TCA 40-4-101
Preliminary proceedings
FELONYFelony
What does this charge mean?
General Sessions Court judges have the power to examine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime, decide if a defendant should be held over for trial, take bail from defendants, and handle several other preliminary criminal matters.
Penalty Details
ClassificationFelony
Penalty SummaryFelony
Judges of the courts of general sessions are authorized and empowered to: (1) Make the preliminary examination and bind over the reputed father in bastardy cases; Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!(2) Summon a jury of inquest in cases of death by accident, as provided in § 38-5-103; (3) Issue a warrant for a prisoner escaped from jail; (4) Examine persons arrested for a crime; (5) Bind a defendant over to court if probable cause be found; and (6) Take bail in bailable offenses brought before the judges.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
FELONY
TCA Section40-4-101