Posted on January 21, 2024 in DUI/DWI/BUI

As parents, we hope that our children will make informed decisions. That includes following the law.

Many people know that the legal blood alcohol content limit for adult motorists is 0.08%, but you may not realize that the legal limit is lower for underage motorists, being at just 0.02%.

A Tennessee defense lawyer can explain the penalties for underage drinking and the rules established by the University of Tennessee for minors who possess or consume alcohol.

Underage Alcohol Possession

Tennessee law details the penalties for minors in possession of alcohol:

• First offense: License suspension for one year, or until the person turns 17 years old (whichever is longer)
• After 90 days, the individual may apply to the court for early withdrawal or suspension
• Second offense: License suspension for two years, or until the person turns 18 years old (whichever is longer)

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 Posted on January 10, 2024 in Drug Crimes

Tennessee criminalizes the possession or the casual exchange of a controlled substance. “Casual exchange” is defined as the passing of an illegal drug between two parties, whether or not money is exchanged in the process

Marijuana possession falls under this law as well unless it was prescribed by a physician. Even if you have just half an ounce of marijuana, you will most likely be fined and possibly incarcerated.

If you have been charged with drug possession, do not hesitate to contact our Knoxville drug possession defense attorneys immediately

Penalties for Drug Possession 

TN Code § 39-17-417 makes it illegal for a defendant to knowingly perform any of the following:

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 Posted on January 10, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Spending the day in a national park can be a rejuvenating and peaceful experience. However, some people do not respect the rules of the park or might face wrongful accusations of violating the law. Be aware that if you are arrested in a national park, you will be subject to federal laws

 If you have been arrested in a federal park, you need reliable representation that can only be found in a Knoxville federal criminal charges defense attorney.

Federal Laws in National Parks

The national park system is overseen by the Department of Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of the Army. Any of these federal departments can charge you if you break a federal law

Title 36 of the Federal Code of Regulations details the regulations that have been developed to protect national parks. These laws regulate the protection of natural resources, public use, recreational activities, and even specify special regulations for certain parks.

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 Posted on January 10, 2024 in DUI/DWI/BUI

With the holidays upon us, law enforcement agencies throughout Tennessee are gearing up for increased DUI enforcement. The reality is that people tend to drink more during the holidays, which tends to result in more impaired drivers on the road, and enforcement is meant to keep our roads safe

A Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we recognize that everyone accused of drunk driving is entitled to a defense. If you are arrested for DUI this holiday season, you should contact a Knoxville DUI defense lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys know how to defend against DUI charges and are committed to bringing every case to the best resolution possible.

Why do People Drink More around the Holidays?

For many people, the holidays are a time to celebrate, visit family and friends, and go to office parties - all of which often involve alcohol. Additionally, the stress of the holidays and simply taking time off work often leads people to drink more alcohol. Whatever the reason, increased alcohol consumption can lead to risky behaviors like getting behind the wheel while impaired. The best way to avoid a DUI arrest is to take steps to ensure that you do not drive after drinking. Some of the ways you can avoid drinking and driving this holiday season include:

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 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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