Criminal Citations

If you’ve been issued a state criminal citation in Nashville, TN, it means that law enforcement has charged you with a criminal offense, but instead of physically arresting you, they are giving you a citation to book yourself and later appear in court. Many people think they have not been arrested if they get a citation. But this is incorrect.  You actually “have” been arrested.  You have just not been physically taken to jail and booked. You get the citation because you qualify to book yourself later.  This is typically for less serious offenses, such as misdemeanors, infractions, or violations of local ordinances. In some cases, officers are REQURIED to issue a citation in lieu of a physical arrest.  But many do not realize this.

A citation is similar to a ticket, but it’s a formal notice to appear before a judge on a specified date. It typically includes:

1. The offense you’re being charged with – This could be anything from a traffic violation to a minor misdemeanor criminal charge.
2. Court appearance details – You’ll be given a date and location where you must appear to be booked, and then given another court date where you are required to go see a judge.
3. Potential consequences – Penalties vary, including fines, probation, or the possibility of jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.

While you may not be arrested on the spot, it’s still important to take the citation seriously. Failing to appear in court or resolve the issue could result in a warrant for your arrest or additional penalties.

Common mistakes people make are thinking that they do not need legal representation on a citation because it’s “not serious”.  Contrary to that thinking, any misdemeanor arrest is serious.  They can even result in jail time up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.  If that’s not serious, I don’t know what is. 

If you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s a good idea to consult with a criminal defense lawyer like Nashville Criminal Attorney David Ridings.  He could help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and potentially reduce any penalties or consequences.

Would you like more information on how to handle criminal citations or help finding a lawyer in Nashville? Contact David Ridings today.  You’ll be glad you did.