Insights
Blogs, News, Press Releases & Legal Insights

What to Expect When You Enter a Courtroom

We understand that going to court can be a stressful affair. And although this is the case, we’d like to help ease you through the courtroom process. Here, we’ve provided some information on what to expect and what’s expected of you when you go to court.

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What to Know About TN DUI Laws

Tennessee’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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What Types of Adoption Are Common in Tennessee?

For many families in Tennessee, adoption is a meaningful way to grow their household and build new legal relationships with a child. Adoption is not a one‑size‑fits‑all process; there are several common paths that families use, each with its own focus and structure. Understanding the general types of adoption can help people in Middle Tennessee decide which route might align best with their goals and situation, even if they are only beginning to explore the idea.

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What We’re Reading: A New Tennessee Property-Defense Debate

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.

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What We’re Reading: A Tennessee Supreme Court Case on Juvenile Confessions

A 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.

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What We’re Reading: Federal Criminal Cases in Middle Tennessee Are Heating Up

A 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.

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What We’re Reading: NACDL on Fentanyl Prosecutions

This week’s article comes from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and takes a closer look at fentanyl-related death cases.

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What We’re Reading: TDOC’s New Mobile Community Supervision Offices

A recent Tennessee Department of Correction article highlights a new effort to make community supervision more accessible for people on probation and parole in rural areas. TDOC says it is launching mobile community supervision offices to help individuals meet supervision requirements and access important resources.

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What We’re Reading: Tennessee Family Law Changes Taking Effect This Summer

Staying current on the law is especially important when changes are on the way that may affect families. In Tennessee, new laws are set to take effect on July 1, and some of those changes have implications for parents, custody, and family life.

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When is an Ignition Interlock Required in Tennessee

When is an Ignition Interlock Required in Tennessee? Tennessee law requires that a person convicted of a DUI must have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle if that person is eligible for a restricted driver’s license. Learn more with this blog.

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