You were just driving home through Coffee County. Ten minutes later, you’re cuffed in the back of a patrol car. Your phone’s out of reach, and your mind is racing. If you’re like most people in this situation, one thought keeps echoing louder than the rest: What happens after you get arrested in Tennessee?
Whether it’s your first brush with the law or not, the feeling is the same: disorienting, frustrating, and more than a little scary. Below, we’ll walk you through the arrest process, booking, bond, and what you can expect in the following hours, days, and weeks.
What Starts the Arrest Process?
In Tennessee, an arrest can happen with or without a warrant, depending on the circumstances. Law enforcement can arrest someone without a warrant if they witness a crime or have probable cause to believe a felony has been committed.
If the arrest is based on a warrant, a judge has already found enough evidence to justify the arrest. Now, let’s explore what happens after you get arrested in Tennessee.
What Happens When You Get Arrested for the First Time?
The process can feel surreal if this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system. But here’s what typically happens:
- You’re taken into custody. You’ll be handcuffed, searched, and transported to a local jail or detention center.
- Your personal belongings are inventoried. Law enforcement will hold these items until you’re released or transferred.
- You’ll be read your Miranda rights. Officers must inform you of your right to remain silent and to an attorney. You should use both rights.
The entire arrest experience can be traumatic, but understanding the steps ahead can give you a sense of control.
How Long Does It Take to Get Booked After Being Arrested?
Booking is the administrative part of your arrest. It typically begins shortly after you arrive at the jail and can take several hours, depending on how busy the facility is. During booking, law enforcement will:
- Take your fingerprints and photograph (mugshot),
- Enter your charges into the system, and
- Ask you basic personal and medical questions.
After booking, you’re stuck in a holding cell, sometimes for hours, overnight, until you post bond or a judge finally sees your case.
How Long Can You Be Held Without Bond in Tennessee?
Bail, bond, and holding time depend on key factors. Under Tennessee law, arrestees must be brought before a magistrate without delay. This is often within 48 hours, though weekends and court closures can stretch that window.
At this point, the magistrate holds a lot of power. They’ll decide how serious your charge is, whether you get to go home, and what hoops you’ll need to jump through if you do.
You have a right to a bond hearing; in some cases, a formal bail hearing will follow. Judges consider flight risk, danger to the community, and prior record before granting bond.
A criminal defense lawyer can intervene immediately if you haven’t seen a magistrate within a reasonable time or are held improperly without bond.
Your First Court Date & What Happens Next
Within a few days, you’ll be scheduled for an initial appearance in court, often called an arraignment. At this hearing:
- The court will formally advise you of the charges against you,
- You’ll enter a plea, and
- The judge may set a preliminary hearing date.
From here, the case moves forward in either the General Sessions Court, for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, or the Criminal Court, for indictments or jury trials.
Key Decisions You’ll Face Along the Way
The days after an arrest are full of unknowns, with several decisions that will come up fast. Some of the biggest ones include:
- Whether to talk to the police. The officers may sound calm and polite, but make no mistake, they’re building a case, not trying to help. Say nothing until your lawyer is with you.
- Whether to bond out or wait. In some cases, waiting until the bond hearing can reduce or eliminate the cost of bail. An attorney can advise you.
- Whether to request a preliminary hearing. This hearing lets your lawyer challenge the case early on and possibly get charges dismissed or reduced.
- Whether to accept a plea deal. This decision can shape your future. You should only make this decision with a full understanding of the consequences.
Having legal counsel from the beginning can influence every one of these decisions in your favor.
Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Early
Getting arrested isn’t the end of the story. But what do you do next? That’s what writes the next chapter of your life. The earlier you hire a defense lawyer, the better your odds of:
- Getting a fair bond,
- Avoiding missed deadlines or court dates,
- Gathering favorable evidence before it disappears, and
- Negotiating with prosecutors before formal charges are filed.
At The Law Firm, PC, we don’t just represent you. We stand beside you. Our attorneys, Alan Rose and Corey Spearman, are known throughout Tennessee for making complex legal problems relatable and winnable.
Alan brings the insight of someone who’s stood in your shoes and fought his way back. That raw life experience and courtroom firepower give our clients something few firms can offer—a legal team that gets it and wins.
Arrested? Don’t Let the System Decide Your Story
The legal system can feel like a machine: cold, fast, and unforgiving. Let us help you take back the narrative, protect your rights, and fight for your future with you.
We offer free consultations because everyone deserves to understand their options without pressure. Whether you’re in Tullahoma, Manchester, or looking for trial talent in Nashville or Murfreesboro, we’re in your corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can You Be Held Without Charges in Tennessee?
Most individuals must appear before a judge within 48 hours. Legal intervention is necessary if charges aren’t filed or bail isn’t set promptly.
Do First-Time Offenders Go to Jail in Tennessee?
It depends on the charge. Some first-time offenses may result in probation or diversion, but serious crimes can still lead to jail time. A lawyer can argue for alternatives.
Can You Bond Out Before Seeing a Judge?
Yes. For many misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses, there may be a preset bond amount. Serious charges require a judge’s review.
Additional Reading
- Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, The Criminal Justice Process, link.
- Tennessee State Courts, Rule 4: Arrest Warrant or Summons, link.
- Knox County District Attorney General, Criminal Justice 101, link.
- Can You Get a DUI Expunged in Tennessee?
- 7 Ways to Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney in Tennessee
Alan has spent his career standing up for those the system tries to push aside. With over a decade of experience in criminal and corporate law, he pairs sharp trial skills with a deep sense of empathy—earned through his own personal walk through the justice system.
At The Law Firm, PC, Alan personally handles each case, giving clients direct access, honest advice, and fierce representation every step of the way. He knows their stories matter—and he fights to make sure they’re heard.
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