Criminal Defense
When Should I Hire a Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you are reading this blog, then the likely answer to “when should I hire a criminal defense attorney” is “as soon as possible.” Whether you’re the subject of a criminal investigation or have already been arrested, having an experienced attorney on your side from the start of your case is the best chance for…
Read MoreTennessee Courts Begin to Lift Coronavirus Restrictions for In-Person Hearings
The Supreme Court of Tennessee, the highest court in the state, is beginning to ease restrictions regarding in-person hearings starting March 1st. The court suspended jury trials and in-person hearings because of a surge in coronavirus cases. Now that the number of cases is falling, the Court has decided to start opening back up. Per…
Read MoreHow Is COVID-19 Affecting Crime in Tennessee?
The COVID-19 pandemic is touching every aspect of life – including crime and punishment. On the one hand, it’s natural to expect that criminal conduct during the pandemic will be reduced because less people are out and about. Criminal activity such as assaults, exchanging money or drugs, and other actions require close contact – which…
Read MoreCan the Police Make You Wear a Wire?
In almost any crime show or mob movie, the most nerve-wracking part occurs when a character is wired up and sent into a building undercover to catch the criminals in the act. Inevitably, someone catches on, and the character is placed in an uncomfortable position with his life on the line, hoping the law enforcement…
Read MoreWhat Is Bank Fraud?
“White-collar” crime was given its nickname because of the type of individual who tended to commit these illegal acts: suit and tie wearing professionals who find loopholes in the financial world, and exploit them for monetary gain. One of the crimes that falls into the category of this sort of criminal activity is bank fraud.…
Read MoreAlternate Sentencing Options in Tennessee
When most people get into trouble for the first time, or even for something new, they understandably worry about what they’re about to face. It seems like every crime show depicts the only options being stiff penalties or turning over valuable information in the hopes of cutting a deal for an easier sentence. This is…
Read MoreAssault Still a Significant Problem in Tennessee
Families and communities are greatly affected in the negative sense when touched by violent crime. Violent crimes, such as assault, not only cause physical harm to victims, but also emotional and social distress which leads to anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and premature death. Crime in neighborhoods can affect the local economy in addition to…
Read MoreIs Video Footage from Doorbell Cameras Admissible in Court?
“Smart” doorbells like Ring or Nest give many homeowners a sense of security. Being able to see and hear who is at your door, as well as the potential crime deterrent offered by the presence of the doorbell itself, provides consumers a less expensive way to set up a home security system. Many of the…
Read MoreBeware of Using Random Chat Apps; They Can Open the Door for Criminals
The popular social networking apps in Apple’s App Store are now the subject of over 1,500 complaints and allegations of unwanted and unsolicited sexual advances, many of which have targeted children. According to the Washington Post, this is in stark contrast to what the company continually markets its App Store as – a safe and…
Read MoreHow Do Judicial Diversions Work in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers a diversion program for some offenses if the accused meets certain conditions. There are two types of diversionary programs: pretrial diversion and judicial diversion. Both types of diversion programs are used to give defendants a chance to avoid a criminal record for less serious offenses. There are important differences between the two. What…
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