Tennessee is seeing new attention on a bill that would expand when deadly force could be used on private property. Supporters say it strengthens property rights, while critics warn it could blur the line between self-defense and criminal conduct. That makes it a timely article for anyone following criminal law and public safety trends in Tennessee.
View PostFor many people in Wilson County, the question “Is weed legal in Tennessee?” comes up because the laws can feel confusing. The short answer is that recreational marijuana is still illegal in Tennessee. At the same time, some hemp-based products are legal if they stay within the state’s THC limits, which is where a lot of the confusion starts.
View PostIdentity theft is a crime that happens when someone uses another person’s personal information without permission, usually for financial gain or to avoid being caught for another offense. In Wilson County, TN, identity theft can affect everyday people just as easily as businesses, and the damage often reaches far beyond a single stolen account. Understanding what identity theft looks like, how it happens, and why it matters can help people recognize the issue sooner and respond more carefully.
View PostThe plain view doctrine is one of the most common search-and-seizure concepts people hear about in criminal cases, but it is not always well understood. In Tennessee, including Wilson County, TN, and Lebanon, TN, this doctrine can matter when police officers say they saw evidence of a crime without needing to search for it. For people facing criminal charges, knowing the basic idea behind the plain view doctrine can help explain why certain evidence may be used in a case.
View PostThe National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has released a new report on its Criminal Case Tracker, offering a closer look at select federal prosecutions and the kinds of charging trends defense lawyers are watching nationwide.
View PostWhen people in and around Lebanon, TN, face criminal charges, one of the most important early questions is: “Who should I trust to handle my case?” Search terms like “criminal defense lawyer near me” or “top criminal defense attorneys” often lead families to many options, but choosing the right firm involves more than just a list of credentials. For many clients in Wilson County, TN, Hagar & Phillips stands out among top criminal defense firms not just because of experience, but because of how the firm approaches each case with clarity, calm, and a focus on the person behind the charges.
View PostThe National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has released a new report co-authored with Connecticut defense lawyers and the state’s Chief Public Defender titled “The Trial Penalty in Connecticut: Are People Being Punished for Exercising Their Constitutional Rights?” The report finds that defendants across Connecticut are losing their Sixth Amendment right to trial because the difference in sentencing between accepting a plea deal and going to trial is so extreme that many feel forced to plead guilty even when they may be innocent.
View PostMore drivers in Tennessee are adding dashcams to their vehicles, hoping to capture evidence if a collision ever occurs. These small cameras can record what happens in and around a car, but many people wonder whether dashcam footage actually helps or can sometimes hurt them in the wake of a crash. In Tennessee, dashcams are generally legal, but how that footage is later used can depend on what the video shows, how it is stored, and how it fits into insurance and legal processes.
View PostReceiving notice that the Tennessee Board of Nursing has opened a complaint or investigation can be one of the most stressful moments in a nurse’s career. The first 48 hours are not the time to decide the outcome of the case, but they are a critical window to protect your license, your career, and your ability to respond thoughtfully later. Knowing what steps to take and what to avoid can help nurses across Tennessee move through this early stage with greater clarity and control.
View PostIn Tennessee, criminal charges are grouped into broad categories that signal how serious the state views the offense and what kind of consequences are possible. The three main categories people encounter are misdemeanors, felonies, and, in some cases, “enhanced” felonies. Understanding these categories can help anyone charged or worried about a charge better grasp general expectations, even though each case is decided on its own facts.
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