Davidson County's attempt to "legalize Marijuana" falls short of the mark and it could leave some citizens trapped in the gray area of being charged under local statute or state law. In a 35-3 vote, the Metro Council approved a bill that allows officers to give someone a $50 fine and community service if [...]
Any type of automobile accident is a frightening experience, but an accident that involves an automobile crashing into a body of water (such as a bridge suddenly collapsing), with you trapped inside is nothing short of terrifying. However, many of these deaths are attributed to panic, not having the knowledge of what [...]
I’m an avid gun rights attorney. In my practice, I strive to make sure all of my clients know exactly how their gun rights are affected while being charged with a crime and how any resolution will affect their gun rights. I take the loss of a person’s gun rights personally. From my vantage point, [...]
I had just returned from court where, as a litigation attorney, I had defended a DUI case. The case had been difficult, but we gained a verdict that allowed my client to continue to work and take care of his family. My desk was covered with case notes and the rest of the day’s [...]
We've all heard of the Salen Witch trials of Massachusetts in the 1600s.The trials resulted in the executions of fourteen women and six men, and all but one by hanging. Once it became known society was open to persecuting people for being witches, the allegations began to grow in number. Present day, the same thing is [...]
How does an innocent person spend thousands of dollars, stay under indictment for over a year, and never commit a crime? It is much easier than you think. Take, for example, the recent dismissal of an Aggravated Assault case I handled in excess of a year. The case only ended last week [...]
Tennessee's DUI law has changed once again to further focus serious prosecution efforts on repeat DUI offenders. As of July 1, 2016, TCA 55-10-402(a)(5) creates a class C felony for a person convicted of a 6th or subsequent offense DUI, for people with 5 or more prior convictions for DUI, or other more serious alcohol [...]
Several years ago, the Tennessee State Legislators passed an amendment to the DUI law requiring citizens convicted of DUI to a mandatory penalty of litter pickup for 24 hours, generally done in three 8 hour stints. The law was an unfunded mandate placing expense on local sheriff's departments. There was difficulty administering the law; many [...]
“Keep it within the navigational beacons.” It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere- Jimmy Buffett I represent several people every year who have been accused of Boating Under the Influence. The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has cracked down on the offense and may be watching you on your next visit to the lake or river. No matter if its [...]
Tennessee currently criminalizes a person's refusal to consent to a blood or breath test at the request of law enforcement in most situations. The refusal can carry up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a suspension of their driving rights. In Birchfield vs. North Dakota, the United States Supreme Court found that taking a [...]
