Tougher On Crime Laws Take Effect Friday

Friday, July 1, begins some changes to laws regarding crime in Tennessee. That’s headlined by the “Truth In Sentencing” law which requires criminals convicted of attempted first degree murder, second degree murder, vehicular homicide, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, carjacking, and especially aggravated burglary serve 100% of their sentence before being considered for release.

However another law taking effect Friday requires criminals convicted of first-degree murder, the perpetration or attempted perpetration of rape, rape of a child and aggravated rape of a child to be sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Another is an an attempt to crack down on drive-by shootings…it imposes stricter penalties one classification higher on criminals convicted of aggravated assault that involved the use of a deadly weapon if the violation was committed by a firearm discharged from within a motor vehicle.

And finally…there is the Joe Clyde Daniels Act. This act makes it harder for convicted murderers to be granted parole if they do not disclose the location of their victims remains. It helps ensure victims can receive a proper burial. The bill was prompted by the disappearance of 5-year-old Joe Clyde Daniels from his home in Dickson on April 4, 2018. His father, Joseph Daniels, was convicted of the murder… but, the child’s remains have never been found.