Felon Charged After Firing Gun in Middle Tennessee: What This Means for Your Defense

A recent case out of Middle Tennessee highlights how quickly a situation can turn into serious federal charges.

According to reports, a man in nearby Springfield is now facing federal charges after allegedly firing a gun from his back porch and threatening to kill a woman. 

This type of case is more common than people think — and the legal consequences can be severe.

What Happened

Authorities say the defendant:

• allegedly fired multiple shots from his property
• made threats toward another person
• was already a convicted felon

Law enforcement responded with a tactical team and ultimately took him into custody. 

The key charge?

👉 Felon in possession of a firearm

Why This Charge Is So Serious

If you have a prior felony conviction, you are generally prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.

That means:

• You don’t have to commit a violent crime
• You don’t even have to fire the weapon

👉 Simply possessing it can lead to federal charges

And federal cases are a different animal:

• stricter sentencing
• fewer diversion options
• aggressive prosecution

The Threat Allegation Makes It Worse

In this case, prosecutors also allege that the defendant threatened to kill someone.

That can trigger additional charges, including:

• aggravated assault
• terroristic threats
• potential federal enhancements

When firearms and threats are combined, prosecutors take these cases very seriously.

Where People Go Wrong in These Cases

Most people don’t realize how quickly things escalate.

Common mistakes include:

• handling a firearm despite a prior felony
• making statements to police
• attempting to explain or justify the situation

Those statements often become key evidence.

The Critical Mistake: Talking

In cases like this, what you say matters just as much as what you do.

People often try to explain:

• “I was just trying to scare them”
• “I didn’t mean anything by it”

Those statements can be used to build the case against you.

What You Should Do Instead

If you are being investigated in a situation involving a firearm:

1. Do not explain
2. Do not justify
3. Say:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Then ask for a lawyer.

Why This Matters in Nashville

Even though this case happened just outside Nashville, these types of charges show up regularly in Davidson County.

And prosecutors here take:

• gun cases
• domestic-related threats
• repeat offender cases

very seriously.

The Reality

Once a firearm is involved — especially with a prior conviction — you are in high-risk territory.

This is not something you can “talk your way out of.”

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 gun charge, federal investigation, or violent offense:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

What you say — or don’t say — can determine your future.