Robertson County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Robertson County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Robertson County.
What happens in Robertson County at an arraignment?
In Robertson 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.
If guilty, who sentences the defendant?
If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.
Robertson County Criminal Court
Where can I get help for my Robertson 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 Robertson 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.
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.
Robertson County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Robertson County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Robertson County. The Robertson 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.
Plea Agreements
A Plea Agreement, sometimes known as a Plea Bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest often in exchange for a lesser charge or lighter recommended sentence. A large majority of criminal cases end in a plea agreement. In Robertson County you can inform your attorney to negotiate with the prosecution to attempt to come to a plea agreement, but this is dependent upon the charge severity and also the prosecutors willingness to accept a plea deal.
Appealing a guilty verdict
A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.
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.
Robertson County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Robertson County will take place at the Robertson County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Robertson County Criminal Court Locations.
Jury Deliberations in Robertson County
In Robertson 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.
Required Court Appearances in Robertson County
Any required court appearances in Robertson County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
Robertson County Criminal Court Locations
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Robertson County Circuit Court
Address: 501 South Main Street, Room 109, Springfield, TN 37172
Phone: 615-384-7864 (Criminal) Fax: 615-384-0246 -
Robertson County Chancery Court
Address: 501 South Main Street, Room 100, Springfield, TN 37172
Phone: 615-384-5650 Fax: 615-382-3128 -
Robertson County General Sessions Court
Address: 529 South Brown Street, Springfield, TN 37172
Phone: 615-382-2324 Fax: 615-382-3113 -
Robertson County Juvenile Court
Address: 529 South Brown Street, Springfield, TN 37172
Phone: 615-382-2324 Fax: 615-382-3113 -
Cross Plains City Court
Address: 7622 Highway 25 East, Cross Plains, TN 37049
Phone: 615-654-2555 -
Greenbrier City Court
Address: 202 West College Street, PO Box 466, Greenbrier, TN 37073
Phone: 615-643-4467 -
Millersville City Court
Address: 1246 Louisville Highway, Millersville, TN 37072
Phone: 615-859-0880 -
Ridgetop City Court
Address: PO Box 650, Ridgetop, TN 37152
Phone: 675-859-0596 Fax: 675-859-0025 -
Springfield City Court
Address: 802 Willow Street, Springfield, TN 37172
Phone: 615-384-8422 -
White House City Court
Address: 105 College Street, White House, TN 37188
Phone: 615-672-4350 Ext. 2137 Fax: 615-672-2939