Criminal and Drug Crime Lawyers

Our Brentwood Criminal Defense Lawyers are fighting to defend your rights

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, including drug crime defense in Franklin, or in Brentwood, TN, you need help fast. If convicted, you could face fines, imprisonment, and perhaps worse, depending on the crime and the verdict.

At a time like this, you need the help of a tough criminal defense lawyer who has the experience in Tennessee courts to anticipate the prosecution and the diligence to gather the proper evidence to present a compelling case in your favor.

The Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates handle Brentwood and Franklin TN criminal defense for—

DUI & Criminal Defense in Brentwood and Franklin TN

Drinking and driving are a dangerous combination. If you have been stopped, tested for, and arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you need a Franklin drunk driving attorney experienced in evaluating DUI process and equipment. For example, not every police officer has been fully trained in administering field sobriety tests. Not every piece of breath-testing equipment works perfectly. And, while the police have the right to stop you if they have reasonable cause to suspect you of DUI, it does not mean you are guilty.

Understand, though, that in Tennessee, penalties for DUI convictions are strict. A first-time conviction can result in fines up to $1500, jail time up to 11 months and 29 days, and loss of license for one year. A second conviction could bring fines up to $3500, jail time up to 11 months and 29 days, and loss of license for two years. If a second conviction occurs within five years of the first, you are also looking at mandatory enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Program for six months and your vehicle can be seized.

When facing DUI charges, do not go it alone. Let a skilled Franklin DUI attorney handle your case and represent your rights.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are crimes against persons and property. While less severe than felonies, they still bear serious consequences including fine and time in a local or county jail in Middle Tennessee. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, including any of the following, you need a qualified criminal defense attorney to represent you.

• Crimes against persons—simple assault, disorderly conduct, DUI, domestic violence, drug possession, prostitution
• Crimes against property—theft, trespass, vandalism

Felonies

Felonies are serious crimes that threaten the lives and property of others. Punishment is more severe than for misdemeanors and can include imprisonment in the Tennessee state prison, fines, or both. If you have been charged with any of the following, you need a lawyer skilled in handling felony charges to represent your rights.

• Crimes against persons—assault, DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, kidnapping, involuntary or voluntary manslaughter, first-degree or second-degree murder, rape, robbery
• Crimes against property—arson, burglary, credit card fraud, theft

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Contact the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates to learn more about how we can defend your rights and liberty.

Juvenile matters

Young people often make poor choices that have unfortunate consequences. If your child has been charged with a criminal offense, seek immediate legal counsel from the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates. We dig into the details of the allegations to uncover the truth. We stand by your side in court to defend your child's rights. We do whatever we can to lessen the impact of criminal charges on your child's future.

How the legal process works

The more you know, the more you are in a position to help yourself. Here is a brief look at the steps you can expect from the legal process when charged with a criminal offense:

• Stop—The police may stop you for questioning.  You have the right to refuse to answer.
• Search—If probable cause exists, a judge can issue a search warrant to look for items connected with the alleged criminal activity.  Warrants are not necessary for all searches.
• Arrest—In order to be arrested, there must be probable cause that a crime was a committed and that you committed it. You have two important constitutional rights: the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
• Booking—Following your arrest, the police escort you to the police station for the booking process and you will be fingerprinted, interrogated, searched, and photographed.
• Appointment of a Criminal Law attorney—If you cannot afford an attorney and you have been charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment or a fine, the court may appoint an attorney to defend you.
• Arraignment—You appear in court once criminal charges are filed and you will be asked to enter your plea to the crime with which you have been charged. If you plead guilty, you will be sentenced without trial.
• Bail/bond—Often, you must provide cash, a bail bond, or court-depending, a pledge of property to ensure you appear for further criminal proceedings.
• Speedy trial—The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial, that is, a trial will be held within a certain time frame after you have been charged.
• Trial—If you do not reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor (many prosecutors will consider one), your case moves to trial.  Depending on the charges, you may have the right to a trial by jury.
• Appeals—In the event you are found guilty, you have the right to an appeal, usually ten days after judgment.
• Expungement—In some circumstances, you may be able to have your criminal record removed, or in the case of juvenile records, destroyed.

If you don't know what to look for in an attorney, we have created a few checkpoints you need to double check to in order to choose them correctly.

Our guide to finding the right criminal defense lawyer will help provide you with a small check list of things to mention and research on when choosing your lawyer.

Prior going to your meeting with your lawyer, you will have several things you need to bring to make the consultation and research as smooth as possible.

Make sure you know what to provide your criminal defense attorney before going into their office and remember that everything you say to your lawyer is held in confidence because of client/lawyer privilege.

Brentwood, Franklin - Across Williamson County & throughout Tennessee.

The Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates will work hard to protect your rights in criminal defense cases like DUI arrests. We will do everything possible to aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. Call us today at 1-888-328-0433 or use our convenient online form to schedule your free initial consultation.