The Dangers Seniors Face While Walking Their Dogs
Dogs are man’s (and woman’s) best friend. They warm the heart, give you their undivided attention, and look at you with those wide sympathetic eyes. Until recently, walking a dog was thought to be a great form of exercise. Sadly, recent studies and stories are confirming that the risk of breaking a bone while dog-walking…
Read MoreNew Tennessee Bill Aims to Increase Sentences for Repeat DUI Offenders
Channel 6 ABC reported in February, 2019, that Tennessee lawmakers are seeking to increase the penalties for repeat DUI offenders. Under a new bill, proposed by Tennessee state senator Todd Gardenhire, drivers who are convicted of a second driving under the influence charge will spend at least 11 months and 29 days (the maximum allowed…
Read MoreTennessee Considering Making Right to Vote Easier for Some Felons
Legislators in Tennessee will soon be considering new laws that will help felons who have paid their debt to society have their voting rights restored, according to a recent story by AP News. Two organizations, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee and Americans for Prosperity, often with different viewpoints, are supporting the legislation. The…
Read MoreShould 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…
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