Asked in Traffic Tickets for Tennessee

Q: Is it true that if a misdemeanor warrant isn't served after five years it is void in Tennessee? Thank you.

My daughter was served a failure to appear in court warrant during a traffic stop and was sentenced to serve ten days in jail. She had no idea of a warrant because she paid the citation and got her driver's license reinstated.

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2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
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A: In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for misdemeanors generally does not apply to the issuance or service of a warrant. Unlike some states, where charges may be dropped after a certain period if a warrant hasn't been served, Tennessee operates differently. Once a warrant has been issued, it remains active until served, and law enforcement can execute the warrant whenever the individual comes into contact with them, such as during a traffic stop. In your daughter's case, it appears that the failure to appear warrant was served during the traffic stop, leading to the subsequent sentence.

Anthony M. Avery agrees with this answer

Anthony M. Avery
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A: Daughter needs an attorney to represent her in Court.

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