Should I Attempt to Settle My Own Car Accident Case?
For many people, it’s tempting to try to settle their car accident cases on their own. They think by saving the legal fees and getting their money quickly, that they’ll come out ahead. Unfortunately, too many accident victims realize after the settlement that they made a mistake – often a big mistake. In short, no…
Read MoreThe Effect of Cyntoia Brown’s Clemency on the Juvenile Justice System
The Tennessean reported Governor Bill Haslam, in one of his final acts as Governor, granted clemency to 30-year-old Cyntoia Brown. Ms. Brown was sentenced to life in jail for killing a Nashville real estate agent. She was sentenced when she was 16 years old. The agent, whom she didn’t know, picked her up “at an…
Read MoreSupreme Court Rules Unanimously that Civil Forfeiture Laws for Criminal Violations are Unjust
The US Supreme Court recently ruled that limits must be placed on the practice known as civil forfeiture. Civil forfeiture is the taking of private property, including homes, cars, and cash, that were used to commit a crime. While the aim of civil forfeiture laws was to prevent the properties from being used for other…
Read MoreCan You Get Rid of a DUI on Your Record?
Tennessee, much like the federal government, has been working towards criminal justice reform. The state has changed some laws when it comes to clearing your record, such as allowing people to clear up to two convictions, and reducing the costs associated with expungement. Despite these changes, however, laws regarding driving under the influence were never…
Read MoreHospital Prices for Procedures Must Now Be Online
One of the most frustrating things for many healthcare patients is understanding how much hospital procedures will cost. Even when patients have insurance, it’s helpful to have an estimate of how much a non-emergency procedure will be, how much your insurance company will pay, how much the hospital will accept in payment, and how much…
Read MoreFederal Appeals Court Rules Tennessee’s Cap on Punitive Damages is Unconstitutional
Punitive damages are meant to punish wrongdoers for reckless and purposely deceitful conduct. They are designed to send a message that some conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Punitive damages can be awarded both in a wide array of cases, from injury case to business litigation. Many states do not place a cap…
Read MoreNew Bills being Presented by TN State Legislators
With the start of the new calendar year and a new administration, lawmakers are ready with a variety of new bills they hope will become eventually become state laws. A few notable criminal laws were reported by the Tennessean this month. We’ve broken them down here, so you will know what to expect if they…
Read MoreThink You Have A Foolproof Way to Beat a Sobriety or Breath Test? Think Again.
Many people suspected of a DUI think that simple things like chewing on a mint can help defeat a breath test. People also think they know more about impaired driving than they really do. If you are convicted of a DUI, you could be sentenced to jail, lose your license, be ordered to pay substantial…
Read MoreWhat Pharmacies, Doctors, and You Need to Know about Tennessee’s New Opioid Law
Changes were recently instituted in the ways pharmacies can handle opioid medications. The new law was enacted in response to growing concerns that opioid drugs are addictive and can cause death and suicide. Pharmacies and doctors who fail to comply with these laws may face civil and criminal charges. Anyone in possession of illegal drugs…
Read MoreEligibility for a Restricted Driver’s License after a DUI Conviction
In Tennessee, any driver who is convicted of a driving under the influence of alcohol charge will be ordered to surrender his/her license for at least one year. Any driver who refuses to submit to a chemical test such as breathalyzer test will also lose driving privileges for at least one year. All Tennessee drivers…
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