Criminal Charges and Collateral Consequences
The aftermath of criminal charges can extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting a variety of aspects of an individual’s life. While the immediate focus of criminal defense often centers on legal consequences such as fines, probation, or incarceration, collateral consequences can be equally, if not more, powerful. Today we want to take a look at…
Read MoreCo-Parenting Successfully During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for divorced parents navigating co-parenting responsibilities, this time of year can also bring unique challenges and emotions. Successfully co-parenting during the holiday season requires thoughtful planning, open communication, and a focus on the well-being of the children involved. Communication is…
Read MoreDealing with Digital Assets in a Divorce
Divorce is never easy, often bringing forth a whirlwind of emotional turmoil and financial stress for everyone involved. Separating a life built together is undoubtedly challenging, and it’s during these times that couples must confront a myriad of intricate issues. One such complexity increasingly encountered is the management of digital assets. Couples going through a…
Read MoreDoes the Statute of Limitations Ever Run Out for Criminal Charges?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations shapes how criminal cases are handled. The statute of limitations, often referred to as the “legal clock,” is a fundamental concept in criminal cases. It essentially sets a time limit within which criminal charges must be filed after an alleged offense occurs. The time limit is important because it…
Read MoreDo I Need My Co-Parent’s Permission to Change My Child’s School?
In Franklin, Tennessee, joint custody arrangements after divorce are not uncommon. In these situations, both parents share the responsibility of making vital decisions for their child’s well-being, including education choices. Whether custody is split 50/50 or follows a different distribution, the need for cooperation in matters of schooling remains important. In child custody cases, educational…
Read MoreWhen Can You Legally Film the Police?
When situations involving law enforcement unfold, your personal recordings can often be the only way to capture the full scope of an interaction. These recordings can help ensure accountability and provide an unbiased record of events. In Tennessee, specifically in places like Franklin, the act of recording law enforcement officers is generally legal and extends…
Read MoreWhat Happens When a Step Parent is Abusive or Problematic in Tennessee?
Stepparents have been a fixture in family dynamics for centuries. An estimated 30% of American families have a step-relative, like a stepparent or stepchild, in their family. However, their roles and influences on children have garnered renewed attention in recent years. While not all step-parenting situations are filled with difficulties, the term “evil stepmother” or…
Read MoreWhat Is the “Standard” Parenting Plan in Tennessee?
Divorces can be emotionally and legally complicated, and their far-reaching effects often cast a shadow over the most vulnerable members of the family: the children. After a divorce in Tennessee, parents will share responsibilities for their children. To make it a more seamless process, a parenting plan is written. However, one of the challenges that…
Read MoreWhat Is a “Lookback” Period?
Checking someone’s criminal history is an important step when hiring, helping you understand if they’re trustworthy and won’t pose a safety risk at work. The “lookback period” can play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of these evaluations. Simply put, a lookback period is the time period examined when checking if someone has a…
Read MoreWhat Is an Agreed Divorce?
No one enters a marriage with the intention of one day facing divorce. It’s a significant life event that can be emotionally challenging and complex to navigate. However, as you learn more about the intricacies of divorce proceedings, the path forward becomes clearer. You’ll come out with a better understanding of the options and possibilities…
Read MoreCan You Be “Too Drunk” to Be Guilty of a Crime?
Being in an intoxicated state doesn’t serve as a legitimate excuse for engaging in criminal behavior. However, it could potentially hinder an intoxicated individual from possessing the mental capacity needed, as per legal requirements, to be charged and convicted of specific offenses. Consider the historical backdrop of crimes committed under the influence, such as the…
Read MoreShould I File for Divorce First, Even If It’s a Mutual Decision?
When it comes to the challenging decision of divorce, one question often arises: Should you be the one to initiate the process by filing for divorce first? Similar to the way it’s handled in other states, judges in Tennessee remain impartial, or favor neither side, when addressing both the spouse initiating the divorce and the…
Read MoreDo Gifts Count Toward Child Support?
Imagine this: your child is in need of new shoes for school, because kids ALWAYS need new shoes for school; their feet grow so fast! You planned on making the purchase this weekend, after you picked up your kid from an overnight stay at his mother’s. When you get to the door, your child comes…
Read MoreYou Can Face Charges in TN If You Loan Your Car to a Drunk Driver
You may think that you are doing your friend a favor when you lend out your car to them, but the consequences of lending your car to someone who is under the influence can be severe, thanks to a new law that went into effect this July. It is crucial for car owners to be…
Read MoreDidn’t Know the Divorce Was Coming? You’re Not Alone
Facing divorce papers unexpectedly from your spouse can be an overwhelming and challenging experience. The shock of the situation may leave you feeling like everything is spinning out of control, and it’s completely natural to be taken off guard by such a significant life event. It’s also common enough to have its own nickname: “Sudden…
Read MoreWhy Is the Department of Child Services Involved in My Case?
Family law is complex. It involves real families who are experiencing serious stress and disruption to their lives. If you’re working with a family lawyer, it means that you and your family are likely going through one of a few scenarios. Since this type of law clearly involves families, you might be seeking legal advice…
Read MoreHow a Franklin Defense Lawyer Can Challenge Forensic Evidence
Forensic evidence isn’t just fodder for TV crime dramas. Forensic studies are pivotal investigations that aim to link suspects to criminal activity. Forensic evidence is any criminal evidence that is acquired through scientific means during these investigations. Forensic evidence includes biological evidence based on individual identity markers, such as finger and palm prints. Investigators also…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Financial Disclosures in a Divorce
Money is a hot-button issue when it comes to most relationships, even on a good day. If a couple is in the process of breaking up, the temperature – and the stakes – are even higher. One of people’s biggest concerns during a divorce is always who will get what, including any property and financial…
Read MoreEveryone’s Entitled to a Defense, Even If They’re Not Innocent
You can’t talk long about the legal rights of U.S. citizens before the conversation turns to Constitutional rights. The U.S. Constitution gives certain immutable rights to all Americans. Technically, it’s the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution that give us our rights. Together, these amendments are aptly called The Bill of Rights. The Constitution’s First…
Read MoreIt’s Never “Just” a Traffic Stop
It doesn’t take much for a minor traffic ticket or a minor offense to snowball into a major catastrophe. One moment, you’re driving and listening to the radio. The next moment a police officer has stopped you and asked you for your driver’s license, registration records, and insurance information. Some of the information that the…
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