Nashville Criminal Defense Blog

What Happens After Your First DUI Court Appearance? Posted: July 09, 2026 After your first court appearance for driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee, the case moves into the pre-trial phase, where both sides exchange evidence, file motions, and…

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Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped in Tennessee? Posted: June 26, 2026 No, you cannot simply have domestic violence charges dropped in Tennessee, and neither can the person who reported them. Once an arrest happens, a domestic violence case belongs…

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How Tennessee Defines Domestic Assault Posted: June 19, 2026 Tennessee defines domestic assault as an assault committed against someone you share a close domestic relationship with, such as a spouse, partner, relative, or person you live with. The connection between…

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Are Sobriety Checkpoints Legal? Posted: June 04, 2026 Yes, sobriety checkpoints are legal in Tennessee, but law enforcement must follow strict constitutional requirements, and any violation of those rules can form the basis of a strong defense. If you were…

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Can Dashcam or Bodycam Footage Help My DUI Defense? Posted: May 29, 2026 Video evidence from police cameras can either strengthen the prosecution’s case or hand your defense a powerful tool to challenge the arrest. A DUI conviction in Tennessee…

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Can Medical Conditions Affect DUI Test Results? Posted: May 23, 2026 Yes, and it happens more often than most people realize. Certain medical conditions can mimic the signs of intoxication, produce false-positive readings on chemical tests, and cause you to…

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What Happens During a DUI Traffic Stop? Posted: May 09, 2026 During a DUI traffic stop, law enforcement will pull over a driver whom they believe may be driving under the influence. By stopping the vehicle, the police officer will…

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Can I Refuse a Field Sobriety Test? Posted: April 24, 2026 A field sobriety test is designed to measure a person’s level of impairment following a DUI stop. In Tennessee, you are allowed to refuse a field sobriety test without…

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What are Field Sobriety Tests Designed to Show? Posted: April 18, 2026 If a police officer suspects that you are driving impaired, he or she will request that you complete a field sobriety test. A field sobriety test (FST) is…

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Can a DUI Be Reduced to a Lesser Charge? Posted: April 11, 2026 Through plea bargaining, a DUI can be reduced to a lesser charge in Nashville, Tennessee. One of the most common reductions for a DUI charge is pleading…

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What Defenses are Commonly Used in DUI Cases? Posted: April 04, 2026 Each year, about 1.5 million DUI arrests are made in the United States. In Tennessee, even a first DUI conviction comes with jail time. Subsequent offenses will result…

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How Long Does a DUI Case Usually Take to Resolve? Posted: March 29, 2026 Given that over 12,000 motor vehicle fatalities each year are due to an alcohol-impaired driver, law enforcement is cracking down on the issue in Tennessee. The…

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What are the Consequences of Running From the Cops? Posted: March 15, 2026 Running from the cops, known as evading or resisting arrest, is a serious offense under Tennessee law. The Tennessee Code defines evading arrest as intentionally concealing yourself…

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What are Domestic Violence Diversion Programs? Posted: March 09, 2026 If you have been accused of physically assaulting or verbally abusing a family or household member, you may be charged with domestic violence, also known as domestic assault. Tennessee does…

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Can I Get Probation for Assault? Posted: February 28, 2026 An alternative to jail, probation allows you to remain within the community but requires you to report regularly to a probation officer. In Tennessee, probation is often available for misdemeanors…

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Can a Restraining Order Be Issued in Assault Cases? Posted: February 22, 2026 According to Tennessee law, assault is defined as causing someone bodily injury, placing them in fear of bodily injury, or touching someone in an extremely offensive or…

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What is Reckless Endangerment? Posted: February 16, 2026 Reckless endangerment is defined as any conduct that places another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. While a conviction comes with potential jail time, fines, and a criminal…

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What if the Assault Happened During a Bar Fight? Posted: February 10, 2026 Someone who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person will be charged with assault in Tennessee. If you do assault someone during a bar…

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How to Choose the Right DUI Lawyer in Tennessee: Key Questions to Ask Posted: January 22, 2026 A DUI arrest in Tennessee triggers serious consequences that demand skilled legal representation. Knowing how to choose the right DUI lawyer can mean…

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Underage DUI in Tennessee: Zero Tolerance Laws and Defense Options Posted: January 06, 2026 An underage drinking while under the influence (DUI) conviction can have long-term effects on college admissions, scholarships, job opportunities, and military eligibility. At Andrew C. Beasley,…

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Can I Sue the Person Accusing Me? Posted: December 28, 2025 Facing a criminal charge is always difficult. If, however, you have been wrongfully accused, the situation can reach nightmarish proportions. The fact is that, under these circumstances, you may…

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What Happens if I Violate a Protective Order? Posted: December 20, 2025 Protective orders, or orders of protection, are put in place to shield victims from domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault and to prevent their abusers from contacting or…

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What if I Have Prior Convictions? Posted: December 11, 2025 If you are facing a criminal charge, you are in a difficult spot, but if you have prior convictions, the situation is that much more challenging. In fact, having a…

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Can Anger Management Help My Case? Posted: December 03, 2025 If you are facing a criminal charge that relates to anger issues, such as domestic violence or assault, anger management classes could potentially help you achieve a better outcome. Ultimately,…

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What are My Chances of Going to Jail? Posted: November 30, 2025 Although Nashville offers tourists music, local landmarks, and a sought-after fashion scene, crime is no stranger to the Music City. In fact, Nashville prison populations are estimated to…

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What are Aggravating and Mitigating Factors? Posted: November 23, 2025 Most criminal offenses are subject to minimum and maximum sentences. Even so, certain circumstances, known as aggravating and mitigating factors, can have a great impact on your sentence length. These…

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What is Stalking Under Domestic Violence Laws? Posted: November 16, 2025 Tennessee law defines stalking as repeatedly harassing another person to the extent that the individual feels terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, or molested. A stalking charge requires that the alleged…

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What if I Break a Restraining Order Unknowingly? Posted: November 08, 2025 Victims of stalking, threats of abuse or sexual assault, or domestic violence may have a restraining order issued against their aggressor. In Tennessee, this is known as an…

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What is Obstruction of a Police Officer? Posted: October 25, 2025 Anyone who prevents a police officer from performing their duties may be charged with obstruction of a police officer. Perhaps the most common example is resisting arrest. If found…

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Can I Get My Fingerprints and Photos Destroyed? Posted: October 17, 2025 An expungement is the legal process of having a criminal offense removed from your record. Charges for most non-violent offenses, misdemeanors, and low-level felony offenses can be expunged,…

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What if My Constitutional Rights Were Violated? Posted: October 10, 2025 As Americans, we have certain rights that are provided to us in the U.S. Constitution. Many of these provide us protection if we are ever criminally prosecuted. If your…

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Can You Get a DUI as a Passenger? Posted: August 28, 2025 If you are found operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater in Tennessee, you will be charged with a DUI. Prosecutors…

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Refusing a Sobriety Test Posted: August 22, 2025 Under the state’s implied consent law, you must consent to breath, blood, or urine testing if an officer has reason to believe that you are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or…

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Steps to Take If You Have Your License Suspended Posted: August 16, 2025 For a first DUI offense in Tennessee, your license will be suspended for one year, with subsequent offenses resulting in lengthier suspension periods. Given that you need…

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How Are Juvenile Sex Offense Cases Handled Posted: July 10, 2025 When your child is accused of a sex offense in Nashville, TN, the legal process moves quickly, and the impact on your family can be immediate, severe, and life-changing.…

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When Does Your License Get Taken Away? Posted: June 15, 2025 Tennessee is known for its strict DUI laws, especially in greater Nashville. You can even be charged with drunk driving for merely being in your vehicle while intoxicated. No…

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Federal vs. State Crimes in Tennessee Posted: May 20, 2025 Criminal charges at the state level are based on violations of Tennessee’s laws, while criminal charges at the federal level are based on violations of the federal government’s laws. Federal…

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How Does a Judge Sentence Probation and Parole? Posted: May 03, 2025 If having the criminal charge against you dropped altogether or being acquitted isn’t an option, staying out of jail or seriously limiting the time you are required to…

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What are the Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Nashville, Tennessee? Posted: January 07, 2025 Each year, more than one million arrests are made for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Impaired driving places the lives of…

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Understanding Tennessee Law on Domestic Violence Posted: October 15, 2024 Navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the legal system can be daunting, especially when faced with grave allegations such as domestic violence. For residents of Tennessee, understanding the nuances of state…

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How To Build a Defense Against DUI Charges Posted: August 15, 2024 Facing DUI charges can be incredibly daunting, especially considering the severe consequences that come with a conviction. Whether you are a first-time offender, a legal professional, or a…

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What are Key Pieces of Evidence in a Murder Trial? Posted: June 22, 2024 Gathering sufficient evidence is key to building a strong defense. Whether it is fingerprint evidence, DNA, or a blood-stained gown, persuasive evidence can establish probable cause…

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What Constitutes Harassment? Posted: June 15, 2024 Feeling unsafe is an emotion that many of us can relate to, but few of us want to experience. Understandably, the law harshly penalizes those found guilty of harassment through imprisonment and steep…

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Who is Required to Take DUI Classes in Tennessee? Posted: June 01, 2024 A DUI conviction comes with harsh penalties, including incarceration, steep fines, license revocation, and having to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you have…

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Consequences for Multiple Duis in Tennessee? Posted: May 22, 2024 Tennessee ranks high on the list of drunk driving cases, with 26.75 percent of traffic fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers. Understandably, the Tennessee legislature imposes harsh punishments for those driving…

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What are the Penalties for Your First DUI Offense in Tennessee? Posted: May 15, 2024 Each state imposes different punishments for driving under the influence, with Tennessee being known to impose harsh penalties for the crime. Tennessee law is complicated…

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Difference Between White-Collar and Blue-Collar Crimes Posted: May 10, 2024 Just as we classify jobs as being white-collar or blue-collar positions, the same applies to criminal offenses. Whereas white-collar crimes are associated with wealthier individuals, blue-collar crimes are most often…

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Are There Different Classes of Felonies and Misdemeanors? Posted: May 02, 2024 Understanding punishments for criminal offenses can be complicated. While Tennessee law details specific penalties for crimes, many people remain confused regarding the difference between felonies and misdemeanors. The…

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What is Considered a Felony DUI in Tennessee? Posted: April 25, 2024 Alcohol-impaired driving is associated with an increase in injuries and fatalities. In a recent five-year period, Davidson County experienced 135 fatalities related to inebriated motorists. While most DUI…

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What Drug Crimes Are Felonies? Posted: April 11, 2024 Under Tennessee law, all drug crimes are classified as felonies except for simple possession, which is different from possession with the intent to sell. For a first-time simple possession offense, it…

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Can Domestic Assault Be a Form of Self Defense Posted: April 01, 2024 Yes. Domestic assault can be considered self-defense in domestic violence cases. While domestic violence, abuse, or assault is an immensely severe offense, in some instances, domestic assault…

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What Are the Types of White Collar Crimes Posted: March 27, 2024 White-collar crimes refer to illegal, non-violent activities and schemes that individuals, businesses, or government organizations commit. At their core, they are crimes of cheating, lying, deceit, stealing, and…

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What Happens if You Inadvertently Tamper with Evidence? Posted: March 08, 2024 If you are under criminal investigation, you may instinctively want to hide or destroy any evidence that can incriminate you. It is human nature, and while understandable, our…

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Is Committing Fraud a Felony or Misdemeanor? Posted: March 01, 2024 Under Tennessee law, fraud is any crime that involves intentional deception or misrepresentation for financial gain while depriving the victim of property or money. Fraud charges can be brought…

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How Does a Judge Determine Probation Time? Posted: February 16, 2024 Probation is a form of alternative sentencing in which a convict can be released into the community and avoid spending time behind bars. Probation often comes with certain restrictions,…

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Which Drug Crimes Are Misdemeanors? Posted: February 01, 2024 Tennessee takes drug crimes very seriously, and even those charges that are classified as misdemeanors can lead to serious consequences that can prove life-altering. If you’re facing a drug charge of…

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What is The Difference Between Wire and Mail Fraud? Posted: February 01, 2024 Both mail and wire fraud are federal offenses. They are both serious charges that carry serious penalties, but there are distinctions between the two that it’s useful…

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What Charges Can Someone Face for Child Pornography in TN? Posted: January 22, 2024 Child pornography charges are especially serious charges that carry very harsh penalties and life-altering social consequences, including required registration as a sex offender. If you’re in…

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What Is the Difference between Parole, Probation, and Community Corrections / House Arrest? Posted: January 10, 2024 The terms parole, probation, and house arrest are often confused. While they are all alternatives to incarceration, there are distinct differences between these…

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What Is Aggravated Assault? Posted: December 22, 2023 Aggravated assault is among the most severe offenses a person can commit in Tennessee. It involves a deliberate, knowing, or reckless attempt to inflict serious physical harm on another individual. Aggravated assault…

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What Is Self-Defense? Posted: December 14, 2023 Self-defense is the right to use reasonable force to protect yourself when threatened with physical harm or death. In Tennessee, there are self-defense laws that aim to protect individuals from criminal convictions if…

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Signs of Abuse in a Child Posted: December 09, 2023 Child abuse has devastating consequences that can impact a child’s physical, behavioral, emotional, and mental health for the rest of their lives. Child abuse can take many forms, including physical,…

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What is The Expungement Process? Posted: November 27, 2023 Expungement or expunction is a court-approved process in which the record or certain criminal cases can be destroyed or erased. This means that your acquittal, conviction, or dismissal will cease to…

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What Are The Stages of a Criminal Case? Posted: November 12, 2023 If you’re facing criminal charges, you’re probably wondering what you’re up against and how your case will be handled by the criminal justice process in Tennessee. If you…

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What Makes Something a Federal Crime? Posted: October 01, 2023 Each state has its own criminal statutes and offenses, but did you know the federal government also has a separate set of criminal laws? When someone is facing federal charges,…

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Unveiling the Truth: Dispelling Myths About Lie Detectors Posted: August 17, 2023 With all of the different information swirling around about lie detectors, one may wonder how effective they actually are. Can law enforcement really use lie detectors to discern…

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A Comprehensive Guide to DUI Penalties in Tennessee Posted: July 20, 2023 Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Tennessee that can have long-lasting consequences. Understanding the state’s DUI laws is crucial for anyone who may find…

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Beyond the Verdict: How an Assault Conviction Alters Your Path Forward Posted: July 19, 2023 The consequences of getting convicted of an assault go beyond the courtroom, fines, or a jail sentence. Assault charges have lasting and profound effects, affecting…

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Various Types of Sexual Assault & the Legal Consequences Posted: April 20, 2023 We see it all too often in television shows and movies—sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. So, too, can legal charges of various…

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Courtroom Conduct: Rules & Regulations to Follow Posted: January 31, 2023 If you have a court appearance coming up and have only seen a court hearing on television, you likely have questions regarding rules of behavior and etiquette. In simple…

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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: What This Means For You Posted: December 28, 2022 Tennessee criminal codes and regulations can be difficult to understand when dealing with the legal system. Whether you’re a first offender or have visited the courtroom a handful…

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What Happens After A Warrant Is Issued for Your Arrest Posted: November 20, 2022 In the state of Tennessee, we treat court orders and probationary periods with utmost seriousness. Whether it’s minor traffic infractions or more serious criminal offenses, the…

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Orders of Protection: Everything You Need to Know Posted: October 20, 2022 Life can be messy. Domestic partnerships, informal roommate situations, and other uncomfortable arrangements can leave us feeling exposed without a remedy under the law. To complicate matters, we’re…

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How Serious Is Drug Trafficking? Posted: April 30, 2020 Drug trafficking is very serious. Depending on where or how the offense occurs, it can be charged as a state or federal crime. In either case, it is always a felony,…

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