It’s a common misconception that a dismissed charge in Tennessee simply disappears from your record. In reality, a dismissal in Tennessee remains part of your public record unless you take proactive steps to have it expunged. At the Law Office of Bryan Stephenson, our experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process.

Criminal Charges on Record

Dismissed criminal charges in Tennessee remain on your record unless you take specific legal action to have them removed. This means potential employers, landlords, and others who conduct background checks can see these charges, even if you were never convicted. This can negatively impact your job prospects, housing options, and overall reputation.

Expunging a Dismissed Charge in TN

Fortunately, under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-107, many dismissed charges are eligible for expungement. Expungement is the process of legally sealing or erasing a criminal record, making it inaccessible to the public. While not all dismissed charges are eligible for expungement, many are, including those that resulted in a dismissal, acquittal, or “no true bill” by a grand jury.

In 2025, Tennessee updated and recodified its expungement law under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-107, replacing the former § 40-32-101. The revised statute maintains the right to expunge eligible dismissed charges and reinforces that these cases can be cleared from public view without cost in most instances. The law continues to cover cases that the court has rejected, charges not pursued by the prosecution, and instances where a grand jury returns a ‘no true bill’. An attorney can confirm if your situation qualifies under the most current legal standards.

To have a dismissed charge expunged, you must file a petition with the court where the charge was filed. An experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer can help you with the process, ensuring all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and advocating for your rights in court.

Why Expungement in Tennessee Matters

Expunging a dismissed charge in Tennessee can have numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Employment Prospects: Employers are less likely to hold a dismissed charge against you if it’s been expunged from your record.
• Increased Housing Opportunities: Landlords may be more willing to rent to you if your record is clear.
• Restored Reputation: Expungement allows you to move forward with a clean slate, free from the stigma of a past criminal charge.
  

If you have dismissed charges on your record in Tennessee, don’t let them hold you back. Bryan, a Nashville criminal defense lawyer, will assess your case, determine your eligibility for expungement, and guide you through the process to clear your name. Contact us at The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson today for a free consultation.

Reckless endangerment in TN is a serious offense. A conviction can have far-reaching consequences, affecting your driving privileges, future employment opportunities, and reputation. It’s crucial to understand how long a reckless endangerment conviction remains on your record and its potential implications.

If you’ve been charged with or convicted of reckless endangerment, here’s what you need to know and how a Nashville, TN DUI attorney is of importance.

Reckless Endangerment in Tennessee

Reckless endangerment can involve various actions, including discharging a firearm in a public area or reckless driving in Tennessee, when a driver recklessly engages in conduct that places another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury. This can include actions like:

• Speeding excessively
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Running red lights or stop signs
  

Reckless Endangerment Stays on Your Record

Reckless endangerment can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in Tennessee, depending on the circumstances:

• Misdemeanor Reckless Endangerment: A misdemeanor conviction for reckless endangerment will remain on your criminal record permanently unless you successfully petition for expungement. Tennessee law permits expungement of eligible misdemeanor convictions, including reckless endangerment, five years after completion of the sentence, provided that all statutory conditions are satisfied.

• Felony Reckless Endangerment: A felony conviction is more serious and is generally not eligible for expungement under Tennessee’s current expungement statutes.

In 2025, Tennessee recodified its expungement statute under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-107, replacing the former § 40-32-101. While felony reckless endangerment remains ineligible, certain misdemeanor convictions may now qualify if specific legal requirements are met. Eligibility depends on how the offense was charged, whether the conduct was considered violent, and whether all sentence terms have been completed. If you are unsure whether your conviction qualifies under the revised law, a Nashville criminal defense attorney can assess your situation and help you understand your legal options.

Expungement of Reckless Endangerment Conviction

In some cases, Tennessee law permits the expungement of certain misdemeanor convictions after a specified waiting period. Under the latest law, misdemeanor reckless endangerment convictions are eligible for expungement. 

If you are facing charges or have a reckless endangerment conviction on your record, it is essential to speak with a skilled Nashville criminal defense attorney. Expungement may be available in limited cases, but eligibility depends on how the charge was filed and the specific facts of your case.

Contact The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your options and determine whether expungement or other legal relief may be possible.

Attorney Bryan Stephenson is highlighted as one of the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Nashville, as well as one of the Best DUI Attorneys in Nashville according to Forbes Advisor Legal. Forbes Advisor Legal takes into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications.

Having an arrest record can cause difficulties when applying for jobs, housing, or seeking further education. Fortunately, there’s a path to clearing your record – expungement in Tennessee. If you’re facing the consequences of an arrest, consulting a Nashville criminal defense lawyer, like those at The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson, can help you understand your options.

Arrest Records Qualified for Expungement in TN

Not every arrest in Tennessee qualifies for expungement. To be considered for expungement, your case must generally meet the following criteria:

• Dismissed Charges: If the charges against you were dropped or dismissed.
• Acquittals: If you were found not guilty by a judge or jury.
• Arrests without Charges: If you were arrested but never formally charged with a crime.
• Certain Misdemeanors: Some misdemeanors are eligible for expungement after a waiting period.
  

Certain serious offenses, such as certain types of DUI and most felonies, are not eligible for expungement.

As of 2025, Tennessee updated its expungement statute, moving it from Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101 to § 40-32-107. This revised law clarifies eligibility and offers expanded relief in some cases. While many felony convictions still do not qualify, individuals with arrests tied to dismissed or non-prosecuted charges may benefit from broader access to expungement. The law also reinforces that charges resolved through pretrial diversion or a “no true bill” remain eligible, which can be especially helpful for those seeking to move forward after an arrest.

Free Expungement in Tennessee

Tennessee offers free expungement in specific situations, making the process more accessible for those who qualify. You may be eligible for free expungement if:

• You were arrested but never charged with a crime.
• The charge was dismissed, retired, or resulted in a nolle prosequi.
• The grand jury returned a “no true bill” (declined to charge you).
• An order of protection filed against you was successfully defended and denied after a hearing.
  

Not Sure if Your Arrest Record Can Be Expunged?

Having your arrest record expunged in Tennessee can be a life-changing experience. When an arrest is expunged, it’s essentially erased from public view. This means that, in most situations, you can legally deny that the arrest ever occurred. Expungement in Tennessee can enhance your chances of securing employment, renting an apartment, and other opportunities.

Expungement can be a complicated process, and success relies on fulfilling strict legal requirements. If you have an arrest on your record in Tennessee, The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson can help determine if you’re eligible for expungement. Our expert team will guide you through the entire process.

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Nashville criminal defense attorney and explore how expungement in TN can help you move forward.

Domestic assault in Tennessee is a serious offense with lasting consequences. If you have been convicted of domestic assault, you may understandably want to explore having the conviction removed from your record by seeking a domestic violence lawyer in Nashville. This process is called “expungement.” Unfortunately, Tennessee’s laws regarding expungement are strict, particularly when it comes to domestic violence charges.

Non-Expungement of Domestic Assault Conviction

As of 2025, Tennessee’s expungement laws were recodified under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-107, replacing the former § 40-32-101. Despite this revision, convictions for domestic assault remain ineligible for expungement. The updated law continues to exclude violent offenses from eligibility, and domestic assault is specifically listed among those that cannot be cleared. Even if you meet all other expungement criteria, including the passage of time and completion of sentencing, a domestic assault conviction will stay on your record permanently.

This restriction applies to all domestic assault charges, including:

• Domestic Assault: Knowingly or intentionally causing bodily injury to a household member
• Aggravated Domestic Assault: Circumstances that elevate the offense, such as using a weapon or inflicting serious bodily harm
  

Impact of a Non-Expungeable Conviction

A domestic assault conviction in Tennessee remaining on your record can significantly impact your life, including:

• Employment: Background checks are common, and employers may be hesitant to hire someone convicted of domestic assault in Tennessee.
• Housing: Rental applications may include background checks, limiting your options.
• Firearm Rights: You will lose the right to own or possess firearms.
• Reputational Damage: The stigma of a Tennessee domestic violence conviction can have social and professional repercussions.
  

Alternative Legal Options

While expungement may not be an option, there are some possible alternatives:

• Judicial Diversion: If you are a first-time offender, you might be eligible for a judicial diversion program. Successful completion can lead to the dismissal of your charges, but it is not the same as having them expunged. If you are facing a pending domestic assault charge, it is critical to seek legal representation before your court date. In some cases, an attorney can help negotiate to dismiss or retire the charge. Both outcomes can make you eligible for expungement under Tennessee law. Additionally, under T.C.A. § 40-32-107, certain non-domestic assault convictions may now be eligible for expungement, depending on how they are classified.
  

• Seeking a Pardon: Although extremely difficult, the governor of Tennessee has the authority to grant pardons in certain instances. This only applies when it’s a conviction.
  

If you’re facing domestic assault charges or have a conviction on your record, having experienced legal representation is essential. A knowledgeable domestic violence lawyer in Nashville can help protect your rights and advise you on your options.

Bryan understands the severity of a domestic assault conviction and its ongoing impact. He has extensive experience in navigating Tennessee’s complex criminal laws, including TN domestic violence laws. For legal counsel and representation, contact us at The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson for a free consultation.

Driving while under the influence of impairing substances is a serious offense in Tennessee. While many people are familiar with the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), it is essential to understand that Tennessee drug laws also have severe consequences when it comes to driving under the influence of drugs (often called “drugged driving”). If you are facing drug charges, such as drugged driving, consulting with a qualified drug defense lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights.

Tennessee Drug Schedule System

Tennessee classifies drugs into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical usefulness. This classification system has implications for DUI cases.

For instance, Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous with no currently accepted medical use (like heroin), while Schedule V drugs have a lower potential for abuse. Being caught driving under the influence of drugs of any schedule can result in a DUI charge.

Penalties for Drug Offenses

Depending on the type of drug, the amount, and whether the offense involves possession, distribution, or DUI, the consequences can include:

• Jail Time
• Fines
• Driver’s License Suspension
• Probation
• Mandatory Drug Treatment Programs

The sooner you seek legal representation, the greater the chance of protecting your rights and minimizing the penalties.

Drugged Driving in Tennessee

In Tennessee, it is illegal to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Any impairing substance, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or illegal drugs.

It does not matter if the drug was lawfully prescribed if it impairs your ability to drive safely. Further, even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with DUI if you are impaired by a combination of substances.

Know Your Legal Rights, Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing drug-related DUI charges in Tennessee, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced DUI lawyer in Nashville, TN at the Law Office of Bryan Stephenson, can help you understand the charges against you and build the best possible criminal defense against DUI in Tennessee.

Contact us today for a consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the best possible result in your drugged driving in Tennessee case.