Humphreys County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Humphreys County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Humphreys County.
Jury Deliberations in Humphreys County
In Humphreys 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.
Sentencing in Humphreys County
In Humphreys 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.
Humphreys County Criminal Court
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.
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.
Who is the prosecutor for Humphreys County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Humphreys County criminal cases will either be a representative of Humphreys County or a representative from Tennessee. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.
Humphreys County Arraignments
An arraignment is a court hearing. In Humphreys County this is the first thing that will happen in a criminal case. The defendant will be brought before a judge in Humphreys County Criminal Court and the judge will read the charges that were filed against the defendant. The judge will also read the rights the defendant has and ask the defendant if they understand both the charges filed against them and their rights as a defendant in the case. In Humphreys County a plea of Guilty, Not Guilty or No Contest may be entered. In a guilty or no contest plea the sentencing of the defendant may take place at the same arraignment hearing or a later date may be scheduled for sentencing. For a not guilty plea, a date will be set for a trial.
Humphreys County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Humphreys County will take place at the Humphreys County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Humphreys County Criminal Court Locations.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Humphreys 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.
Humphreys County Required Court Appearances
In Humphreys 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.
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.
I need help for my Humphreys County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Humphreys County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Humphreys County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
Humphreys County Criminal Court Locations
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Humphreys County Circuit Court
Address: 100 North Court Square, Room 106, Waverly, TN 37185
Phone: 931-296-2461 Fax: 931-296-1651 -
Humphreys County Chancery Court
Address: 100 North Court Square, Room 202, Waverly, TN 37185
Phone: 931-296-2558 Fax: 931-296-6513 -
Humphreys County General Sessions Court
Address: 100 North Court Square, Room 106, Waverly, TN 37185
Phone: 931-296-2461 Fax: 931-296-1651 -
Humphreys County Juvenile Court
Address: 102 Thompson Street, Room 2, Waverly, TN 37185
Phone: 931-296-7671 Fax: 931-296-2308 -
McEwen City Court
Address: 9586 Highway 70 East, PO Box 236, McEwen, TN 37101
Phone: 931-582-6211 -
New Johnsonville City Court
Address: 323 Long Street, New Johnsonville, TN 37134
Phone: 931-535-2715 Fax: 931-535-2185 -
Waverly City Court
Address: 103 East Main Street, Waverly, TN 37185
Phone: 931-296-3003