What To Expect at Your First Court Date in Tennessee (General Sessions Court Explained)

Martha Dinwiddie

Your first court date after a criminal charge can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve never been through the legal system before. Whether your arrest happened in Knox County, Anderson County, Loudon County, Blount County, Roane County, Sevier County, or anywhere else in East Tennessee, understanding what will happen at your first appearance can dramatically reduce stress and prevent costly mistakes.

At Stephens & DiRado, LLP, we are experienced East Tennessee criminal defense attorneys and lawyers who have handled thousands of General Sessions Court cases. We know how intimidating the process can feel — and we know how to guide you through it step by step.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about your first court date, what happens in General Sessions Court, what NOT to do, and how we protect your future from day one.

Criminal Defense Attorney in East Tennessee: Understanding What General Sessions Court Really Is

General Sessions Court is the first stop for nearly every criminal case in Tennessee. It doesn’t matter whether the charge is a misdemeanor, a DUI, drug possession, domestic assault, or even a serious felony — everyone begins in Sessions.

The Purpose of General Sessions Court

General Sessions Court handles:

  • Arraignments (your first appearance)
  • Bond hearings
  • Preliminary hearings for felonies
  • Plea negotiations
  • Misdemeanor trials
  • Probation violations
  • Orders of protection hearings

Why This Court Matters

Many people think the first court date is “no big deal.”
We cannot stress this enough:

Your first appearance can shape your entire case.

This is where:

  • Rights can be preserved
  • Mistakes can be made
  • Evidence can be secured
  • Prosecutors begin forming their position
  • We start building your defense

Having attorneys present from the very beginning gives you the strongest possible footing.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in East Tennessee: What Happens at Your First Court Appearance

Most first court dates in East Tennessee follow the same general flow — but each county has its own personality. As your lawyers, we guide you through all of it.

1. The Judge Calls the Docket

Cases are usually grouped by:

  • Misdemeanors
  • DUIs
  • Drug crimes
  • Domestic violence
  • Felonies for preliminary hearing
  • Probation violations

The courtroom may be crowded and move quickly, but timing depends on your judge and the county.

2. The Judge Confirms Your Identity

This is routine. You’ll state your name and confirm receipt of your charges.

3. The Judge Reviews Your Charges

Your charges may include:

  • Misdemeanors (assault, drug possession, DUI, theft)
  • Felonies (drug distribution, aggravated assault, burglary, gun charges)
  • Violations (probation, bond conditions, orders of protection)

This is not a time to argue or explain the case. In fact, speaking can hurt you. That’s why we speak on your behalf.

4. The Judge Discusses Bond and Conditions

If you were released on bond, the judge may review conditions such as:

  • No contact orders
  • No drug or alcohol use
  • Mandatory check-ins
  • GPS monitoring
  • Travel restrictions

If your bond is too high, we may ask the judge to lower it based on:

  • Employment
  • Family responsibilities
  • Community ties
  • Lack of criminal history
  • Weakness in the state’s evidence

5. We Enter Your Plea

Your plea at the first court date is almost always:
“Not guilty.”
Why?
Because we have not yet received evidence, reviewed police reports, watched bodycam footage, or investigated your case.

A “not guilty” plea preserves all options.

Criminal Defense Attorney for East Tennessee: What We Do Before Your First Court Date

A strong defense starts before we ever step into court.

As your attorneys, we immediately begin:

✔ Reviewing the arrest

We examine stop videos, arrest procedures, warrants, and the legality of police conduct.

✔ Contacting the prosecutor

Early communication often leads to:

  • Reduced charges
  • Diversion options
  • Discovery of weaknesses in the case

✔ Investigating the details

 

We analyze:

  • Officer conduct
  • Witness statements
  • Forensic or lab issues
  • Prior reports
  • Bodycam footage
  • Chain of custody

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving East Tennessee: What NOT To Do at Your First Court Date

Here are the biggest mistakes we see defendants make — all of which we help you avoid:

❌ Talking about the case in the courtroom

Even whispering can be overheard.

❌ Approaching the prosecutor alone

Anything you say is evidence.

❌ Thinking the judge will hear “your side”

General Sessions Court is not the place for explanations. That's what your attorney is for.

❌ Missing your court date

A failure to appear (FTA) results in:

  • A bench warrant
  • Bond forfeiture
  • Immediate arrest

❌ Agreeing to a plea deal without legal advice

Prosecutors do not represent your interests.

❌ Showing up unprepared

Your first appearance sets the tone.

When we are your lawyers, we protect you from all of this.

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving East Tennessee: What a Preliminary Hearing Means for Felony Cases

If your charge is a felony, your first court date usually leads to a preliminary hearing, one of the most important stages in your case.

The Purpose of a Preliminary Hearing

This hearing determines:

  • Whether probable cause exists
  • Whether your case stays in General Sessions
  • Whether it moves to the Grand Jury
  • Whether the charges can be reduced or dismissed

Our Goal at This Stage

As your criminal defense lawyers, we use the preliminary hearing to:

  • Challenge the officer’s testimony
  • Expose flaws in the state’s evidence
  • Lock the state into statements we can use later
  • Push for dismissals or reductions
  • Negotiate favorable outcomes

In many East Tennessee counties, this is where cases get dismissed, reduced, or negotiated successfully.

East Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer: What Happens After Your First Court Date

After your first appearance, three paths are possible:

1. Case Dismissal

This may occur when:

  • Evidence is weak
  • Police violated your rights
  • Witnesses are unreliable
  • Charges were exaggerated

2. Plea Negotiation

Negotiations may lead to:

  • Reduction to a lesser charge
  • Diversion
  • Deferred prosecution
  • Expungement eligibility
  • Lower fines or probation terms

3. Case Advancement to Criminal Court

If the state proceeds:

  • A grand jury reviews the case
  • A formal indictment is issued
  • Pretrial motions follow
  • Your lawyers prepare for trial

Every path depends on evidence, strategy, and early intervention. The sooner we begin working, the more defenses we can build.

Your First Court Date Doesn’t Have to Decide Your Future

Facing criminal charges in East Tennessee is stressful — but you do not have to face the courts alone. As dedicated criminal defense attorneys, we stand beside you from day one, helping you understand the process, avoid harmful mistakes, and build a strong defense that protects your freedom and future.

Your first court date is just the beginning — and the right lawyers make all the difference.

📞 Call Stephens & DiRado, LLP at (865) 545-0909