Criminal Defense Law

The phrase “Miranda rights” is woven into the fabric of American pop culture. However, for many, the true meaning and implications remain mysterious. This is especially true when facing a stressful encounter with law enforcement in Tennessee. Miranda v. Arizona (1966) The cornerstone of Miranda rights lies in the landmark 1966 Supreme Court case Miranda…

A criminal record can cast a long shadow over your life, hindering your ability to secure employment, housing, and even educational opportunities. Fortunately, Tennessee law offers a path toward a fresh start through expungement. What is expungement? Expungement is a legal process that allows eligible individuals to have certain criminal records sealed or erased from…

In today’s hyper-connected world, social media platforms are an integral part of our lives. We share updates, connect with friends and family, and express ourselves online. However, the ease and immediacy of social media can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, especially when it comes to the legal implications of our posts. Let’s take a look…

Being charged with a crime can be a frightening and confusing experience. The unfamiliar environment of the courtroom, the strange legal jargon, and the potential consequences can leave you feeling overwhelmed. If you’re facing a criminal trial, understanding the process can alleviate some of that anxiety and help you prepare effectively. Here, we’ll break down…

Being accused of theft in Tennessee can be a frightening and stressful experience. The severity of the charges and potential consequences depend on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Today, let’s take a deeper look at theft laws in Tennessee, including penalties and potential defense options. Tennessee classifies…

Tennessee, unlike some of its neighbors, hasn’t legalized medical or recreational marijuana, so getting busted for weed is still illegal. But that doesn’t mean all THC-based products are illegal. For example, cannabis is a plant. Cannabis sativa is a type of cannabis plant. Both weed AND hemp are Cannabis sativa, but only one of them…

It is often said that in this world there are “givers” and there are “takers.” People can be both, depending on time and circumstance, but drug addiction is only ever one thing: a taker. It is an illness that takes away jobs, it takes away stability, it takes away family, it takes away health, and…

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are an important component of law enforcement’s toolkit in determining if a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Administered during a traffic stop, these tests are designed to assess a driver’s physical and cognitive abilities, providing officers with evidence to establish probable cause for a…

The aftermath of criminal charges can extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting a variety of aspects of an individual’s life. While the immediate focus of criminal defense often centers on legal consequences such as fines, probation, or incarceration, collateral consequences can be equally, if not more, powerful. Today we want to take a look at…

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations shapes how criminal cases are handled. The statute of limitations, often referred to as the “legal clock,” is a fundamental concept in criminal cases. It essentially sets a time limit within which criminal charges must be filed after an alleged offense occurs. The time limit is important because it…

When situations involving law enforcement unfold, your personal recordings can often be the only way to capture the full scope of an interaction. These recordings can help ensure accountability and provide an unbiased record of events. In Tennessee, specifically in places like Franklin, the act of recording law enforcement officers is generally legal and extends…

Checking someone’s criminal history is an important step when hiring, helping you understand if they’re trustworthy and won’t pose a safety risk at work. The “lookback period” can play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of these evaluations. Simply put, a lookback period is the time period examined when checking if someone has a…

Being in an intoxicated state doesn’t serve as a legitimate excuse for engaging in criminal behavior. However, it could potentially hinder an intoxicated individual from possessing the mental capacity needed, as per legal requirements, to be charged and convicted of specific offenses. Consider the historical backdrop of crimes committed under the influence, such as the…

Forensic evidence isn’t just fodder for TV crime dramas. Forensic studies are pivotal investigations that aim to link suspects to criminal activity. Forensic evidence is any criminal evidence that is acquired through scientific means during these investigations. Forensic evidence includes biological evidence based on individual identity markers, such as finger and palm prints. Investigators also…

You can’t talk long about the legal rights of U.S. citizens before the conversation turns to  Constitutional rights. The U.S. Constitution gives certain immutable rights to all Americans.  Technically, it’s the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution that give us our rights. Together, these amendments are aptly called The Bill of Rights. The Constitution’s First…

It doesn’t take much for a minor traffic ticket or a minor offense to snowball into a major catastrophe. One moment, you’re driving and listening to the radio. The next moment a police officer has stopped you and asked you for your driver’s license, registration records, and insurance information. Some of the information that the…

You should avoid friendly chats and conversations with the police when they stop you for questioning about any type of criminal offense, from a traffic ticket or misdemeanor to a felony. Just think for a second – if the police were truly trying to help you or to find out what happened, they would readily…

As summer approaches, festivals are becoming more frequent, especially in Franklin, Tennessee, where the number of tourists will rise significantly. Maybe you attended this year’s Main Street Festival or plan on attending Franklin Day. There’s lots to do in and around our lovely little town. There are also a lot of opportunities to get into…

Even the most careful and upstanding citizens may find themselves being pulled over by a police officer at some point in their lives. However, if the traffic stop starts to feel invasive and like it may be something more than issuing a citation or warning, you may begin to wonder if it is legal. Do…