Claiborne County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Claiborne County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Claiborne County.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Claiborne County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Claiborne County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Claiborne County Criminal Court
Claiborne County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Claiborne County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Claiborne County. The Claiborne County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
Sentencing in Claiborne County
In Claiborne County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
Who can help me in Claiborne County?
For general information about your case the Claiborne County court clerk will be able to provide legal information about your specific criminal case. Legal information is not legal advice though, the court clerk will only be able to provide information about your case, like date/time of hearings what will occur at the hearing and what you may be required to do in the hearing. They cannot provide advice about what you should do or what the best legal options may be for your particular case. Only an attorney can provide legal advice and this is your best place for information about your specific criminal proceeding. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to represent you, this is most often a public defender.
Can I appeal a guilty verdict?
If found guilty, a defendant may decide to appeal his case to an appelate court. The appellate court will not retry the case, they will examine the proceedings in the lower court to make sure they were done in a legal manner. The appellate court can either uphold the original conviction, or determine that due to errors made in the original trial, that there must be a retrial, resentencing or a complete dismissal of the charges.
Right to an attorney
The US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment ensures the right to an attorney regardless of whether or not you can afford one. In Claiborne County a public defender will be appointed by the judge if you cannot afford private representation.
Claiborne County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Claiborne County will take place at the Claiborne County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Claiborne County Criminal Court Locations.
Arraignments in Claiborne County
During an arraignment in Claiborne County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Claiborne County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Claiborne County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Claiborne County Required Court Appearances
In Claiborne County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.
Jury by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
Claiborne County Criminal Court Locations
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Claiborne County Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Address: 1740 Main Street, Suite 201, Tazewell, TN 37879
Phone: 423-626-3334 -
Claiborne County Chancery Court
Address: PO Box 180, Tazewell, TN 37879
Phone: 423-626-3284 Fax: 423-626-3604 -
Claiborne County General Sessions Court, Criminal Division
Address: 415 Straight Creek Road, New Tazewell, TN 37825
Phone: 423-626-3334 -
Claiborne County Juvenile Court
Address: 415 Straight Creek Road, Suite 6, New Tazewell, TN 37825
Phone: 423-526-2555 Fax: 423-526-2703 -
Cumberland Gap City Court
Address: 380 Colwyn Avenue, PO Box 78, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724
Phone: 423-869-3860 -
New Tazewell City Court
Address: PO Box 609, New Tazewell, TN 37824
Phone: 423-626-5242 -
Tazewell City Court
Address: PO Box 206, Tazewell, TN 37879
Phone: 423-626-5104