Legal Question in Criminal Law in Tennessee

Can my past history be used against me if its 10 yrs old or longer


Asked on 5/28/13, 8:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

The response depends: Used against you in what way?

A conviction more than ten years old (measured from the end of any sentence imposed) cannot be used to impeach you if you testify as a witness in a criminal trial.

A felony conviction can be used forever for the purpose of increasing your punishment if convicted of another crime.

A prior conviction for a felony or a Class A Misdemeanor can be used forever to deny you pretrial diversion or posttrial diversion.

And in terms of getting a job, owning a firearm, getting a security clearance, becoming a notary public, serving on jury duty and other civil matters, a conviction is forever. Under certain circumstances civil rights can be restored, so follow the usual advice: see an attorney with respect to your specific situation.

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Answered on 5/28/13, 9:44 am


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