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The Daily Insight Hub

How long can a case be pending in Tennessee?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on February 08, 2026

The criminal statute of limitations is a time limit the state has for prosecuting a crime. Under Tennessee law, the statute of limitations depends on the severity of the crime you face, ranging from 6 months to no limit. When the suspect conceals the crime, or when the suspect is not publicly residing in Tennessee.

What is the statute of limitations on contracts in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, as a general rule, most contract suits must be commenced within six (6) years of the date the “cause of action accrues” or else they will be barred by the statute of limitations. Generally speaking, a cause of action in a contract case “accrues” when the contract is breached.

How do you beat a bail jump charge?

A bail jumping charge usually requires the prosecution to prove that the defendant failed to appear intentionally. This means that they were aware of the court appearance. In other words, a defendant may be able to defeat the charge if they can show that they did not have proper notice of the court date.

How long does the DA have to file charges in Tennessee?

Statute of Limitations: Felonies and Misdemeanors The general time limits for other crimes are: 15 years for Class A felonies. eight years for Class B felonies. four years for Class C and D felonies.

What is a Class E felony in TN?

Class E felonies, the least serious felonies in Tennessee, are punishable by one to six years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $3,000. Theft of property worth more than $1,000 but less than $2,500 is a class E felony.

Can you get probation for a Class D felony in Tennessee?

A person with a Class D felony conviction can apply for a pardon with the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole. A 5-year waiting period is required following the completion of the felony sentence and there can be no criminal activity during that waiting period.

What is the statute of limitations in Tennessee for personal injury?

one year
According to Tennessee Law, all personal injury claims (including car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice claims) have a statute of limitations of one year from the date of the initial incident.

What is the statute of limitations for property damage in TN?

three years
In Tennessee, any claim concerning property damage must be filed within three years of the accident date. A property claim should include all damages your vehicle sustained, as well as any personal property lost in the accident.

What does it mean when you bail jump?

Some states define bail jumping as a defendant failing to show up in court, thereby forfeiting bond, then failing to surrender within a set time period. Because bail jumping is its own offense, the defendant’s innocence as to the charges that led to arrest typically isn’t a defense to the failure to appear.

Is bail jumping a felony in Texas?

Bail jumping is generally a Class A misdemeanor; however, if the underlying offense was a Class C misdemeanor, the bail jumping offense is also a Class C. 1 If the underlying offense was a felony, the bail jumping offense is a third-degree felony.

Is there a stat of limitation on jumping bail?

The Federal government does, as do most States. Those States without a specific “bail jumping” statute usually have a “failure to appear” statute which is just as significant. Bail is a “conditional release” pending prosecution of an underlying allegation of criminal conduct.

When does the Statute of limitations run in Tennessee?

Also, if a person tries to “evade” (avoid) arrest for a crime, the law gives the prosecutor extra time to file charges. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations doesn’t run while the defendant conceals the crime or is not a resident of the state.

What’s the difference between bail jumping and failure to appear?

Those States without a specific “bail jumping” statute usually have a “failure to appear” statute which is just as significant. Bail is a “conditional release” pending prosecution of an underlying allegation of criminal conduct.

What’s the Statute of limitations for arson in Tennessee?

Class E felony: within two years. Offenses arising under the revenue laws: generally three years following the commission of the offense, six years in certain circumstances such as for defrauding the state, evading or defeating payment of tax, and failing to pay tax. Arson: within eight years from date of offense.