Citizenship Status Verification Requirement in Tennessee

Effective January 1, 2011, Tennessee police officers are required to verify the citizenship status of anyone arrested for any criminal offense.

When a person is arrested, booked or confined for any period in the jail of the county or any municipality, the keeper of the jail shall verify the citizenship status of each arrested, booked, or otherwise confined individual and report those individuals to the appropriate immigration and customs enforcement detention and removal operations field office if the keeper of the jail determines that the individual is in violation of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

Remember if you or a loved one is charged or arrested for any criminal offense, or are being investigated for any crime seek the advice of a criminal attorney.  If your citizenship status or alien status is in question seek the advice of an immigration attorney.

Learn more about criminal law issues on the The Law and You in Chattanooga Tennessee:

Can you get pre-trial diversion in Tennessee? What does it mean to plea bargain?