Many people hear the term second degree manslaughter in the news or TV shows and assume that it applies to the entire United States. However, the charge does not always exist in all states. But it is important to know these things because how the court uses the label...
A robbery conviction in Tennessee relies heavily on eyewitness testimony. Unfortunately, your life can take a drastic turn when a single eyewitness wrongly accuses you of the crime. If you are facing this situation, understand that eyewitness identification is not...
You’ve heard the phrase “you have the right to remain silent” countless times on TV. But what happens when police don’t read you these rights? Does this automatically violate your constitutional protections? This might not always be the case. Understanding when your...
Many people think robbery only happens when someone successfully steals property. In Tennessee, though, the law punishes both robbery and attempted robbery when threats or violence occur. Even if no one steals anything, you can still face serious charges if you try to...
When police stop you, it can be confusing to know if you are being detained or arrested. The difference matters because your rights change depending on what the officer can legally do. Understanding how a police stop can shift from a detention to an arrest helps you...
People are generally aware that some crimes may be charged as “aggravated” offenses. That often happens if the victim is considered a vulnerable person, like a child or an elderly or disabled person. Further, if a deadly weapon like a gun is used and/or serious...
A first-degree murder charge can change everything in an instant. Your freedom, reputation, and future are all at stake. From the moment charges are filed, every decision matters. Even small mistakes can have lasting effects. Acting quickly and strategically,...
If you are being investigated for a white collar crime, the police may be interested in looking at your computer use and Internet history. These are often technical, financial crimes, so a lot of the evidence may be digital. For example, maybe you have been accused of...
Facing criminal charges is a significant experience in a person’s life. It’s one that must be taken seriously, which means taking the time to explore every possible defense strategy. In some cases, calling the state’s evidence into question is one component of that...
Facing a homicide charge can be an incredibly daunting situation. Those facing this issue might be asking, “How can I demonstrate my actions were in self-defense?” This blog explains the criteria for a valid self-defense claim under Tennessee law. It aims to clarify...
