Introduction

One of the most frustrating conversations I have with clients goes something like this:

“My case was dismissed. Why is it still showing up?”

People assume that if charges are dismissed, the record automatically disappears.

Unfortunately, that’s not always how it works.

And if you don’t take the right steps, a dismissed charge can continue showing up for years.

The Short Answer

Yes.

A dismissed criminal charge can still appear on:

• background checks
• court databases
• third-party websites
• internet search results

Unless additional action is taken.

Dismissed Does Not Mean Erased

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in criminal law.

When a case is dismissed:

👉 You won the case.

But the fact that the case existed may still remain in various records.

Many people discover this when applying for:

• jobs
• professional licenses
• housing
• loans

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process used to remove eligible criminal records from public view.

In many Tennessee cases, a dismissal may qualify for expungement.

When granted, the official record can often be removed from state databases.

The Problem With Third-Party Websites

Even after an expungement is granted, another issue remains.

Private background check companies may have already collected the information.

These companies often:

• copy public records
• store them in private databases
• continue reporting outdated information

This creates frustration for many people.

Why Does This Happen?

Because private companies are not always notified when a court later dismisses or expunges a case.

As a result:

👉 old information can continue circulating online.

Can You Remove It?

Sometimes.

After an expungement, many third-party companies will remove information if properly notified.

Others require:

• written requests
• supporting documentation
• proof of expungement

The process can take time.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

They assume:

“The judge dismissed my case. Everything is gone.”

Then years later they discover:

• an employer found it
• a landlord found it
• a background check company found it

The dismissal alone did not solve the entire problem.

Why This Matters in Nashville

In Nashville and throughout

Davidson County, Tennessee

thousands of criminal cases are dismissed every year.

Many people qualify for expungement but never file for it.

As a result, records that could have been removed remain visible.

The Reality

Winning the criminal case is only Step One.

Protecting your record may be Step Two.

And Step Two is often overlooked.

The Bottom Line

• Dismissed charges do not automatically disappear
• Expungement may be available
• Third-party websites may continue reporting old information
• Taking action early can protect your future

If your case was dismissed, don’t assume the problem solved itself.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If your case was dismissed and you’re wondering whether it can be expunged:

👉 Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

A dismissal is great. Making sure it stays out of your future is even better

Introduction

You miss your court date.

Maybe you forgot.
Maybe you thought it would be reset.
Maybe you were scared to go.

Now you’re wondering:

“What happens if I miss court in Tennessee?”

The answer can be serious — and it can happen fast.

The Short Answer

If you fail to appear in court in Tennessee:

👉 the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest

This is commonly called a:

• Failure to Appear warrant
• Bench warrant
• Capias

And depending on the case, it can create major additional problems.

What Is “Failure to Appear”?

Failure to appear means:

👉 you were ordered to come to court and did not show up

This applies to:

• criminal court dates
• probation hearings
• misdemeanor cases
• felony cases

What Happens After You Miss Court?

In many cases, the judge will:

• revoke your bond
• issue an arrest warrant
• increase your bond amount
• set stricter release conditions later

In some situations:

👉 missing court becomes a separate criminal charge

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Consequences

The seriousness often depends on:

• the underlying charge
• whether the case is misdemeanor or felony
• your prior history
• whether the absence appears intentional

Felony cases are generally treated much more harshly.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

Ignoring it.

People think:

• “I’ll deal with it later”
• “Maybe it’ll go away”

It usually doesn’t.

Instead, warrants often lead to:

• unexpected arrests
• traffic stop arrests
• jail holds
• higher bonds

What Happens If You’re Pulled Over Later?

This is extremely common.

A person gets stopped for something minor:

• speeding
• expired tags
• seatbelt violation

Then officers discover the warrant.

Now the person is:

👉 arrested on the spot

Can a Lawyer Help Fix It?

In some situations, yes.

Depending on the court and circumstances, a lawyer may be able to:

• arrange a surrender
• request bond reinstatement
• help address the warrant proactively
• reduce damage before arrest occurs

The sooner this is addressed, the better.

What You Should NOT Do

Do NOT:

• avoid the problem
• run from police
• discuss your case online
• assume “they forgot about it”

That often makes things worse.

Why This Matters in Nashville

In Nashville and throughout
Davidson County, Tennessee

Failure to Appear warrants are extremely common.

And because Davidson County handles such a high volume of criminal cases:

👉 warrants are issued every single day

The Reality

Missing court can turn a manageable case into a much more serious situation.

And many people underestimate how quickly that happens.

The Bottom Line

• Missing court can lead to a warrant for your arrest
• Your bond may be revoked
• The situation often gets worse over time

The smartest move:

👉 deal with it immediately

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you missed court or think you may have a warrant:

👉 Don’t wait. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

The faster you act, the more options you may have.

Introduction

A lot of people think probation means:

“I avoided jail.”

But probation is not freedom.

It’s supervision — with rules.

And if you violate those rules in Tennessee, the consequences can be serious and immediate.

The Short Answer

If you violate probation in Tennessee, the court can:

• revoke your probation
• order you back to jail
• require additional conditions
• extend supervision
• or reinstate probation with penalties

In some cases, you can be taken into custody immediately.

What Counts as a Probation Violation?

Probation conditions vary, but common violations include:

• missing appointments
• failing drug tests
• new arrests
• failing to complete classes or treatment
• failing to pay court costs or fees
• leaving the state without permission

Even technical violations can lead to court action.

The Biggest Misconception

People assume:

“It’s just a technical violation.”

Judges may not see it that way.

Especially if:

• there are repeated violations
• the violation involves drugs or alcohol
• the defendant picks up new charges

What Happens After a Violation Is Filed?

Once a probation violation warrant is issued:

👉 you may be arrested

Then the case is set for a probation violation hearing.

At that hearing, the judge decides:

• whether a violation occurred
• and what punishment follows

The Burden of Proof Is Lower

This surprises many people.

Probation violations do NOT require proof beyond a reasonable doubt like a criminal trial.

The State only needs to show evidence sufficient for the court to find a violation occurred.

That lower standard makes these hearings dangerous.

What Judges Can Do

Depending on the case, a judge may:

• reinstate probation
• add stricter conditions
• order jail time
• require treatment programs
• revoke probation entirely

And in some situations:

👉 the judge can order service of the original sentence

The Biggest Mistake People Make

Talking too much.

People often walk into court saying:

• “I can explain”
• “It’s not what it looks like”
• “I only messed up once”

Those statements can hurt more than help.

What You Should Do Instead

If you are accused of violating probation:

1. Do NOT panic
2. Do NOT discuss details publicly
3. Talk to a lawyer immediately

And remember:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Why This Matters in Nashville

In Nashville and throughout
Davidson County, Tennessee

probation violations are extremely common.

Judges often look closely at:

• compliance history
• treatment efforts
• employment
• attitude toward supervision

Early preparation matters.

The Reality

Probation is an opportunity — but it comes with strict expectations.

Many people underestimate how quickly violations can escalate into jail time.

The Bottom Line

• Probation violations can lead to immediate arrest
• Judges have broad discretion
• Technical violations can still carry serious consequences

The smartest move:

👉 Take the violation seriously and get legal help immediately.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you are facing a probation violation in Tennessee:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

What happens next can determine whether you stay free or go back to jail.

The so-called “three strikes” bill was defeated this week in a close 5–4 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee after testimony from multiple voices, including prominent defense attorney Jeff Cherry. 

This wasn’t just another bill.

It would have reshaped how repeat offenders are punished across the state.

What Was the “Three Strikes” Bill?

The proposed legislation aimed to create a system where repeat offenders would face significantly enhanced penalties after multiple convictions.

In general terms, “three strikes” laws are designed so that:

• A first offense carries normal penalties
• A second offense increases consequences
• A third offense triggers severe mandatory punishment

Supporters argue this targets repeat offenders.

Critics argue it removes judicial discretion and can lead to overly harsh results.

Why the Bill Failed

The bill was defeated in the Senate Judiciary Committee after concerns were raised about:

• cost to the prison system
• fairness in sentencing
• lack of judicial flexibility

There was also reported disagreement among lawmakers about how far the bill should go and whether it was the right approach to crime policy. 

The vote was close — 5 to 4 — showing just how divided lawmakers were on the issue.

Why Testimony From Defense Attorneys Matters

Attorneys like Jeff Cherry played a key role in explaining the real-world impact of the bill.

From a defense perspective, concerns often include:

• mandatory sentencing removing case-by-case fairness
• disproportionate punishment for non-violent offenders
• increased pressure on defendants to plead guilty

These are not theoretical concerns — they play out in courtrooms every day.

What This Would Have Meant for Defendants

If passed, a “three strikes” law could have meant:

• longer prison sentences for repeat offenders
• reduced ability for judges to tailor punishment
• fewer opportunities for diversion or alternative sentencing

In other words:

👉 The stakes in every criminal case would have been significantly higher

Why This Matters in Nashville

In Nashville, Tennessee and throughout Davidson County, the criminal justice system already handles a high volume of cases.

A law like this would have:

• increased pressure on defendants early in the process
• made prior convictions even more critical
• limited flexibility in resolving cases

For someone with prior charges, even a relatively minor new offense could have had major consequences.

The Reality of Criminal Law

Here’s what most people don’t understand:

Every case is different.

That’s why judges are given discretion — to weigh:

• the facts
• the person
• the circumstances

Laws that remove that discretion can lead to outcomes that don’t always fit the situation.

What This Means Going Forward

The bill’s failure — at least for now — means:

• Tennessee has NOT adopted a “three strikes” system
• judges still retain discretion in sentencing
• defense strategy still matters in every case

But make no mistake:

👉 Proposals like this will likely come back

The Bigger Lesson

Legislative changes like this can happen quickly.

And when they do, they can:

• increase penalties
• change defenses
• shift leverage in criminal cases

That’s why staying informed matters.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you are facing criminal charges — especially with prior offenses:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

Because in today’s legal landscape, what happens next matters more than ever.