Criminal Defense Law
Supreme Court Rules Warrant Required to Search Cell Phones
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of new privacy laws, requiring police officers and law enforcement officials to obtain a warrant before searching criminal suspects’ cell phones or other small electronic devices. The unanimous 9-0 vote of the justices ruled smart phones and other electronic devices are not in the same category as…
Read MoreTennessee Requires Ignition Interlock Devices for All DUI Offenders
In 2013, a drunk driver killed Tennessee Titans player Delanie Walker’s aunt and uncle. So, it’s no surprise that he was front and center at a press conference singing the praises of Tennessee’s new ignition interlock device law. The new Tennessee law that went into effect on July 1, 2013 allows DUI offenders a chance…
Read MoreSimple Assault v. Aggravated Assault
When the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation put together its last report, they discovered that 57% of all crimes in Tennessee are committed against property. Theft and fraud top the list, though vandalism and arson make appearances as well. But from an individual standpoint, there were more cases of assault and aggravated assault than any other…
Read MoreWhen Frat-House Pranks and Toga Parties Go Horribly Wrong
Ah, college – a time for fun and freedom, with a little learning thrown in. For a lot of young men and women, college seems like a fun stop on the way to the “real” world of 9 to 5 jobs and utility bills. Whether you’re a UT Volunteer in Knoxville or a Blue Raider…
Read MoreHappy about the Undisclosed Rape Law? You Can Thank a Policeman.
Let’s get this out in the open: we know that criminal defense lawyers can sometimes appear a bit, well, harsh on Tennessee police. The police are in the habit of seeking punishment for the accused, while we’re in the business of seeking justice in the courts. It can seem like the two are at odds,…
Read MoreFor the Family of Holly Bobo, an End May Be in Sight
If you spent more than five minutes in Tennessee since 2011, you’re familiar with Holly Bobo. A young, vivacious nursing student from a small town in Henderson County, Holly was abducted almost three years ago. Now the worst fears of her friends and family have been confirmed. Then last week, a turn of events: police…
Read MoreTennessee is Number One – And it’s Not Good
The reports are out from the Federal government, and Tennessee hasn’t fared so well. Our great state is number one, alright – number one in violent crimes. Turns out, the Volunteer State hasn’t been doing such a great job living up to its charitable name. According to the report, Tennessee ranks highest in the areas…
Read MoreDrug Bust in West Tennessee Yields Drug Crime Charges Against Nine
In early January, multiple law enforcement agencies joined together to arrest nine men and women who were “smurfing” — purchasing pseudoephedrine products in order to manufacture methamphetamine. The individuals in question now face charges ranging from possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia to promotion of methamphetamine manufacture and felony evading arrest. If you…
Read MoreYour DUI Penalties May Last as Long as Your Criminal Record
It’s a common misconception that getting a DUI in Tennessee is like getting a traffic ticket: once your time is up, so to speak, the charge fades from your record. This is patently untrue. A DUI in Tennessee stays on your criminal record forever, unless your criminal defense lawyer can have it expunged – and…
Read MoreThe Importance of Hiring a Lawyer if Your Child Is Arrested
Has your son or daughter been arrested for underage drinking, vandalism, theft, DUI or any other type of crime? Whether facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it is vital to your child’s future that you retain prompt and experienced legal counsel. Do not make the mistake of thinking your son or daughter needs to learn a…
Read MorePenalties for Marijuana in Tennessee
So far 20 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized medical marijuana. Additionally, Colorado and Washington have legalized marijuana for recreational use. However, cannabis is still illegal in Tennessee and under federal law. This means that while the general attitude toward the substance has changed over the years, it is still against the law to possess,…
Read MoreAlibi: Your Questions, Answered
An alibi is any evidence showing that a defendant was somewhere other than the scene of a crime during the time the crime occurred. While the media and popular culture might portray the alibi as an untruthful or poor defense, the alibi is a perfectly respectable and frequently used legal defense. Here’s a brief overview…
Read MoreWhat to Expect at Your Arraignment
The criminal court procedures can be intimidating for anyone. If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you probably have a host of questions and concerns about how the system works and what to expect. The first court appearance you will probably face is known as an arraignment, sometimes called an “initial appearance.” This proceeding…
Read MoreFive Common Criminal Defenses
To successfully convict a criminal defendant, the government must prove the defendant was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The most common defenses criminal defendants may raise can be grouped into two general categories ― first, denying the defendant did anything (including the alibi defense), and second, acknowledging the defendant did the act but only under…
Read MoreTennessee Sex Crimes Are Serious
Sex crimes in Tennessee cover everything from simple sexting to statutory rape. An accusation of a sex crime is very damaging and, if convicted, the punishments can include prison time and the requirement to register as a sex offender. Most sex crimes require that you have the requisite mental element or intent to commit the…
Read MoreCharged With Vehicular Homicide in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, vehicular homicide is defined as the “reckless killing of another by the operation of an automobile, airplane, boat or other motor vehicle.” This is a very serious charge, and the penalties are severe. You may be shocked to find yourself in this situation because you never thought you would be charged with a…
Read MoreThat Traffic Ticket May Be More Serious Than You Think
If you’ve been cited for a traffic violation in Tennessee, you may think it is no big deal, throw the ticket in a drawer, and forget about it. Surprisingly, traffic tickets can add up to significant consequences for numerous drivers in certain situations. In Tennessee, most traffic tickets, such as speeding tickets, are classified as…
Read MoreThe Mysterious Case of the Missing Girl Scout Cookies
A Murfreesboro Girl Scouts Regional Director recently reported a theft totaling more than $30,000 to the police. The director reported that one of the volunteers who had access to the Girl Scouts accounts allegedly has been taking money out of the account and converting it for her own personal use since February 2012. The local…
Read MoreProperty Crimes in Tennessee
If you’ve been charged with a property crime, you likely have many questions about the charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction. There is a range of property crimes in Tennessee and the seriousness of each offense bears on the resultant penalty. It’s important to understand the charges against you to make…
Read MoreKeep Calm and Remain Silent if You Are Arrested
If you are arrested, it is important to avoid panicking and to think clearly to make sure your rights are secured. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to refuse to discuss allegations with police. Although you may feel that you can talk your way out of your situation, it is always prudent to request…
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