Coffee County Criminal Court

Coffee County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Coffee County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Coffee County.

Where can I get help for my Coffee County criminal case?

The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Coffee County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.

Prosecutor in Coffee County

In Coffee County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Coffee County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Tennessee. For the most part, the prosecutor in Coffee County has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.

Coffee County Criminal Court

Coffee County Criminal Court

Jury Deliberations in Coffee County

In Coffee County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.

Can I request a Plea Agreement?

In Coffee 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.

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.

The Right to Counsel

The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.

Coffee County Required Court Appearances

In Coffee 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.

Appealing a Criminal Conviciton

A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction to an appellate court. In an appeal, the actual trial is not redone, but the appellate court hears arguments that the criminal case was not handled in a legal manner at the original criminal court. The appellate court can either uphold the conviction, or determine that errors were made and may request a retrial, a resentencing of the defendant or that the charges be dismissed.

Sentencing in Coffee County

In Coffee 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 happens in Coffee County at an arraignment?

In Coffee County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.

Where will Coffee County criminal case hearings take place?

Criminal cases will take place at the criminal courts of Coffee County. See here for the location of the criminal courts in Coffee County.

The Right to Trial by Jury

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.

Coffee County Criminal Court Locations

  • Coffee County Circuit Court

    Address: 300 Hillsboro Boulevard, Manchester, TN 37355
    Phone: 931-723-5110 Fax: 931-723-5116

  • Coffee County Chancery Court

    Address: 300 Hillsboro Boulevard, Box 8, Manchester, TN 37355
    Phone: 931-723-5132 Fax: 931-723-8206

  • Coffee County General Sessions Court

    Address: 300 Hillsboro Boulevard, Manchester, TN 37355
    Phone: 931-723-5110 Fax: 931-723-5116

  • Coffee County Juvenile Court

    Address: 300 Hillsboro Boulevard, Manchester, TN 37355
    Phone: 931-723-5110 Fax: 931-723-5116

  • Manchester City Court

    Address: 200 West Front Street, Manchester, TN 37349
    Phone: 931-728-2099

  • Tullahoma City Court

    Address: 201 West Grundy Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388
    Phone: 931-455-2648

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