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931.361.4477
Home
Firm Overview
Attorneys
Gregory P. Patton
Christopher J. Pittman
B. Nathan Hunt
Christopher G. Clark
Allison W. Jackson
Jeffrey W. Campbell
Theresa Schimmels
Cole Corder
Madeleine Kurtz
Macayla Heath
Family Law
Alimony
Businesses & Divorce
Child Custody & Visitation
Divorce
Domestic Mediation
Fathers' Rights
Grandparents' Rights
Military Divorce
Criminal Defense
White Collar Crimes
Assault & Battery
Child Pornography
Drug Crimes
Domestic Assault
Drug Possession & Delivery
DUI/DWI
Can You Beat A DUI?
Repeat Offender & Felony DUI
Sex Offenses
Sex Offender Registry
Statutory Rape & Sex With a Minor
Theft, Robbery & Burglary
Weapons Charges
Other Practice Areas
Business Law & Litigation
Business Formation
Estate Planning
Trusts & Conservatorships
Wills
Personal Injury
Auto & Truck Accidents
Probate & Estate Administration
Will Contests
Probate Litigation
Landlord/Tenant Disputes
Mediations
News & Articles
Blog
2022
May
Types of Restraining Orders in Tennessee
3 Effective Defenses Against Assault and Battery
April
I've Been Accused of Drug Possession. Now What?
Tennessee's Drug Paraphernalia Laws
March
Aggravated DUI in Tennessee
What Happens If a Refuse a Breath Test After a TN DUI Arrest?
Patton & Pittman would like to congratulate partner Chris Clark on another FULL ACQUITTAL by a jury at trial.
February
Tennessee Commercial DUI Laws
Tennessee Underage DUI Laws
January
Do I Need an Estate Plan?
How Can a Grandparent Gain Custody of a Child?
2021
December
When Should Families Seek a Conservatorship?
How Long Does a DUI Conviction Stay on Your Record?
November
The Consequences of a Drug Conviction in Tennessee
Do All Felonies in Tennessee Carry Prison Time?
October
Everything You Need to Know About Tennessee DUI Laws
Why Couples Struggle With Prenuptial Agreements
September
How Five Issues Could Derail Your Divorce
Can I Get in Trouble for Borrowing My Friend's Gun?
August
Qualifying for an Expungement in Tennessee
Understanding Domestic Assault Charges in Tennessee
July
Understanding Tennessee's Drug Paraphernalia Law
Community Property Trusts Can Provide Tax Savings Down the Road
June
How Can I End My Proxy Marriage?
Do I Need a Will If I Don't Have Many Assets?
May
What You Need to Know for a Smooth Military Related Divorce
Reality TV Personality Charged in Child Pornography Case
April
Can My Spouse Discharge Back Child Support in Bankruptcy?
What Happens if I Get into Bar Fight in Tennessee?
March
Penalties and Fines for Drug Charges in Tennessee
Rules for Establishing Legal Parental Rights for Unmarried Parents in Tennessee
February
Don't Forget: Marijuana is Still Illegal in Tennessee
Is Distracted Driving a Criminal Offense in Tennessee?
WARNING: We have received reports that the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is using a software program BANNED by the Federal
January
Can COVID Help or Hurt My Criminal Case?
The Difference Between Domestic & Aggravated Domestic Assault
How Threats Can Lead to Verbal Assault Charges
2020
December
What Household Objects Can Be Considered Drug Paraphernalia?
How Does an Ignition Interlock Device Work?
November
Can I Get Fired for Getting a DUI?
Expunging a Simple Possession Charge in Tennessee
October
How Long Does a DUI Charge Stay on My Record?
How Can I Defend Myself Against a Tennessee Weapons Charge?
August
When Should I Create a Will, and How Often Should I Update It?
What is a Conservatorship, and Can It be an Abusive Arrangement?
July
Could I Be Accused of a DUI for Using Legal Substances?
How Does the Law Define Domestic Violence?
May
Do I Have to Take a Breathalyzer Test?
Penalties of a Domestic Assault Conviction in Tennessee
April
Penalties for Weapons Charges in Tennessee
Common DUI Defense Strategies
March
Tips for Handling a DUI in Tennessee
Your Guide to Assault & Battery Laws in Tennessee
February
Understanding a Drug Paraphernalia Charge
Do I Have to Take a Field Sobriety Test?
January
What Are My Rights at a DUI Checkpoint?
2019
December
What Are a Father’s Rights in Tennessee?
Theft, Burglary & Robbery: Is There a Difference?
November
What Happens if You Are Charged with DUI More than Once?
What Are the Consequences of Simple Possession?
October
Top 5 Benefits of Mediation
Pet Trusts: Ensure Your Pet Is Always Taken Care Of
September
What Can I Do If My Tenant Breaches a Lease Agreement?
Types of Assault Charges in Tennessee
August
Can I Be Convicted of a Weapons Charge if I Carry a Knife?
What Is Considered Simple Drug Possession in Tennessee?
July
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee?
What Happens When You Are Charged with Domestic Assault?
June
What Is a Conservatorship?
What Is Considered Robbery in Tennessee?
May
Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Tennessee?
Possession of a Handgun While Under the Influence in TN
April
Is it Possible to Modify My Alimony Payments?
How Do I Get My Beer Permit?
Working Together: Co-Parenting After Divorce
March
Senate Bill 683 Targets Repeat DUI Offenders
When Can I Stop Paying Alimony?
February
Who Gets the Family Pet in a Tennessee Divorce?
Am I Eligible for Expungement in Tennessee?
January
Potential Consequences: What If This Isn’t My First DUI?
What is a White Collar Crime?
2018
December
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee?
Domestic Violence & Child Custody: What Are My Options?
November
Who Gets the House in a Divorce?
How Can I Modify My Child Custody Agreement?
October
A Guide to DUI Checkpoints in Tennessee
Specialists, General Practitioners, and the Holistic Practice of Law
How Does Divorce Affect Military Benefits?
September
Unauthorized Firearms on Military Installations
Surviving the Holiday Season as a Co-Parent
Challenging a DUI Charge: Why You Need an Attorney
August
Labor Day Weekend DUIs
Modifying a Child Support Order
July
How to Bypass Probate Court
Another Murder Case Dismissed Without a Trial
Sexual Assault Penalties in Tennessee
June
DUI with Drugs: What You Need To Know
Understanding Grandparents' Rights in Tennessee
May
Protecting Your Business During a Divorce
How To Make Child Custody Plans This Summer
April
How Could Domestic Assault Charges Change Your Life?
What Are the Differences Between Theft, Robbery, & Burglary?
New Laws Give High Penalties for Poaching Big Game
March
What Are the Key Components in an Estate Plan?
How is Child Custody Determined in Tennessee?
February
Understanding Fathers’ Rights
How Could Dating During My Divorce Impact Me?
What To Know About Ft. Campbell's Juvenile Review Board
January
4 Consequences of Being Placed on the Sex Offender Registry
What is Mediation?
2017
December
What They Don't Tell You About Field Sobriety Tests
November
Do Misdemeanor Offenses Require an Attorney?
How Military Divorce Is Different Than Civilian Divorce
October
Pros and Cons of Prenuptial Agreements
Will My Child Be Tried in Juvenile or Adult Court?
September
Keep Your Divorce Off Social Media: Here's Why
August
Should I Move Out of the Family Home?
Will My Spouse Get Half of My Personal Bank Account?
July
How Military Deployment May Impact Child Custody & Visitation
What to Do After a DUI/DWI Arrest
June
Tennessee Divorce FAQ
Top 10 Questions About Child Custody
May
What Is Wasteful Dissipation of Marital Assets?
April
Child Custody Mistakes
March
What to Do If You Get Pulled Over for DUI
Talking to Your Children About Divorce
February
Traveling as a Sex Offender
January
Defense Strategies Commonly Used in Murder Cases
Fraud by Home Improvement Contractor
The Number One Reason People Divorce
2016
December
What Is Considered an Unlawful Search and Seizure?
Factors to Consider Before Filing for Divorce
November
How to Get a Divorce in Tennessee
Why Is It Important to Fight Charges for DUI?
Murder & White-Collar Cases Dismissed Without Trials
October
Helping Your Teen and Adult Children Cope with Divorce
Can I Get a Restraining Order Removed?
July
Dismissing Criminal Charges
Veterans Treatment Court
Trends In The Law: Alcohol and Drug Monitoring
2015
October
Patton & Pittman Hires New Associate
June
Patton & Pittman Moves to Larger Building
March
Chris Clark Recognized As Top 40 Under 0 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Tennessee
Chris Clark Recognized As One Of 10 Best DUI Attorneys In Tennessee Again
2014
December
Will a DUI Affect My Commercial Drivers License (CDL)?
Patton & Pittman Congratulates Nathan Hunt and Allison Winters for Service to Bar Association
September
Partner Chris Clark Joins Student Defend
August
Chris Clark Named To 10 best DUI Attorney List
July
Prostitution Sting Sheds Light on Human Trafficking in Clarksville, Tennessee
June
Run-A-Muck: A Small Business Success
Partner Chris Clark Chosen By AMGOA
February
New Website
January
Partner Chris Clark Obtains Lowered Bond in High-Profile Murder Case
It's The New Year: How Much Insurance Do You Have?
New Year's Resolution: Estate Planning
Nathan Hunt Elected President of the Montgomery County Bar Association
Attorney Pittman Speaks At Two CLE Programs In December of 2013
New Attorney Joins Patton & Pittman
2013
April
Chris Clark Secures a Not Guilty Verdict in Client's Second-Degree Murder Trial
February
Nathan Hunt Elected Vice President / President Elect of Montgomery County Bar Association
2012
July
Tennessee Greatly Expands Expungement Law by Chris Clark
2011
September
Nathan Hunt and Chris Clark Obtain Not Guilty Verdict in Rape Case
June
Etched in Cyber-stone: Communication in the Digital Age
2010
February
Nathan Hunt Obtains Not Guilty Verdict in Attempted Murder Case
January
Starting the New Year Out Right
2009
July
Social Networking - Legal Issues
June
Mediation
April
How much auto insurance do I need?
Do I really need a Will?
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Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category
10
May
2022
3 Effective Defenses Against Assault and Battery
Technically, assault and battery are not the same things. Assault involves making threats or invading someone’s personal space, and battery involves directly making violent contact with someone. Legally, however, these charges are often grouped together and penalized similarly. Ultimately, assault and battery are violent crimes, which can command steep penalties if you are found guilty. If you’ve ...
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28
Apr
2022
I've Been Accused of Drug Possession. Now What?
When it comes to drug possession, police would have you believe that you’ve been caught red-handed. They want you to feel like your case is hopeless, and you might as well go along with whatever they ask, attempting to secure a lighter sentence. Remember, police like to secure arrests, and prosecutors like getting convictions. Higher numbers look good on their records, so they do whatever they can ...
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12
Apr
2022
Tennessee's Drug Paraphernalia Laws
We all know that you could be arrested for possession, selling, or trafficking drugs. Drug crimes, however, aren’t restricted to the drugs themselves. You could be arrested for anything the cops consider “paraphernalia.” This is any item related to the use or distribution of drugs. What follows is a brief breakdown of Tennessee’s drug paraphernalia laws, followed by effective defenses against ...
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25
Feb
2022
Tennessee Commercial DUI Laws
From semi-trucks and tractor-trailers transporting precious cargo to passenger buses carrying dozens of passengers, operating these vehicles require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Since CDL holders drive large vehicles for a living, they are held to a stricter standard in comparison to non-commercial drivers, especially when it comes to drunk or drugged driving. A CDL holder can be charged ...
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24
Feb
2022
Tennessee Underage DUI Laws
In Tennessee and throughout the United States, many high school and college students engage in underage drinking. However, such activity often leads to drunk driving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in 10 teenagers in high school drinks and drives. Additionally, young drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 are 17 times more likely to die in a car accident when ...
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3
Sep
2021
Can I Get in Trouble for Borrowing My Friend's Gun?
Facing a gun charge is a serious charge in Tennessee, and if you have a gun charge on your record, it could impact your life and the choices available to you for many years to come. If you are facing a weapons charge, you may not be aware of how serious a gun crime can be. It can derail your future and leave you with a criminal record that you’ll need to explain to employers. You shouldn’t try to ...
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13
Apr
2021
What Happens if I Get into Bar Fight in Tennessee?
Life has been very challenging lately, and excessive drinking has been an unfortunate side effect for many people. When excessive drinking happens, it can lead to poor choices and reckless behavior. When life is particularly hard, some people overindulge in alcohol to help them forget about the hard parts of life. Sadly, while it may make someone make better in the short time, it can also lead to ...
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26
Mar
2021
Penalties and Fines for Drug Charges in Tennessee
Tennessee drug crimes carry severe penalties and fines. Even if you face a misdemeanor charge, like simple possession, the penalties and fines can be jarring. The charges for drug crimes in the state range from rehabilitation to jail or prison time, depending on the charge's severity and specifics. 5 Types of Drug Charges While some of the larger metropolitan areas have sought decriminalization ...
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19
Feb
2021
Don't Forget: Marijuana is Still Illegal in Tennessee
Nashville’s DA announced it’s no longer planning to prosecute minor marijuana cases, and Memphis has already started working again toward similar municipal decriminalization legislation. With the two largest cities in Tennessee working to ignore or change marijuana laws, it’d be easy to forget that marijuana is still wholly illegal in Tennessee. The issue is not an easy one for many states, and ...
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5
Feb
2021
Is Distracted Driving a Criminal Offense in Tennessee?
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Tennessee, which has one of the worst records for crash-related fatalities. Tennesseans are at a higher risk for being injured in a distracted driving crash. The statistics compiled to track distracted driving show how the problem is improving, but it is still a serious issue. Tennessee has five times the average amount of deaths from distracted driving. ...
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28
Jul
2020
Could I Be Accused of a DUI for Using Legal Substances?
We all know that driving drunk is both highly dangerous and highly illegal. Driving while under the influence of illegal drugs is just as problematic. What is less often discussed is the fact that even legal substances could result in a DUI arrest. Driving under the influence of drugs is often called a “DUID” charge. If you are high on cocaine, heroin, meth, or even marijuana, you could be accused ...
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27
May
2020
Do I Have to Take a Breathalyzer Test?
In Tennessee, over 8,000 people were arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) during the year 2014. There are a number of tests a law enforcement officer may administer if you are suspected of drunk driving, including field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer test. Up until the moment of your arrest, however, they are generally considered voluntary. That said, even if you refuse to ...
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12
May
2020
Penalties of a Domestic Assault Conviction in Tennessee
Domestic assault is a serious issue in the state of Tennessee and, as such, the consequences of a conviction can be quite severe, depending on the details of the crime. In addition to the criminal penalties one may face, a conviction may also impact a defendant’s ability to own a firearm, retain employment, and rent an apartment. If you are facing domestic assault charges, it is crucial to hire an ...
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9
Apr
2020
Common DUI Defense Strategies
If you are facing DUI charges, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this situation is for you. Oftentimes, people assume that they have no chance of defeating these charges, but this is far from the truth. With an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, you can mount an effective defense to protect your rights and future. Defending Yourself Against a DUI A DUI charge is not a ...
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18
Feb
2020
Understanding a Drug Paraphernalia Charge
The possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee and it is a separate charge that is typically associated with other charges, including drug production, intent to sell, and drug possession. If you receive a conviction for this charge, you may receive a jail sentence up to 11 months and a fine of up to $2,500. If you receive a conviction for possession with intent to ...
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11
Feb
2020
Do I Have to Take a Field Sobriety Test?
Getting pulled over for suspicion of drinking and driving is an overwhelming situation to find yourself in and it is crucial to know your rights. The officer who pulls you over may begin by asking you a series of questions and, at some point, you may be asked to step outside of your vehicle to take a field sobriety test. How you handle this situation can potentially harm or help your case, so ...
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22
Jan
2020
What Are My Rights at a DUI Checkpoint?
DUI checkpoints were designed to protect drivers and pedestrians from impaired drivers. Although police officers must have probable cause to pull over a motorist, this is not necessary at a DUI checkpoint. That said, there are some requirements law enforcement must fulfill for a checkpoint to be valid. Law enforcement must announce a DUI checkpoint about a week in advance. Generally, this ...
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21
Aug
2019
Can I Be Convicted of a Weapons Charge if I Carry a Knife?
Due to Tennessee’s vague legislative language, it can be difficult to understand exactly what type of weapon will get you convicted of a weapons charge . As of 2013, it is legal to own any type of knife, including: throwing stars; daggers; dirks; swords; sword canes; and machetes. Concealed Weapon Charge There are generally no prohibited knives under statute laws, but you may still be convicted if ...
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9
Aug
2019
What Is Considered Simple Drug Possession in Tennessee?
In the state of Tennessee, you commit a simple possession drug offense if you “knowingly possess or casually exchange a controlled substance, unless the substance was obtained directly from…a valid prescription…while acting in the course of a professional practice” (TCA 39-17-418). A simple drug possession conviction, even one that carries probation with no jail time, will get you probation for 1 ...
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22
Jul
2019
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee prohibits motorists from operating a vehicle if they: have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .08%; or are under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, controlled substance, drug, or substance that affects the central nervous system. To be under the influence of a substance is to be impaired to the point of inability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you are ...
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2
Jul
2019
What Happens When You Are Charged with Domestic Assault?
Tennessee defines domestic assault as a physical attack against a family or household member. It is a Class A misdemeanor that will stay on your record forever. Victims of domestic assault can include: current or former spouse; person who the alleged offender lives with or previously lived with; person who the alleged offender is dating or has previously dated; someone alleged offender is related ...
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16
Jun
2019
What Is Considered Robbery in Tennessee?
The act of taking something from a person or a business that did not originally belong to you can be classified as 3 different things in the state of Tennessee. If you take something that isn’t yours, you could be charged with theft, robbery, or burglary. And while these may seem like the same thing, but they are actually separate crimes with separate consequences. To be accused of robbery, you ...
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6
May
2019
Possession of a Handgun While Under the Influence in TN
If you are a firearm enthusiast, you probably value your right to bear arms. After all, firearms allow law-abiding citizens to protect themselves, their families, and their homes from criminals. Research has shown that when citizens are armed, and criminals know it, they will usually avoid the properties that are protected by armed homeowners and business owners. There are strict state and federal ...
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25
Mar
2019
Senate Bill 683 Targets Repeat DUI Offenders
In Tennessee, it’s illegal for driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level at or above 0.08%. While existing laws and sobriety checkpoints save countless lives each year, it doesn’t change the fact that Tennessee has an ongoing problem with repeat DUI offenders. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation , there are nearly 30,000 DUI arrests reported on an annual ...
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7
Feb
2019
Am I Eligible for Expungement in Tennessee?
Whether you were arrested for a criminal offense or convicted of one, each case can result in a criminal record in Tennessee. Having a permanent record means anyone who decides to run a background check can see your past criminal activity. This can make it difficult to obtain a new job or keep being employed, apply for college, find housing, and take advantage of other opportunities in life. To ...
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