(a) A criminal defendant or such defendant’s attorney shall have the right to request and receive at a reasonable time a copy of any warrant or summons issued pursuant to this part that is served upon the defendant.
Terms Used In Tennessee Code 40-6-216
Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
(b) Any agency, department or employee or agent of an agency or department who knowingly refuses to provide a copy of the warrant of arrest or summons to a defendant or the defendant’s attorney within a reasonable time upon being requested to do so may be in contempt of the court issuing the warrant or summons. In addition to the punishment for contempt, the agency or department shall be required to pay all attorney fees and court costs reasonably incurred by the defendant or the defendant’s attorney in obtaining a copy of the warrant or summons.
