The field test kits many law enforcement agencies use to determine whether a certain substance is an illegal drug while out in the field can be inaccurate. For that reason, they’re generally not admissible in court without some further testing or proof. The results...
Criminal Defense
Criminal charges: One of the many risks of social media
You may be fully aware of the studies that report how social media can affect our mental health. Teenagers may compare themselves to others and develop body image issues or other mental health issues. Some may even experience cyberbullying through social media....
Can a DUI or drug conviction affect my ability to travel abroad?
Yes. Some countries, including Mexico and Canada, may refuse to allow you to enter if you have a recent DUI or another criminal conviction or pending charges. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State will generally refuse to issue you a U.S. passport if you’re...
Accused of breaking your college campus’s rules?
Sometimes, things get a little out of hand. Maybe you made a mistake. Maybe someone has falsely accused you of something. Perhaps it’s a little bit of both? In any case, campus misbehavior can have serious consequences. You could be facing campus discipline, which...
Supreme Court hears case on fraud in government contracting
Facing fraud charges in Tennessee is no small matter. It can put one’s reputation and future on the line. Anyone dealing with the risk of fraud charges should make sure they take steps to protect their rights. However, it is also critical to understand the potential...
When are police in Tennessee allowed to pull people over?
Police aren’t allowed to pull people over for just any reason. In the United States, we are protected by the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures by government actors like the police. So, the police need a reason before they can prevent...
Have a student going to college? What to know.
College can be a new chapter of freedom and excitement for your child. It is the next step on their journey to adulthood. However, college campuses are full of many young students who are on their own, without parental guidance or supervision, for the first time in...
Penalties for BUIs are increasing
Summer is prime time for Tennessee friends and families to go boating. However, mixing alcohol with a day on the water is a risk. Individuals could now face criminal charges for boating under the influence of alcohol (BUI) that are equivalent to punishments for DUIs....
Did the cops use drug-sniffing dogs? What to know.
Tennessee police officers will investigate and find a reason to conduct a search when they have a suspicion that a person is in possession of illegal drugs. In many drug searches, it is not at all uncommon for police officers to bring along a drug-sniffing dog. Using...
How common are criminal exonerations in Tennessee?
An exoneration means that we know for a fact that someone who was once convicted of a crime did not actually do that crime. Not everyone who is acquitted or who has their criminal case overturned is considered exonerated. It’s not a dispute about the evidence. It’s a...