Posted on January 07,2024 in Criminal Defense

Sex crime charges can change your life. The consequences of a sex crime conviction can be severe, including imprisonment and the requirement to register as a sex offender

Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney provides defense representation to individuals charged with sex crimes in Knoxville, TN. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, it is important to seek professional help and understand the laws surrounding sex offender registration. Contact our Knoxville criminal defense attorney today.

Sex Crimes that Require Registration

In the state of Tennessee, individuals who have been convicted of certain sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders. These crimes include, but are not limited to, rape, sexual battery, aggravated sexual battery, sexual exploitation of a minor, and aggravated rape. The severity of the offense will determine the duration and frequency of registration.

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 Posted on November 09,2023 in DUI/DWI/BUI

A DUI conviction can carry serious penalties, and Tennessee is no exception. The legal ramifications of a DUI conviction will depend on prior offenses, your blood alcohol level, and your willingness to take a blood alcohol test.

Many people are not aware that you may face jail time if you are convicted of a DUI. To avoid having your civil liberties taken away, you need legal guidance from an experienced Knoxville DUI defense lawyer. 

Penalties for a First DUI Offense

In Tennessee, if you are convicted of a first-time DUI and are at least 21 years old, you can face the following penalties:

• To spend at least 48 hours in jail
• If you were driving under the influence and you had an accident that resulted in death or injury to another person, you can expect to spend up to 11 months and 29 days in prison.

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 Posted on October 26,2023 in Criminal Defense

More than 36,000 young students attend the University of Tennessee in recent years with many educational and professional aspirations. Unfortunately, some college students make errors in judgment and might find themselves in trouble with the law, such as with a DUI arrest. Not only is a criminal matter stressful, but it can also derail the goals of U. of Tennessee students. 

If you or your child were arrested, seek immediate representation from a Knoxville criminal defense lawyer.   

Potential Effects of a Conviction

In addition to court-ordered sentences of fines and imprisonment, criminal convictions can have far-reaching consequences for college students, impacting both their academic and personal lives. Below are some of the serious repercussions that students may face.

• Academic consequences: Many colleges and universities have strict conduct policies. A criminal conviction may violate these policies, leading to academic penalties, including suspension or expulsion.

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 Posted on October 07,2023 in DUI/DWI/BUI

Most people know that driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee can result in arrests and criminal charges. However, you might not realize just how serious the consequences of a DUI conviction can be. Even a first-time DUI can affect your life in many costly ways

For a chance at obtaining the best possible outcome of your DUI case, seek help from a Knoxville DUI defense attorney immediately following an arrest.

Court-Ordered Penalties for DUI in Tennessee

Tennessee law sets out many different DUI charges, each with its own potential penalties the court can order upon conviction. If you are convicted of DUI, you might face:

• Costly fines
• Time in jail
• Probation
• Loss of your driver’s license
• Substance abuse education or treatment

These penalties alone can impact your life, but there are also many additional consequences you might face for a Tennessee DUI

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 Posted on September 15,2023 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases are complex, often encompassing various forms of abuse. One type of abuse that often goes unrecognized is financial abuse. This form of abuse in Tennessee occurs when an individual exerts control over their partner’s financial resources, limiting their access to money and economic independence. If you are facing domestic violence charges relating to alleged financial abuse, contact an experienced lawyer to help you develop a robust defense against these serious criminal charges. 

Recognizing Financial Abuse

Financial abuse can manifest in different ways, including controlling someone’s finances, restricting access to bank accounts, preventing employment or education, and forcing economic dependence. Criminal defense lawyers are aware of how financial abuse can present itself. Through a deep knowledge of the law, such attorneys can help develop defense strategies to ensure clients facing charges can have their rights aggressively defended at all times.

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 Posted on September 06,2023 in Drug Crimes

Drug trafficking and conspiracy charges often go hand in hand. Drug trafficking involves the illegal production, distribution, and sale of controlled substances, while conspiracy charges relate to an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a crime. Understanding these two charges and why they are so often charged together is essential. If you have been charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy, your freedom is in grave danger, as these are very serious charges bringing with them stiff penalties. Contact a lawyer to secure the legal representation you need during this challenging time.   

Expanding the Scope of Criminal Responsibility

Conspiracy charges play an important role in expanding the scope of criminal responsibility in drug trafficking cases. By proving that two or more individuals agreed to engage in illegal drug-related activities, law enforcement agencies can hold all conspirators accountable, even if they did not directly participate in the actual trafficking. This allows prosecutors to target not only the individuals trafficking the drugs, but also lower-level individuals involved in the drug trade operation. Tennessee law has very specific definitions for drug trafficking and related drug offenses.

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 Posted on August 30,2023 in Criminal Defense

Joyriding, a term commonly used to describe unauthorized use of a vehicle, is a prevalent issue that raises questions about its legal implications. In the state of Tennessee, joyriding is considered a property crime, and individuals engaging in this activity may face serious legal consequences. Today, we will provide an overview of joyriding as a crime in Tennessee, exploring the relevant laws, potential penalties, and the importance of seeking legal counsel when faced with such charges. 

Understanding What Constitutes Joyriding 

Joyriding involves taking or operating another person’s vehicle without their permission, often with the intention of temporary use for personal enjoyment or excitement. It is important to note that intent plays a crucial role in determining whether joyriding constitutes a criminal offense or something else. If the intent is to deprive the owner permanently, the charges may escalate from joyriding to motor vehicle theft. 

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 Posted on August 16,2023 in White Collar Crimes

Federal mail fraud is a grave criminal offense that involves the use of the mail system to defraud individuals or entities. Today, we will look at the elements required to establish a federal mail fraud charge, the laws governing it, and the potential consequences for those convicted of this crime. As this is a federal crime, you need to obtain astute legal counsel at once, as not doing so will likely make a negative case outcome more likely

Definition and Elements of Mail Fraud

Mail fraud is a federal offense that involves any scheme to defraud or obtain property through false or fraudulent means, utilizing the U.S. Postal Service or private mail carriers. The elements of the offense are as follows:

• Intent to commit fraud – The defendant must have possessed the intent to defraud another party through false or fraudulent means. Intent can be demonstrated through clear evidence that the individual knowingly participated in a scheme designed to deceive and harm others for personal or financial gain.

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 Posted on July 31,2023 in Criminal Defense

Criminal acts such as robbery and burglary greatly concern society and the legal system. While “robbery” and “burglary” are often used interchangeably, they hold distinct meanings in the eyes of the law. In this blog, we will delve into the differences between robbery and burglary to provide a clear understanding of these two criminal offenses. These types of crimes are prosecuted aggressively, making it essential that anyone charged with such acts needs to retain aggressive legal assistance to pursue a satisfactory case outcome.

Definition and Elements of Robbery

Robbery refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property from their immediate presence through the use of force, fear, or intimidation. The central element distinguishing a robbery from other crimes is the threat or force against the target getting robbed. The intention to commit theft must be accompanied by the immediate presence of the individual(s) who are the target of the robbery.

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 Posted on July 18,2023 in White Collar Crimes

Insurance fraud charges can have serious legal consequences in Tennessee. Being accused of this crime entails deliberately deceiving an insurance company for financial gain. It is crucial to understand the legal intricacies surrounding insurance fraud charges to mount an effective defense. Today, we will provide an exploratory insight into the crime of insurance fraud in Tennessee, including key considerations, defense strategies, and the role of criminal defense counsel in safeguarding defendants’ rights. 

Elements of Insurance Fraud

The prosecution must establish specific elements to secure a conviction for insurance fraud. These typically include the intent to defraud, a false statement or act, material misrepresentation, and the use of deception to obtain or maintain insurance benefits. Understanding these elements is essential to assess the strength of the case against the defendant and determine the most effective defense strategies. 

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