By AP
Nashville, TN – A measure cracking down on violent crime in Tennessee is among a number of new laws taking effect January 1st. The legislation builds on the "Crooks with Guns" law passed during the 2007 Tennessee General Assembly. Among its provisions, the law adds a minimum of three years to the sentence of a violator who possesses a firearm while attempting first-degree murder. If that person has a prior felony conviction, then at least five years will be added.
The original "Crooks with Guns" legislation made it an additional offense to be armed with a firearm when committing felonies such as aggravated and especially aggravated kidnapping, burglary, carjacking, voluntary manslaughter and certain drug crimes.