Beginning July 1, drivers in Tennessee who flee the scene of a crash that results in death face significantly tougher criminal consequences under legislation commonly called Jimmy’s Law.
What the law changes
The measure, officially titled the James Bardsley Life Protection Act, increases the offense for leaving the scene of a fatal collision from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. Convictions now carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison and fines between $5,000 and $10,000.
The law was passed following sustained advocacy by family members of a victim killed in a hit-and-run. James “Jimmy” Bardsley died in a 2021 crash; his mother, Kim Webb, pressed lawmakers after discovering there was no required minimum prison term for drivers who fled deadly collisions.
Local law enforcement reaction
Murfreesboro Police Department Lieutenant Zachary Ferrell said the change clarifies how seriously the state treats leaving a lethal crash scene and supports investigative work by officers.
“I think this increase is a really good and great punishment,” Ferrell said. “Leaving the scene of a crash that’s fatal or involves serious bodily injury, I believe the punishment should fit the crime.”
Ferrell emphasized that drivers involved in crashes should remain where they are, call emergency services and exchange identifying and insurance information to allow investigators to piece together events and ensure prompt assistance for anyone harmed.
Practical implications for drivers and communities
- Drivers who leave a scene that results in death now face higher felony exposure and a one-year mandatory minimum prison term upon conviction.
- Those who stay and provide information help law enforcement reconstruct the incident and may avoid the enhanced penalties tied specifically to fleeing a fatal crash.
- Existing statutes still allow criminal charges for drivers who depart after crashes involving only property damage or minor injuries.
Supporters of the legislation say the stricter penalties aim to deter motorists from fleeing and to deliver greater accountability for victims’ families. The law formalizes tougher consequences statewide, though the specific outcomes in individual cases will depend on investigations, prosecutorial decisions and court rulings.
| Provision | Previous | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Felony class | Class E | Class D |
| Mandatory minimum prison | None | 1 year |
| Fine range | Varied | $5,000–$10,000 |
As jurisdictions and prosecutors implement the new law, police departments across Tennessee are reminding drivers to remain at crash scenes, render aid when it is safe to do so and contact 911. For families who lost loved ones in similar incidents, the change represents a concrete legislative response to longstanding concerns about accountability in hit-and-run cases.
Reporting from Nashville.
