It usually makes sense to think of an arrest as the beginning of your criminal defense case. In fact, you might be able to start forming a strategy as early as you become aware of the possibility of an investigation, in some cases. Every action you take and statement...
Clinton, Tennessee Legal Blog
New legislation could send more 17-year-olds to adult prisons
Current Tennessee law sets the age of criminal responsibility at 18. If House Bill 1029 passes, the state will lower that age to 17. If the law passes, a 17-year-old facing any criminal charge will face the adult court system instead of going through the juvenile...
Is it possible to accidentally possess drug paraphernalia?
Even though drug use can seem like a personal matter, it often has wide-sweeping effects on others. For that reason, according to the Tennesse Department of Health, the state has an interest in promoting healthy communities and individual lifestyles. There are a...
When does law enforcement have the right to search your vehicle?
If Tennessee traffic stops make you feel uneasy, you are in good company. For many people, seeing those blue lights flashing in the rearview leads to immediate anxiety, even if they are not doing anything wrong. However, knowing your legal rights with regard to search...
Can rehabilitation quell a drug addiction?
Drug addiction can lead you to do things that cause shame and hardship. Involvement in drug crimes can interfere with your relationships and your career. ' If you continue to ignore the problems that drugs create in your life, you may never enjoy freedom again. Seeing...
Recovery court may be an option for those facing drug charges
Not all individuals who face drug charges will necessarily enter the justice system. The State of Tennessee acknowledges that some people caught in possession of drugs have a substance abuse problem. Recovery courts may be an alternative to traditional legal...
The impact of underage drunk driving charges in Tennessee
If you face charges due to alleged drunk driving and you are under the age of 21, it is essential to understand how this could impact your life. Aside from resulting in immediate consequences, such as penalties imposed by the court, these charges could also come back...
Refusing a breath test – what drivers should know
When stopped by law enforcement, no one wants to potentially incriminate him or herself and risk a ticket or worse, an arrest. To avoid possibly giving the authorities evidence to use against them, many drivers consider refusing requests to submit to blood alcohol...
Tennessee Senate votes to reform criminal HIV disclosure laws
During the HIV epidemic in the '80s and '90s, many states utilized the force of law to contain outbreaks—including punitive measures against those with HIV in certain situations. Today, society has a different, less stigmatized view of the disease but state laws...
Tennessee senators debate medical marijuana bill
At the time of writing, a total of 36 states have opted to legalize cannabis in some form or another. For the other states, that means taking a look at their own cannabis laws and deciding whether to join the pack or not. As WTVC News reports, Tennessee lawmakers had...