Posted on June 29,2023 in Criminal Defense

Harassment and stalking are serious offenses in Tennessee and can easily lead to serious criminal charges. Today, we are going to take a look at what exactly constitutes harassment and stalking in the state while also working to understand what prosecutors must prove to convict someone of these crimes. If you have been charged with harassment and stalking, contact a criminal defense attorney to begin the crucial process of developing a defense to fight these charges.

Important Factors Regarding Harassment and Stalking in Tennessee

In Tennessee, harassment occurs when communication is made with the intent of frightening or intimidating another person. Generally, it involves behavior such as stalking, sending unwanted communications, making threatening phone calls, or engaging in any activity designed to make another person feel unsafe, embarrassed, or angry. An important thing to note is that the law does not require proof of physical harm to the sufferer. Instead, it is enough to show that the behavior was unwelcome and made the targeted party feel threatened and uncomfortable. 

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 Posted on June 19,2023 in Criminal Defense

Pursuing higher education can be an exciting time for many young adults. However, sometimes being faced with legal troubles may put a halt to that journey. If you are a college student who has recently been arrested for a crime, you may be unsure of your next steps. During this challenging time, it is essential to understand what to do and whom you can turn to for help. In such situations, hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential to ensure you have proper legal guidance and representation in court if needed. 

How an Attorney Can Help a College Student After an Arrest

Firstly, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Just because you have been charged does not mean you will be convicted. Contacting and hiring the services of a criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your legal rights as they relate to your legal situation. And remember, the role of your attorney will also be to provide legal counsel related to your charges and help you navigate the legal system with your best interests in mind.

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 Posted on May 30,2023 in DUI/DWI/BUI

Knoxville, Tennessee, is a beautiful city in the southern United States. Like many other states in the US, Tennessee has strict laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI). The consequences of drinking and driving can be severe and, in some cases, even deadly. You may be wondering if Knoxville has strict first-offense DUI laws, and the answer is yes!

Today, we will look closer at the laws in Knoxville surrounding first time DUI offenses and what you can expect to face if you are charged with one. For individuals who are facing charges related to drunk driving, it is essential to hire a seasoned criminal defense attorney to help fight charges and pursue a favorable case outcome

What to Expect if You Are Charged with Your First DUI

Tennessee takes first-time DUIs very seriously, with a conviction bringing down a cascade of legal penalties on those convicted. The minimum fine for a first-time DUI in Knoxville is $350 but can reach up to $1,500. The offender may also face up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, with a required minimum sentence of at least 48 hours. The severity level of the consequences will largely depend on the blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest. If the BAC is above .20 percent, the offender may be required to spend seven days in jail instead of the minimum of 48 hours

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 Posted on May 15,2023 in Criminal Defense

Tennessee is an excellent example of a state with very strong drug laws. The state has strict laws governing the possession of substances that the federal government has restricted. As a result, anyone found possessing these drugs can face severe legal consequences, often more severe than in other states in America. Tennessee’s drug laws prohibit the possession of several illicit substances, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The penalties for drug possession can be based on several factors, including the type of drug found in possession. 

Anyone facing drug-related crimes in Tennessee would be wise to contact a criminal defense attorney right away to fight the charges and defend their rights. 

What to Know About Drug Penalties in Tennessee   

Firstly, according to the law, Schedule I drugs are classified as the most severe form of the drug because they can more easily lead to addiction and dependency and have no accepted medical use. As a result, in Tennessee, even possessing a small amount of a Schedule I drug can lead to grave consequences. Examples of Schedule I drugs include Heroin, PCP, LSD, Peyote, and more. Additionally, if you are arrested for selling a Schedule I drug such as cocaine, even as little as .5 grams, it is a Class B felony and can land you in prison for a minimum of eight years and as many as 30 years, with fines up to $100,000.

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 Posted on April 18,2023 in Criminal Defense

White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes committed, usually to illegally obtain money or property, by individuals in the course of their work, business, or personal life. However, white-collar crimes can become highly complex and have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to understand that if you are ever accused or charged with committing a white-collar offense, do not hesitate to contact a criminal defense attorney, as your freedom may be at stake.

Typical Elements in White-Collar Crime Cases

Here are some common elements of white-collar crimes, including:

• Financial gain – This is a common element of white-collar crimes. The perpetrator commits the crime to obtain money or property. For example, embezzlement involves stealing money or property from an employer or other organization. Meanwhile, insider trading involves using non-public information to profit in the stock market. 

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 Posted on April 05,2023 in Criminal Defense

Plea deals, also known as plea agreements, have become relatively common aspects of the criminal justice system. These agreements involve a negotiation between the prosecutor and the defense attorneys, often resulting in lighter prison sentences or reduced charges for the defendant. However, accepting a plea deal raises the question of whether the defendant is admitting guilt or simply making a strategic choice. Today, we will further discuss plea deals and their implications on the defendant’s admission of guilt. Remember, if you have been charged with a crime or are suspected of committing a crime, strongly consider hiring a criminal defense attorney, as your freedom may be at stake.

Types of Plea Agreements

This blog will discuss three primary forms of plea agreements used in the criminal justice system. These include:

• Charge bargaining involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for the dismissal of more serious charges.

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 Posted on March 28,2023 in Criminal Defense

Being charged with domestic violence can be a life-altering experience and not in a good way. It is crucial to understand the legal strategies that can be used to defend against these kinds of charges. Domestic violence charges can lead to severe consequences, including incarceration, loss of custody, and damage to your reputation. Today, we will be discussing essential legal defense strategies to consider if you have been charged with committing an act of domestic violence. In serious cases such as this, it is imperative to contact and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure you are able to adequately defend yourself against these charges. 

Consider These Defense Strategies

Firstly, it is essential to evaluate the evidence against you. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the alleged criminal offense. It is the responsibility of the defense attorney to scrutinize the evidence and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For instance, the defense may argue that the accuser did not have any visible injuries or that the accuser’s statements are inconsistent. 

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 Posted on March 16,2023 in Criminal Defense

Sex crimes can be among the most severe and challenging criminal cases to defend against. In Tennessee, depending on the specific charge, a conviction can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, sex offender registration, and other lifelong consequences. Therefore, in order to successfully defend against a sex crimes charge, it is essential to hire a criminal defense attorney and begin considering a variety of legal strategies you may be able to employ to defeat the charges. Today, we are going to discuss some of these legal strategies. 

Consider These Strategies When Facing a Sex Crimes Charge

Here are some potential legal strategies that may be used to defeat a sex crimes charge:

• Challenge the evidence – The first strategy to consider is to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution. This could involve questioning the witnesses’ credibility or the physical evidence’s accuracy. It may also include challenging the validity of search warrants or other legal procedures to obtain evidence. 

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 Posted on February 23,2023 in DUI/DWI/BUI

Every year, thousands of people are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). While many of these arrests are made following traffic stops initiated by police officers, some are based on anonymous tips from concerned members of the public. If you have been pulled over and arrested for DUI based on an anonymous tip, you may be wondering what your legal rights are in this situation. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can help you understand your options for protecting your best interests.

The Legality of Anonymous Tips and Traffic Stops

In short, yes – an anonymous tip can prompt a traffic stop. A concerned citizen can anonymously alert the authorities about a potential drunk driver, and the police are allowed to use this information as sufficient probable cause to pull over the vehicle in question. However, in order for an arrest to be made on suspicion of DUI or any other crime, the officer must personally observe evidence of criminal activity. This means that even if they receive an anonymous tip about a motorist swerving all over the road or driving erratically, an officer can only stop the motorist and begin looking for signs of impairment, such as slurred speech and sluggish motor skills.

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 Posted on February 10,2023 in DUI/DWI/BUI

As a parent, you probably hope that your child makes good decisions. Unfortunately, many young people experiment with alcohol before they are old enough to do so legally. Teens and young adults in this situation may face consequences that include the suspension of their driver’s license, fines, and other penalties.

If you or your child are facing administrative consequences or criminal charges related to drinking and driving, contact an experienced underage DUI defense lawyer for help.

Consequences for Under-21 Drivers Who Have Been Drinking

You may already know that the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Tennessee is 0.08 percent. However, this limit only applies to drivers aged 21 or older. If a driver is under the age of 21, the legal limit is 0.02 percent. An underage driver found to have a BAC of more than 0.02 percent may be charged with the offense of “underage driving while impaired.” A charge for underage drinking is also possible. Charges for underage driving while impaired may also be filed if the underage driver is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicant, regardless of the BAC test results.

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