A man police say has been caught with a gun several times was sentenced on Monday to serve four years and three months in federal prison.
Timothy Arnold, 25, appeared before Federal Judge Sandy Mattice.
Prosecutor Meredith Evans said Arnold has some violence incidents in his past, including pistol whipping one individual.
Myrlene Marsa of the Federal Defender's Office said Arnold is a "crack baby" who was left with mental health problems and a low IQ. She said his mother was addicted to crack, and his father was incarcerated.
She said much of his upbringing was in state custody - either foster homes or juvenile detention facilities.
Arnold said he plans to leave Chattanooga to get away from gangs. He said he plans to move in with his brother in Atlanta.
Arnold said, "I am trying to give God a chance."
In a second case, Donnie Dale Crouch got eight years and four months.
Prosecutor Terra Bay said he led police on a high-speed chase while riding a stolen motorcycle. She said he fought with officers after crashing the motorcycle.
He was caught with 20 grams of high-grade meth.
Attorney Sam Robinson III said most of Crouch's convictions have been misdemeanors.