Violation: Client charged with Shoplifting in two separate counties (Misdemeanor), Failure to Appear (Misdemeanor), Bringing Contraband into a Penal Facility (Felony) and Destruction of Evidence (Felony).
Result: Felony charges dropped and client received suspended sentences on only three of the misdemeanors with no jail time and unsupervised probation.
My client was a young lady experiencing mental difficulties along with addiction issues. After being charged with two separate shoplifting offenses in both Trousdale and Macon Counties, she missed both court dates due to difficulties arising from her mental health issues. While driving in Davidson county, she was arrested for failing to appear in court. She was arrested and searched in Davidson County and then transported to Trousdale County, She was also searched when she arrived at the Trousdale County jail. Nothing was found upon her person during either search. She was placed in a cell where she was then found to be in possession of marijuana and an alleged pill. After the pill was found the police “laid the evidence in the floor of the cell” after which the client was accused of destroying the evidence. The State charged her with bringing contraband into a penal facility (3 – 6 years in the State prison) and the destruction of evidence (3 – 6 years in the state prison), in addition to the multiple counts for failing to appear and shoplifting. She was held without bond.
After working with the client’s history and a gaining her release from the hold, she was able to regain control of her life and get back on necessary medications for her mental health. After appearing in both Macon and Trousdale County, we were able to have both felony charges dropped. My client was able to plea only to shoplifting with no supervised probation. All charges in Macon County received probation as well.
This troubled young person was facing two felony charges and five misdemeanor charges; however, with the efforts of myself and my team of legal professionals and the client’s desire to win back control of her life, we were able to walk out of court with her receiving suspended sentences with no supervised probation on only 3 misdemeanor charges.