Man pleads no-contest to firearm charge; eight-year sentence suspended to supervised probation

James Jackson pleaded no-contest to felony possession of a firearm and the court accepted the plea, dismissing a related count as part of the agreement and imposing a suspended sentence, the transcript shows. The judge told Jackson, "I find you guilty and sentenced you to 8 years in Tennessee Department of Corrections. They'll be suspended to supervised probation." The court also explained that if Jackson's probation is revoked and the sentence is executed, "the release eligibility is 85%." The firearm involved was ordered forfeited. Why it matters: a suspended prison term with supervised probation leaves incarceration as a possible outcome if probation is revoked; release-eligibility percentages (here 85%) determine when a defendant could be considered for release if the sentence is executed. Details: Jackson entered a plea to count 2 (felony possession of a firearm), with count 1 dismissed. The judge conducted on-the-record advisements covering trial rights, counsel and the effect of the plea before accepting the plea and announcing sentence. The court also told Jackson to report to probation as directed. Discussion versus action: the plea and sentencing were formal actions recorded by the court. Defense counsel acknowledged the agreement and the court accepted the plea after advisements. No further appeals or motions were recorded in the excerpt.