Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three other individuals were recently charged with competitive dogfighting, training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the operation across state lines. The operation was named "Bad Newz Kennels," according to the indictment, and the dogs were housed, trained and fought at a property owned by Vick in Surry County, Va. The 19-page federal indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants began the dogfighting operation in early 2001.

Although dogfighting is illegal in every state, the severity of the crime differs among the states. Idaho and Wyoming are in the minority making dogfighting only a misdemeanor. All other states have elevated the crime to a felony. According to Tennessee law, it is unlawful for any person to own, possess, keep, use or train any dog for the purpose of fighting. It is further unlawful to be knowingly present, as a spectator, at any place or building where preparations are being made for an exhibition for such fighting, baiting or injuring of any animal, with the intent to be present at such exhibition, fighting, baiting or injuring. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-203 (2007). Noncompliance with the first section of the statute is a Class E felony unless the violation involves a cock. An offense involving a cock is a class A misdemeanor.

If you are facing a criminal charge in Tennessee, it’s important for you to understand the long-term implications of a conviction. A Tennessee attorney can help you deal with your legal options and bring your situation to the best resolution possible for you and your family.