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How Can I Fight a Public Intoxication Charge in Tennessee?
Sometimes, a social outing with a couple of drinks can escalate into an incident with the police, resulting in public intoxication charges. If you are convicted of this offense, you will be left with a criminal record that will follow you long after the incident. To protect yourself from the worst of a public intoxication charge, you should seek out a qualified Knox County, TN criminal defense lawyer.
Across his career, Attorney Coller has handled many cases involving drugs and alcohol, including disorderly conduct and public intoxication charges. When you work with our firm, we will closely scrutinize the prosecution’s argument and look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed altogether.
Three Defenses Against a Public Intoxication Charge in Tennessee
Public intoxication is not a catch-all term to describe anyone acting rowdy and drunk in public. Rather, it has a specific legal definition with criteria that must be met for a conviction. Our attorney can go over your case to see if your conduct aligns with the legal definition of public intoxication in Tennessee.
Are Commercial Drivers Held to a Higher Standard in DUI Cases?
The crime of driving under the influence (DUI) is taken seriously in Tennessee, carrying strict penalties for offenders. If you drive a commercial vehicle for a living, the consequences of a conviction could threaten your ability to earn a living. When your professional license is at stake, a good attorney is an absolute necessity.
As a Union County CDL DUI lawyer with over a decade of experience, Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney is qualified to help you fight a DUI charge. His qualifications include a Certificate of Completion in DUI Defense Law from Harvard Law School, as well as membership in the National College of DUI Defense.
What Is the BAC Limit for Commercial Drivers in Tennessee?
An important metric in a DUI case is a driver’s blood alcohol content, or BAC. This is essentially a measure of the level of alcohol in your system, and it can be measured through blood or breath testing. If you are accused of driving with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, you could face charges of DUI.
Will I Go to Prison for an Assault Without an Injury?
When a heated argument escalates to violence, the parties involved could face charges of assault. If you made physical contact with another person during a fight, you may wonder if you could still be prosecuted even if there were no lasting injuries. In these situations, the best thing you can do is to seek out a Blount County criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in Tennessee’s assault laws. Attorney Jeffrey Coller has over 10 years of legal experience, with a history of strong case results.
Regardless of whether or not you caused any injuries, you should know that you could face serious penalties. Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney can review the details of your assault case and give you an idea of the charges you face. When you work with our firm, we will aggressively defend you against allegations of assault as we pursue an optimal outcome to your case.
The Difference Between Theft, Robbery, and Burglary
The crimes of theft, robbery, and burglary are sometimes referred to interchangeably by the general public. However, in the law, they have very distinct meanings. If you have been charged with any of these crimes, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges. A Union County, TN criminal defense lawyer can provide you with legal advice and representation for all manner of property crimes.
Whether you have been accused of theft, robbery, or burglary, you should seek out a reputable attorney to protect your rights. Our firm can help you understand the nature of your charge and go over your possible defenses.
How Is Theft Charged in Tennessee?
The crime of theft refers to intentionally depriving someone else of property. Unlike robbery, it does not involve the use of force or the threat of force.
In Tennessee, theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with escalating penalties depending on how much was stolen. A theft of $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, which only carries a year in prison. A theft of more than $1,000 is a Class E felony, which carries anywhere from one to six years in prison.
Will I Go to Jail for Carrying Marijuana in Tennessee?
Marijuana usage is strictly criminalized in Tennessee. If you have been accused of a crime involving marijuana, even just possession, it is in your best interests to seek out legal representation as soon as possible. With the help of a Knox County, TN drug crime defense attorney, you can fight the charges against you in court.
We know just how damaging a conviction for a drug crime can be, impacting your future job prospects and relationships. Our firm can put up an aggressive defense on your behalf, looking for ways to get a marijuana-related charge reduced or dismissed.
The Penalties for Marijuana Possession
While certain cannabis products are permitted in Tennessee with a valid prescription, possessing marijuana bud is a crime. The penalties for possession vary depending on the amount of the drug. However, first offenders do not get off lightly. If you are accused of carrying even a half ounce or less of marijuana, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of a year in jail.
What Counts as Harassment in Tennessee?
Harassment can take various forms, and if you are accused of this offense, you could face jail time and a criminal record. When facing harassment charges, a Knox County, TN criminal defense attorney can protect your rights in a court of law.
A criminal record is something to avoid at all costs. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand the gravity of a harassment accusation, and we can review your case to determine your best defense strategy. Oftentimes, digging deep into the legal definition of harassment can help your case.
Can Verbal or Written Threats Result in Criminal Charges?
Putting another person in fear for his or her physical safety can be charged as harassment. Under Tennessee law, the definition of harassment includes "communicating a threat to another person" in any context. To qualify as harassment, this communication must be intended as a threat of harm. Moreover, the law states that a "reasonable person" would understand the communication to be a threat of harm.
Is Underage DWI a Serious Offense in Tennessee?
For many people under 21, an underage drinking charge may be their first encounter with law enforcement. In Tennessee, drunk driving while under 21 is known as driving while impaired, or DWI. If you have been accused of DWI, you may be anxious about how the charge will affect your future. A Tennessee DWI defense lawyer can provide you with counsel and representation to help protect your best interests.
A conviction of DWI in Tennessee can come with serious consequences. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we know what is at stake in cases like these. When you work with our firm, we will provide you with strong advocacy to work toward the best possible outcome.
What Is the Zero Tolerance Law?
Tennessee has a "zero tolerance" law against underage drinking. Essentially, this means that drivers under 21 are held to much stricter standards when it comes to alcohol consumption. For most drivers, the legal limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent. However, if you are under 21, the limit is .02 percent.
Three Critical Elements of an Identity Theft Charge
White collar crimes are not as sensationalized as violent offenses, but make no mistake – you can still face serious penalties if you are convicted of one. Identity theft is a felony offense punishable by years in prison, so it is important that you seek out a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer who can represent you in court and protect your rights.
At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand what is at risk for you in an identity theft charge. If you have been arrested on suspicion of stealing somebody else’s personal information, we will work to build a case in your defense. Remember that the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction. We will question the prosecution’s argument and hone in on any weaknesses.
Securing Somebody Else’s Identifying Information
In order to secure a conviction for an identity theft charge, the prosecutor must prove that you "knowingly obtained, possessed, bought, or used" somebody else’s personal identifying information. The most important word here is "knowingly." You may have been found with somebody else’s identifying information, but that does not necessarily mean that you knew you had it.
What Alternatives Are There to Jail Time in Tennessee?
Getting charged with a crime does not necessarily mean you will end up in jail. Depending on the violation and the court’s decision, other sentencing options could be imposed instead of confinement. A Tennessee criminal defense lawyer can go over your case with you and discuss your options in private.
Note that while other sentencing options exist, there is no guarantee that you can avoid jail time in any situation. With over a decade of legal experience, Attorney Jeffrey Coller has the legal knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for your rights in court.
Can I Avoid Jail Time Through Probation?
Probation can be a highly preferable outcome to a criminal case. Of course, probation is only a possibility under specific circumstances and with certain charges; not all convictions have the option of probation.
Probation allows you to enjoy life outside of bars, which can be critical for holding down your current job or staying housed. That being said, probation always comes with conditions that, if not closely followed, could result in your incarceration.
Why Should I Fight a Traffic Violation?
After being served with a ticket for a traffic violation, you may be tempted to simply pay the fine and move on. However, taking the path of least resistance may not be in your best interests. Paying a traffic ticket is equivalent to pleading guilty, so you will face all the consequences of a conviction. A Tennessee traffic defense attorney can represent you in court and work toward an ideal outcome on your behalf.
Fighting a traffic violation requires a comprehensive knowledge of the law. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we can defend you against charges of reckless driving, speeding, and similar offenses.
Criminal Penalties for Traffic Offenses
Convictions of certain traffic violations can leave you with a criminal record. This information will show up on background checks run by your present and future employers, and it can stand in the way of your housing opportunities in the future. On top of that, a criminal conviction can also incur heavy fines or jail time.
Arrested? Call Coller.
Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney
Knoxville Office
First Horizon Plaza
800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2000
Knoxville, TN 37929P865-281-1000
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531 Main Street, Suite 6
Jacksboro, TN 37757P865-281-1000
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