Posted on May 10, 2026 in Criminal Defense

As a student at the University of Tennessee, you have the same constitutional rights as any other citizen. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects everyone in this country from unreasonable searches and seizures by government officials. That protection applies whether you are in your dorm room, in your car, or walking across campus. But knowing your rights and knowing how to protect them in real time are two different things. If you are a UT student facing criminal charges that started with a search in 2026, a Union County, TN criminal defense lawyer can help you understand whether your rights were violated and what can be done about it.

What Does the Fourth Amendment Actually Protect You From?

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents. In practical terms, this means that police generally cannot search your person, your belongings, your car, or your living space without either a valid warrant or a recognized legal exception. If a search is conducted without a warrant and no exception applies, the evidence found during that search may be thrown out of court.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 23, 2026 in DUI/DWI/BUI

Failing field sobriety tests does not automatically mean you will be convicted of a DUI in Tennessee. Field sobriety tests are not perfect, and there are many legitimate reasons a person can fail them that have nothing to do with being impaired. The results can be challenged, and in some cases, they can be thrown out entirely. If you failed field sobriety tests and are now facing a DUI charge in 2026, Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney can help. Our Anderson County, TN DUI defense lawyer can review what happened during your stop and help you build a defense.

What Are Field Sobriety Tests and Why Are They Used?

Field sobriety tests are physical exercises that a police officer asks a driver to perform during a traffic stop when impairment is suspected. The three tests that have been standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which involves following a light or object with your eyes, the walk and turn test, and the one-leg stand test.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 10, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1307, several different situations can lead to a weapons charge. Some are based on who is carrying the weapon. Others involve where it is being carried or what the person intends to do with it. The charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances. If you are facing a weapons charge in 2026, our Knox County, TN gun charges defense lawyer can help you build a defense strategy.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 23, 2026 in DUI/DWI/BUI

Most people never imagine that a medication their doctor prescribed could lead to a DUI arrest. But in Tennessee, a lawful prescription is not a shield. If an officer believes a drug affected your ability to drive safely, you can be charged regardless of whether the medication was legally obtained.

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-401, it is illegal to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while impaired by any drug, including prescription medications. The law does not require that the drug be illegal. It only requires that the drug impaired your ability to drive safely. Our Anderson County, TN DUI defense lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help build a defense.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 13, 2026 in Drug Crimes

Finding out you're being charged with drug possession for something that wasn't yours is a disorienting and frightening experience. You didn't buy the drugs, you didn't use them, and you may not have even known they were there. Yet, you may find yourself facing a charge that could follow you for years.

Keep in mind, a charge is not a conviction, and the state has a lot to prove before it can call you guilty. If you are facing this situation in 2026, our Union County, TN drug possession defense lawyer can help you understand exactly what the state has to prove and how to fight back.

What Is Constructive Possession Under Tennessee Law?

Tennessee law recognizes two types of drug possession. Actual possession means drugs were found directly on your person, in your pockets, or in a bag you were carrying.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 24, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Public intoxication is a misdemeanor in Tennessee. It is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which means it is a criminal charge that can carry penalties such as fines and, in some cases, jail time. Even though it is considered a lower-level offense, it can still create stress and uncertainty, especially when it comes to your job, housing, and future opportunities.

Public intoxication arrests are especially common in busy areas like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, where tourism and nightlife increase police presence. If you were charged in 2026, our Sevier County, TN criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.

What Is Considered Public Intoxication Under Tennessee Law?

Public intoxication is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-310. You can be charged if you are in a public place and an officer believes alcohol or drugs affected you in a way that creates a safety concern. Many people do not expect this to happen, and it can be upsetting to face a criminal charge.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 08, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Consent can be withdrawn under Tennessee law. Even if someone initially agrees to sexual activity, they can change their mind at any time. When consent is withdrawn, continuing the activity may lead to serious criminal allegations.

Understanding how the law views consent is important because these cases are treated with great care by the legal system. According to FBI records, a rape is reported in the United States about every 4.1 minutes, and the laws that govern these cases often evolve.

Allegations involving consent can be emotionally overwhelming for everyone involved. If you are facing an accusation or are under investigation, speaking with a Campbell County, TN sex crimes defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps may help protect your future.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 23, 2026 in Drug Crimes

As of 2026, Tennessee does not allow marijuana for recreational use and does not have a full medical marijuana program, even though laws have changed in many other states. Only very limited low-THC products are allowed under narrow circumstances. This often surprises people who assume marijuana laws are the same everywhere.

If you are facing a drug charge related to marijuana, an Anderson County, TN drug crimes defense lawyer can help explain how strict Tennessee law still is and what that means for your case.

What Does Tennessee Law Say About Marijuana Possession?

Under Tennessee law, marijuana is classified as an illegal controlled substance. Possessing marijuana for personal use is still a crime, even in small amounts.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 08, 2026 in Criminal Defense

As of 2026, Tennessee still enforces location-based firearm restrictions, even though most adults no longer need a handgun carry permit. However, that does not mean you can carry a gun everywhere. Tennessee has strict rules about where firearms are allowed. Many people are charged because they did not realize a location was restricted.

In 2025, firearm ownership remained high across the state. According to research compiled by the RAND Corporation, more than 40 percent of Tennessee households report owning at least one firearm. As more people carry guns, confusion about location-based rules has led to more weapons charges.

If you carry a handgun or are facing a weapons violation, our Anderson County, TN weapons violations lawyer can help. He understands how these rules apply to everyday situations and can help you build a defense for the charges against you.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 18, 2025 in DUI/DWI/BUI

Drunk driving is punishable by significant penalties in Tennessee. Offenders face jail time, fines, and license penalties for a conviction, which makes a strong defense important. If you or a loved one were charged with drunk driving, contact a Blount County, TN DUI defense lawyer for help.

We can evaluate the circumstances of the alleged offense, help you gather evidence, and explore your legal options. Attorney Jeffrey Coller has over a decade of experience, making him a sound choice to tackle a DUI charge.

How Do Police Tell if a Driver Is Intoxicated?

In many cases, a person suspected of DUI is pulled over because they were driving erratically. In other cases, a driver may be stopped at a checkpoint, or they may have their blood alcohol tested after getting into an accident.

Continue Reading ››