How long can someone face prison time for a federal crime?

In Tennessee, the amount of time someone can face prison time for a federal crime depends on the crime committed and sentencing guidelines. If convicted of a federal crime, an individual can face a period of time ranging from a few months to several decades in prison. The federal criminal justice system is mainly split into two categories—felony offenses and misdemeanors. Felony offenses generally carry more serious penalties and are punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year. Examples of federal felonies include drug trafficking, aggravated assault, bribery, murder, or forgery. Misdemeanor offenses are generally much less serious than felonies and are punishable by a prison sentence of less than one year. Examples of federal misdemeanors include simple assault, theft, possession of a small amount of drugs, or prostitution. The sentencing guidelines also depend on the nature of the crime committed, as well as the criminal history of the individual accused. If the accused has a prior criminal history, they may face more severe punishments compared to someone without any criminal history. The court also considers the age of the accused and the severity of the alleged crime when determining sentencing. In some cases, an accused individual may be sentenced to probation or house arrest instead of going to prison. Probation or house arrest can range from one year to several years, depending on the crime and the accused’s criminal history. Ultimately, the length of time someone faces in prison depends on the crime committed, the individual’s criminal history, and certain circumstances surrounding the crime itself.

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