The justice system is set up to err on the side of allowing guilty people to go free in order to avoid false convictions. However, it’s very clear that these false convictions still happen. For instance, DNA evidence has exonerated hundreds of people who were...
Criminal Defense
What is Tennessee’s “Truth in Sentencing” law?
A number of factors are often considered when a judge is determining what kind of sentence to hand down to someone who’s found or pleads guilty to a crime. That sentence may end up being shortened if they don’t get into any further trouble while they’re in prison or...
Do police officers need to tell you the truth?
Many people end up arrested, or in a worse position than needed because they don’t understand their rights or certain basic principles of law. One misconception that often causes problems is assuming the police will tell you the truth. The reality is that police...
3 defenses for robbery charges you need to know
Getting charged with robbery can have serious consequences, including long prison sentences and significant fines. A strong defense strategy is crucial to challenging the charges and working toward the best possible outcome for these cases. If you are facing robbery...
New law could mean more juveniles face adult criminal charges
Tennessee lawmakers have been on a roll lately with new attempts to crack down on crime, and particularly crimes committed by children. A new law set to go into effect in January 2025 could mean more juvenile offenders could end up in adult prisons. Two sentences, one...
Is a stop-and-frisk encounter a Fourth Amendment violation?
The Fourth Amendment extends some of the most important protections for those dealing with police officers. Representatives of the state, including law enforcement professionals, cannot conduct unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment protects everyone...
Can the police always enter when they have a warrant?
Recently, we discussed limited circumstances when police aren’t required to have a warrant to search a person’s property without their permission. If the police arrive at your home with a warrant, it’s crucial to make sure that it’s valid before letting them in....
Invoking Tennessee’s Stand Your Ground law as murder defense
Tennessee's Stand Your Ground law has profound implications, particularly when invoked as a defense in murder cases. The ability to claim self-defense under the Stand Your Ground law can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal for those accused of murder....
Larceny charges in Tennessee
Larceny is a term that describes unlawful theft of physical property. This concern is treated as a serious criminal offense in Tennessee. Larceny charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of...
How does the “crime of passion” defense work?
The crime of passion defense is often used for serious cases, such as murder charges. Essentially, the person who is accused of murder says that they were just reacting to conditions that were outside of their control. In the heat of the moment, they acted impulsively...