25-year jail term.

Statute of Limitations for First-Degree Felony Charges in Tennessee

The statute of limitations is the timeframe within which a person may be prosecuted, tried, and punished for an offense. Per the Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-2-101, there is no statute of limitations for offenses that are punishable by life imprisonment or death. For example, there is no statute of limitations for first-degree murder, sex crimes against minors, and aggravated rape.

On the other hand, the state laws set the following statute of limitations for first-degree felonies:

• 15-year time limit for Class A felonies.
• 8-year time limit for Class B felonies.
• 4-year time limit for Class C or D felonies.
• 2-year time limit for Class E felonies.

The state may pause or suspend the statute of limitations when the offender evades arrest or flees the state. Note that the discovery date may also affect the statute of limitations for first-degree felonies.

Probation and Parole Eligibility for First-Degree Felonies in Tennessee

Persons convicted of first-degree felonies may get parole or probation in Tennessee. Note that an offender’s eligibility for parole may depend on the crime severity, prior convictions, and felony class. For instance, you are not eligible for parole or early release if convicted of these offenses:

• Attempted first-degree murder.
• Especially aggravated kidnapping.
• Especially aggravated burglary.
• Especially aggravated robbery.

• Aggravated vehicular homicide.

  In contrast, you may get parole after serving 85% of the sentence for these first-degree felonies:

• Aggravated arson.
• Aggravated assault.
• Reckless aggravated assault.

Per TN Code § 40-35-303, you are eligible for probation if the imposed sentence was ten years or less. The state may not grant parole to persons convicted of first-degree felonies, like vehicular homicide, murder, aggravated rape, and especially aggravated kidnapping.

Impact of a First-Degree Felony Conviction on Criminal Records in Tennessee

First-degree felonies are publicly visible and may negatively affect a record subject’s life. For instance, convicts may lose out on job opportunities in sensitive or confidential industries like healthcare and finance. The conviction may also affect their ability to get licenses in specific industries. Case in point: persons convicted of sex-related offenses may find it challenging to obtain medical-related licenses. Other examples of these impacts include the following:

• Permanent or temporary loss of civil rights, such as voting rights and rights to bear firearms.
• Difficulty in getting visa approvals to travel to specific regions.
• Lower chances of renting or buying houses, as landlords may conduct background checks to check conviction records.