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TCA 40-6-204

Contents of examination

FELONYFelony

What does this charge mean?

The written statement from the person reporting a crime must describe facts showing there is "probable cause" (reasonable belief) that a crime occurred and that the accused person committed it. The complaint must also include instructions telling the defendant that if charges are dismissed or dropped, they can ask the court to destroy all public records about the case at no cost to them.

Penalty Details

ClassificationFelony
Penalty SummaryFelony
(a) The written examination shall set forth the facts stated by the affiant or affiants that establish that there is probable cause to believe an offense has been committed and that the defendant committed it. Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!(1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.True bill: Another word for indictment.written: includes printing, typewriting, engraving, lithography, and any other mode of representing words and letters. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105(b) The affidavit of complaint must contain instructions informing the defendant that if the defendant’s charge is dismissed, a no true bill is returned by a grand jury, the defendant is arrested and released without being charged with an offense, or the court enters a nolle prosequi in the defendant’s case, the defendant is entitled, upon petition by the defendant to the court having jurisdiction over the action, to the removal and destruction of all public records relating to the case without cost to the defendant.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY
TCA Section40-6-204