Being arrested in Tennessee is stressful, and the process that follows can feel confusing, especially when it comes to bond, bail, and what happens before your case is resolved. At Hagar & Phillips Law Firm in Lebanon, we help clients and their families understand these steps so they can make smart decisions and protect their rights.
View PostPolice cannot search every car they stop in Tennessee; when a search is legal depends on specific rules under the Fourth Amendment and Tennessee law. Understanding these basics can help you protect your rights and know when to call a lawyer.
View PostA criminal record can cast a long shadow over job opportunities, housing, and personal goals, even years after a case is resolved. Fortunately, Tennessee law allows many people to petition for expungement, which destroys or seals public records of certain offenses. At Hagar & Phillips in Lebanon, TN, we guide clients through this process to help them move forward with a cleaner slate
View PostTheft and burglary charges in Tennessee can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the value of stolen property and the circumstances of entry. Understanding the legal process helps defendants in Lebanon and Wilson County make informed decisions. Hagar & Phillips regularly guide clients through these cases from arrest to resolution.
View PostCatalytic converter theft has exploded across the country in recent years, and Tennessee has been no exception. In response, lawmakers have strengthened state law so that many catalytic converter theft cases are now treated much more seriously, including as felonies in a growing number of situations. For vehicle owners and for anyone who may face charges, understanding what the law does and how it works in practice is important.
View PostDrug charges in Tennessee represent some of the most serious criminal allegations residents face, with penalties that can range from months in jail to decades in prison. Whether stemming from a traffic stop on I-40, a workplace search, or a domestic incident, these cases carry immediate and long-term consequences far beyond the courtroom. For Middle Tennessee families, understanding the scope of these charges proves essential when legal trouble arises.
View PostInvestigative reports centered in the Nashville media market uncovered that “sober DUI” arrests are not rare one‑off mistakes but part of a broader pattern across Tennessee. Check out FOX 17 News' detailed report on 419 'sober DUI' arrests in 2024, which shows a nine-fold jump from the previous year.
View PostTennessee theft charges, whether from shoplifting, employee theft, or other property‑related accusations, can leave you with a criminal record that affects jobs, housing, and professional licenses for years to come. It is about far more than just “paying something back”; it is about protecting your future.
View PostTennessee health professionals facing a board complaint or investigation know how much is at stake: your career, reputation, and ability to practice. Before you trust anyone with that, it helps to ask the right questions. Below are ten smart questions to ask before you hire a medical license defense lawyer in Tennessee, plus why the answers matter.
View PostTennessee’s DUI laws just got tougher in 2026. Anyone who drives in this state, especially those already dealing with a DUI or implied consent charge, needs to understand how these changes raise the stakes for refusing tests, losing their license, and challenging evidence in court. While laws are subject to change, this overview highlights the most important changes and explains how Hagar & Phillips can help protect your rights under the new rules.
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