Big changes are coming to Tennessee’s criminal laws in 2025 — and if you live or work in the state, these changes could affect you or someone you love. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers passed more than 170 new laws. Several of those laws deal specifically with criminal offenses, penalties, and procedures. Some increase penalties for existing crimes, while others create entirely new criminal charges.
As a Nashville criminal defense attorney, you to be aware of what’s changing so you can make informed decisions and protect your rights. Here’s a look at some of the most important updates taking effect in 2025 and early 2026.
Tougher Penalties for Child Abuse
One of the most significant changes is HB0045, which raises the penalty for certain types of child abuse. If someone knowingly injures a child between the ages of 9 and 17, that offense will now be a Class E felony instead of just a Class A misdemeanor. This means much higher stakes for anyone facing this kind of charge, including possible prison time and a permanent felony record.
Expanding “Dangerous Felony” Definition
HB0578 adds more crimes to the list of what the state considers “dangerous felonies.” This matters because being convicted of a dangerous felony can carry extra penalties if a firearm is involved, including mandatory prison time.
Longer Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Under HB0973, prosecutors now have more time to bring criminal charges for certain child sexual abuse offenses — up to 30 years after the victim turns 18. Civil lawsuits based on child sexual abuse also get a longer window to be filed. This means old cases that may have been time-barred in the past could now be prosecuted.
New Laws on Threats and Doxxing
HB1314 creates two new crimes that deal with public safety and online harassment:
- Threatening to commit an act of mass violence
- Posting someone’s home address or phone number online (doxxing) with the intent to cause harm
These laws reflect the state’s effort to address modern threats and cyber harassment.
Harassment and Cyberbullying Laws Get Stronger
SB0028 expands the definition of harassment to include harassment that happens face-to-face, not just by phone, online, or in writing. And HB1025 now requires a one-year driver’s license suspension for minors found delinquent for harassment by bullying or cyberbullying.
Criminalizing Invalid Driver Licenses
HB0749 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to drive with an invalid license, including licenses issued in other states to individuals who are not legally in the country.
Stricter Animal Cruelty Laws
SB0433 and HB1089 increase penalties for animal neglect and cruelty. Abandoning an animal — even near a shelter — is now clearly illegal unless you make arrangements for the animal’s care. Convictions now require at least 40 hours of community service.
Felony Penalty for Stolen Catalytic Converters
SB0769 raises the penalty for possessing a detached catalytic converter without authorization from a misdemeanor to a Class E felony. Lawmakers hope this will crack down on catalytic converter thefts that have surged in recent years.
What These Changes Mean for You
These laws are designed to increase public safety — but they also raise the stakes for anyone accused of a crime. A charge that used to be a misdemeanor could now land you in felony court. Investigations might go back decades thanks to extended statutes of limitations. And new crimes, like doxxing or threatening mass violence, create legal risks people may not even realize exist.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges under these new laws, the most important thing you can do is talk to an experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer as early as possible. Every case is different, and every court is different. Having someone who knows the local courts and judges can make a huge difference in how your case plays out.
Protecting Your Future
At the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, we have been fighting for clients in criminal and family courts all over Middle Tennessee since 2013. We know how serious it is when your freedom and your future are on the line. My job is to give you a voice, stand up for your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family — without destroying you financially in the process.
If you have questions about how these new Tennessee laws might affect you, or if you’ve been charged with a crime, call our office today. Let’s talk through your situation and figure out the best path forward together.
