RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In the courts, a man by the name of Derrick Lee Johnson filed an appeal after the Rutherford County Circuit Court's decision was reached to revoke his probation, ordering him to serve the remaining eight years of his sentence in confinement.
Johnson was originally indicted by a Rutherford County Grand Jury for possessing over 0.5 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to sell in a drug-free zone and for possession of drug paraphernalia. Under a plea agreement, the defendant pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted possession with intent to sell, a Class C felony, and to drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced to eight years on probation, with conditions including monthly reporting.
On August 10, 2023 in Murfreesboro, a warrant was issued for the defendant for probation violations, including failing to report a change of address and being classified as an "Absconder." During a November 15, 2023, revocation hearing, the defendant admitted to the violations, citing homelessness and job difficulties as reasons for not reporting. The trial court found the defendant’s testimony contradictory and concluded he failed to comply with probation terms. The court revoked probation, reinstated the eight-year sentence, and granted four and a half months of jail credit. The defendant appealed the decision.
In his appear, Johnson argued that the trial court wrongly considered the charges for which he was indicted rather than those for which he was convicted. He claimed the courts failed to consider alternative sentencing options.
Despite his appeal, a review of the case by the Court of Criminal Appeals led to a judge upholding the trial court's judgment.
