College should be about classes, friendships, and new opportunities not court dates and criminal records. Yet in Tennessee, a single mistake can threaten a student’s education, housing, scholarships, and future career. At Hagar & Phillips Law Firm in Lebanon, Tennessee, we help college students and their families understand what’s at stake and how to protect a hard‑won future.
View PostAn arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to take you into custody. A judge or magistrate issues it after finding probable cause that you committed a crime, or that you failed to comply with a court order (such as appearing in court or paying fines). Bench warrants are frequently issued when someone misses a court date, even for minor traffic or misdemeanor matters.
View PostBeing 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 charge for drug possession or theft can threaten far more than your record and reputation. For licensed professionals in Tennessee - nurses, teachers, real estate agents, health‑care workers, accountants, and others, one allegation can put your entire career at risk. If you hold a professional license and are facing a drug or theft charge, you need to think about defending both your freedom and your livelihood at the same time.
View PostCar accidents happen fast, but your actions afterward can determine your safety, legal rights, and financial recovery. In Wilson County, traffic crashes have shown a steady upward trend in recent years, according to Tennessee Department of Safety data, with the county consistently ranking among Middle Tennessee's highest-crash areas due to population growth and I-40 congestion. Hagar & Phillips in Lebanon guides injured drivers through this process every day.
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 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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