Does the state have a sentencing commission? No. However, in 2005, the legislature created the Task Force on the Use of Enhancement Factors in Criminal Sentencing, which provides sentencing statistics on an annual basis that monitor the impact of the sentencing guidelines on Tennessee’s criminal justice system. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have sentencing guidelines? Yes. The guidelines are statutory and were created by the legislature in the Criminal Sentencing Reform Act of 2005. Click here to see the Task Force’s Annual Report on sentencing statistics.
If yes, are the sentencing guidelines voluntary/advisory or mandatory? Voluntary/advisory.
Does the state have drug courts? Yes.
Helpful links
Governor Bill Haslam
Tennessee Department of Corrections
Tennessee Board of Probation & Parole
Tennessee Executive Clemency (pardons and commutations): Handled by Tennessee Board of Probation & Parole.
Tennessee General Assembly (state legislature)
Tennessee Court System
Tennessee Drug Courts: No website available.
Want help finding a lawyer in this state? Click here or contact the local association of criminal defense lawyers. You can learn more about how to work with an attorney by reading our answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to search this state’s laws? Click here
Want to find out how a bill becomes a law in this state? Click here
Want to find your state legislative representatives? Click here
Want to work on changing the laws in your state? Learn how through our Citizen Action Kit!
Sentencing/Criminal Justice Reform Groups in the State
ACLU of Tennessee
DISCLAIMER: FAMM does not endorse or support and is not affiliated with any of the attorneys, organizations, or sites listed on this page. FAMM cannot guarantee that the laws listed on its website or the content appearing on any of the links listed on this page are accurate or fully up-to-date. Laws change often, and before taking any action in reliance on the information presented on FAMM’s website or on the sites linked to on this page, you should always verify that the information is still accurate or talk with an attorney. If you feel you need legal advice, you should seek the help of an attorney in your state. FAMM cannot provide legal advice, representation, research, or referrals.