Some states are strengthening criminal laws so that people who are convicted of serious crimes or of multiple crimes must receive specified minimum sentences and may not be allowed to qualify for early release. Tennessee is among those states.
Tennessee has a “Truth in Sentencing” law that requires those convicted (after July 1, 2022, when the law took effect) of certain violent and “especially aggravated crimes to serve 100% of their sentence. It’s also known as the “100% Rule.”
Which convictions does it affect?
Affected offenses include the following Class A and B felonies:
- Second-degree murder
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Aggravated vehicular homicide as the result of intoxication
- Especially aggravated kidnapping, robbery and burglary
- Carjacking
In addition to this 100% rule, the law requires those convicted of other serious felonies to serve at least 85% of their sentence. They are still eligible to get credit for good behavior or otherwise may be released early, but they must serve at least 85% of their sentence.
These offenses include:
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Certain aggravated assault offenses
- Aggravated arson, robbery or kidnapping
- Vehicular homicide involving reckless driving or drag racing
- Reckless homicide
- Trafficking “persons for forced labor or services”
- Certain manufacture, delivery or sale of a controlled substance offenses
Tennessee’s Truth in Sentencing Act provides little, if any, leeway for someone to seek early release if they’ve been convicted of one of the offenses included in the law. Depending on the individual situation, this might incentivize someone to seek a plea deal that involves pleading guilty to a lesser crime or fighting the charge strenuously by going to trial. Either way, the best first step when facing a serious criminal charge is to get experienced legal guidance.