In most cases, police cannot search the contents of your phone during a traffic stop in Tennessee without a warrant. Your phone has strong privacy protections, and officers usually need your consent or a very narrow emergency reason before they can look through it.
View PostBeing charged with driving on a suspended license in Tennessee can create more problems than many people expect. In most situations, it is a Class B misdemeanor, which can carry up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500; if you have prior convictions, the charge can become a Class A misdemeanor with harsher penalties.
View PostA recent federal enforcement action in Nashville shows just how serious criminal cases can become in Middle Tennessee. Federal and state leaders announced indictments against dozens of people as part of a new Homeland Security Task Force, with charges including drug trafficking, carjacking, assault on law enforcement, firearms offenses, and immigration offenses.
View PostAn arraignment is usually the first formal court appearance in a criminal case, and it is the point where the charges are officially read in open court. In Tennessee, the court must make sure the accused has a copy of the indictment, presentment, or information before being asked to enter a plea.
View PostA DUI in a work vehicle can affect much more than just the criminal case. In Tennessee, the legal consequences are often similar to any other DUI, but the job-related fallout can be more complicated because your employer may also get involved.
View PostA DUI charge does not always involve alcohol. In Tennessee, a person can be charged with DUI if prescription medication impairs the ability to safely operate a vehicle, even when the medication was lawfully prescribed. That surprises many people, but under Tennessee law the main issue is impairment, not whether the medication came from a doctor.
View PostA recent Tennessee Supreme Court decision is a good reminder that what happens in the first few hours of a criminal investigation can shape the entire case. In State of Tennessee v. Antonio Demetrius Adkisson, the Court vacated two second-degree murder convictions after finding that the defendant’s confession was involuntary, even though he had been given Miranda warnings.
View PostA drug possession charge in Wilson County, Tennessee, can have serious consequences, even if it is a first offense. The exact outcome depends on the substance involved, the amount, and whether prosecutors believe the drugs were for personal use or for sale.
View PostMissing court after a criminal charge can create serious problems quickly. In Tennessee, failure to appear is unlawful when a person has been properly ordered to attend a court proceeding and does not show up, and the offense itself can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Depending on the case, the court may also issue a warrant, increase bond, or impose stricter release conditions.
View PostBoating in Tennessee can be a fun way to enjoy summer, but it can also lead to serious legal trouble if state boating laws are broken. In Lebanon and across Wilson County, TN people may face criminal charges related to boating under the influence, reckless operation, or more serious offenses if an accident causes injury or death.
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