Expungment in Tennessee

[tflehmann]

I was convicted in 1979 of Drug charges in TN and sentence to a year & 1 day, which was reduce to 16 months probation. This is the only trouble I have ever been in. I now want to go back to college to get a second degree in Nursing. I've searched the internet and see where this is classified as a class "F" felony. Is this something I can have expunged? If not how to I go about finding out if becoming a register nurse in the state of VA is possible?

[Mr. Knowitall]

Tennessee does not appear to have any law which would permit the expungement of adult criminal offenses, except within the context of pre-trial or post-verdict diversion or deferred sentencing.

If you wish to explore executive clemency,

Executive Clemency power, including commutation, pardon and exoneration can only be exercised by the Governor. The Board, upon request of the Governor, considers and makes non-binding recommendations concerning requests for clemency. These requests must comply with the Governor's Executive Clemency Criteria. The Executive Clemency Section is responsible for processing all applications for commutation, pardon and exoneration in accordance with the Governor’s clemency criteria. To obtain an Executive Clemency Application and guidelines submit request via mail, fax or e-mail to:

Board Operations Division
404 James Robertson Pkwy, Suite 1300
Nashville, TN 37243
Fax: 615-741-5337

Given the situation and limitations on your remedies, I suggest discussing your situation with a criminal defense lawyer in the county where you were prosecuted, to see if any other options are available to you.