Criminal Defense Lawyers Franklin TN

Criminal Defense Attorney in Franklin, TN

Fighting to protect your freedom in Tennessee

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, be it a drug crime, DUI, or violent crime, you need help fast. If convicted, you could face fines, imprisonment, and other consequences, depending on the crime and the verdict. A felony conviction could make it especially difficult to find a job or a place to live.

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 criminal defense matters for clients throughout Tennessee. We assert every factual and legal defense that can help you obtain an acquittal, a dismissal, or a negotiated plea bargain.

How can we help?

What types of criminal cases do you handle in Franklin?

Our firm handles all manner of cases in criminal courts throughout Tennessee. While we have the resources and skills to assist you with whatever you need, we have built a reputation over the last 30 years for aggressive, effective defense against charges such as:

  • DUI. Drunk driving charges are serious, and can have lasting effects on your life. Tennessee has some of the most draconian DUI laws on the books, and a conviction can cost you thousands of dollars in fines and your driving privileges, which in turn can cost you your job or even your place to live. If you are pulled over for DUI, you have rights. Our DUI defense lawyers can help protect them.
  • Aggravated & simple assault. Law enforcement takes assault charges seriously. You can be charged with assault even if you didn’t actually harm anyone. Your entire life can be changed. Contact us as quickly as possible so we can get started.
  • Traffic violations. While most traffic violations are considered misdemeanors, it is possible to be charged with a felony for certain types of violations. The fines and penalties for traffic violations can really add up. If you have been charged with speeding, reckless driving, or any number of traffic crimes, contact us to find out how we can help.
  • Drug-related crimes. The crackdown on drug charges like possession, dealing, and trafficking has increased exponentially over the last decade. Many drug charges are federal crimes, which means stricter penalties and an inexpungible record if you are convicted. If you are charged with a drug crime of any kind, contact our Franklin drug defense attorney right away. We work with both residents of Tennessee and out-of-state visitors who have been arrested while on vacation, or while attending events like Bonnaroo.
  • Sex crimes. There are few charges more serious than those involving accusations of a sex crime. With the possible exception of murder, no other types of charges can ruin your life more easily than just the accusation of wrongdoing. We provide skilled, aggressive defense strategies for a variety of sex crime charges because we understand what is at stake.
  • Theft, larceny & embezzlement. Theft charges run the gamut from misdemeanor to felony, depending on the value of what was stolen. Embezzlement, however, is always a federal crime, and a conviction is guaranteed to land you in federal prison. If you have been charged with any kind of theft or fraud, you should seek legal counsel right away.
  • Vehicular homicide. In Tennessee, there are three types of criminal charges involving a motor vehicle; vehicular homicide is the most serious. A conviction can mean up to 30 years in jail – unless you are convicted of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in which case you could face up to 60 years in prison.
  • Misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor crimes are considered less serious than felonies, but they can still permanently affect your life. A felony conviction, however, is almost guaranteed to make your life more difficult. We offer you practical guidance in facing the challenges of a felony or misdemeanor charge, and fight for your rights in all cases.
  • Juvenile matters. We know that it’s easy for young people to be swayed into situations they never wanted to be in, and to make mistakes that don’t seem like such a “big deal” at the time. We also know that a juvenile conviction can follow your child around for years. We work with families to help protect minors from a lifetime of trouble.

All criminal charges are serious. If you stand accused of a crime of any kind, a Franklin criminal defense attorney from our firm can help.

What are the steps in the criminal process?

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. The Law Office of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates is ready to represent you at each stage.

  1. Stop. The police may stop you for questioning. You have the right to refuse to answer.
  2. 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.
  3. Arrest. To be arrested, there must be probable cause that a crime was committed and that you committed it. You have important Constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  4. Booking. Following your arrest, the police escort you to the police station for the booking process, where you are fingerprinted, interrogated, searched, and photographed.
  5. 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. We recommend contacting our Franklin Tennessee office as soon as possible.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Appeals. In the event you are found guilty, you have the right to an appeal, usually ten days after judgment.
  11. Expungement. In some circumstances, you may be able to have your criminal record removed, or in the case of juvenile records, destroyed.

There are other important stages to your case too. There may be an indictment issued by a grand jury. Normally, the prosecution must show, at a preliminary hearing, that there is probable cause to believe you committed a crime. We often file various motions to suppress evidence illegally obtained or to obtain information about the prosecution’s case.

What types of defenses do you assert?

Potential defenses vary depending on the criminal charge and the facts of your case. Some of the defenses we may assert include:

  • One or more of your Constitutional rights was violated, such as the right to protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to a speedy trial, the right to confront the witnesses against you, the right not to self-incriminate yourself, and other rights.
  • The prosecution cannot prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • The prosecution cannot show that you violated the specific terms of the statute.
  • The value of the items involved or drugs involved is less than the prosecution claims.
  • The equipment, used such as breath machines, wasn’t properly calibrated or operated.
  • You were entrapped.
  • You didn’t have the required intent.
  • You have an alibi.

Many other defenses may apply.

Do you have a criminal defense lawyer near me?

Our Franklin criminal defense office is located at 219 3rd Avenue N.

If you don’t know what to look for in an attorney, we have created a few checkpoints you need to double-check to choose them correctly. Our guide to finding the right criminal defense lawyer will help provide you with a small checklist of things to mention and research when choosing your lawyer.

Contact our criminal defense law firm in Franklin, Tennessee

The Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates will work hard to protect your rights in criminal defense cases. We will do everything possible to aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. We have helped numerous defendants preserve their freedom and their reputation. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation. We are proud to represent defendants in Franklin and Middle Tennessee.

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