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...
Most people assume they cannot get a DUI if they are not driving. However, in Tennessee, that is not always the case. Under the state’s actual physical control (APC) doctrine (also used in most U.S. states), the police can charge you even if your car is not moving....
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...
Although originally used to help bring down members of the Mafia, prosecutors continue to use the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) as a powerful tool in the fight against organized crime. Prosecutors can add this charge on if they believe an...
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,...
A driver in Tennessee is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or more. This is the law for most drivers aged 21 years and above. The BAC limit for a driver under 21 years is 0.02%....
Sometimes, people who did not intend to commit a crime find themselves facing serious criminal charges. Even typically law-abiding adults could be at risk of life-altering criminal charges if they experience a dangerous, unexpected situation. People generally have a...
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...
Carjacking is a serious felony offense in Tennessee. Those charged with this offense risk lengthy prison sentences, steep fines and a permanent criminal record in the event of a conviction. The crime is defined under Tennessee law as the intentional or knowing taking...
