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Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category

  • A Guide to DUI Checkpoints in Tennessee

    The DUI checkpoint- coming across one of these during a late night drive can be nerve-wracking, even if you have not had any alcohol that night. People rarely expect to run into one of these stops, and because they do not know their rights, they sometimes agree to tests or searches that they did not have to submit to. After the experience is over, many people wonder if the stop was even legal to ...
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  • Labor Day Weekend DUIs

    Labor Day weekend is almost upon us, bringing the summer season to a close with one last celebration. Many of us are likely looking forward to the long weekend, hoping to party and have a good time with friends and family, but it is important to be careful since this is also one of the most dangerous times to hit the road. In fact, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol Announcement, the THP put ...
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  • Sexual Assault Penalties in Tennessee

    It’s imperative you retain legal representation immediately if you’re facing a felony conviction for sexual assault in Tennessee. When it comes to sexual assault, Tennessee has very strict laws and even harsher punishments. Tennessee currently prosecutes sex crimes based on 12 sexual offense categories. These 12 categories are all felony crimes with significant penalties including costly fines and ...
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  • DUI with Drugs: What You Need To Know

    If you were arrested for a DUI, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and your future. DUI charges are extremely serious, and if you are convicted, you could wind up dealing with severe, lasting repercussions. Most people associate DUI charges with alcohol consumption, but drivers can also be charged for driving while under the ...
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  • What Are the Differences Between Theft, Robbery, & Burglary?

    Even though the terms theft, robbery, and burglary are often used interchangeably, they are actually defined as three distinct crimes. All three crimes do have a few things in common, including the fact that all have to deal with stealing another’s rightful property. However, there are several ways in which each of these crimes differs, not only by definition, but also by their potential ...
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  • New Laws Give High Penalties for Poaching Big Game

    One of Tennessee’s most valued assets is its abundance of natural wildlife. Our wildlife population includes several species of big game and has been a draw to hunters for generations. The state is as serious as ever about protecting that resource. Tennessee has always had in place various wildlife laws regarding those who poach big game animals. However, local landowners began working with ...
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  • What To Know About Ft. Campbell's Juvenile Review Board

    When a juvenile is involved in a minor offense on Fort Campbell, such as shoplifting, assault, or vandalism, the juvenile and his/her sponsor will go before a Juvenile Review Board. The Board consists of nine members, three voting individuals and six non-voting individuals, all appointed by the commander. The board will make a recommendation based on the evidence and testimony. If the juvenile is ...
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  • 4 Consequences of Being Placed on the Sex Offender Registry

    Laws against sex crimes in Tennessee are extremely strict and any violations could potentially lead to mandatory placement on the sex offender registry. Individuals can be placed on the sex offender registry for a variety of crimes, including both misdemeanors and felonies. If you are placed on the sex offender registry, it could seriously impact your personal and professional life, affecting ...
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  • What They Don't Tell You About Field Sobriety Tests

    A field sobriety test consists of physical tasks that the person suspected of DUI will need to perform to prove that they are able to safely drive their vehicle. Field sobriety tests usually include making a person walk in a straight line or having them touch the tip of their finger to their nose while standing on one leg. Reciting the alphabet backwards is also another common field sobriety test. ...
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  • Criminal Offenses

    Criminal offenses fall into one of two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies, such as rape and murder, are typically considered more serious and are subject to harsher punishments. On the flipside there are misdemeanors, such as driving under the influence and assault, which are considered less serious offenses and thus subject to less severe penalties. However, you can still face ...
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  • Do Misdemeanor Offenses Require an Attorney?

    There are two types of crimes: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies, such as rape and murder, are typically considered more serious and are subject to harsher punishments. On the flipside there are misdemeanors, such as driving under the influence and assault, which are considered less serious offenses and thus subject to less severe penalties. However, you can still face serious non-criminal ...
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  • Will My Child Be Tried in Juvenile or Adult Court?

    When a juvenile is arrested for a crime, a judge can decide whether they will be tried as an adult or a minor. This is typically accomplished with what is known as a “judicial waiver.” Often, a prosecutor will ask the juvenile court judge to hold a hearing to determine if their exclusive jurisdiction can be waived. Some states leave this decision solely to the judge, while others make the judicial ...
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  • What to Do After a DUI/DWI Arrest

    If you have been arrested for a DUI or DWI , especially if it is your first time, it can be a scary and stressful experience. What steps do I need to take first? Will I automatically lose my driver’s license? Will I go to jail? It is critical to understand the proper steps to take immediately after your arrest in order to obtain the most favorable outcome of your case. The following are five ...
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  • Traveling as a Sex Offender

    If you’re a registered sex offender , you should know your state laws regarding your status very well. However, during the summer you may be traveling or on vacation. If you plan to travel out of state, make sure you’re not breaking any state laws by either leaving your current state or staying a few days in another. Registering If you plan to travel, make sure your registration date is not coming ...
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  • Defense Strategies Commonly Used in Murder Cases

    If you’ve found yourself facing a murder charge, it is important to understand as much as you can about the charge itself. Homicide is defined as “the unlawful killing of another person,” and this criminal law category is separated into five groups in the state of Tennessee: First degree murder Second degree murder Voluntary manslaughter Criminally negligent homicide Vehicular homicide A charge of ...
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  • Fraud by Home Improvement Contractor

    Let’s face it - some professions get picked on more than others ( heard any good lawyer jokes lately ?). And while lawyers take the brunt of the bad jokes, we keep some interesting company. Look up any list of least-liked professions and you are likely to find that politicians usually top the list. Well a few years ago, Tennessee’s lawmakers decided to use their power to pick on someone else – ...
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  • What Is Considered an Unlawful Search and Seizure?

    One of the many rights afforded to American citizens under the United States Constitution is the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable government intrusion, specifically in regards to police searches and seizures. As a result of these protections, the police may only perform a search of your person, home, or vehicle under specific circumstances and in a manner that ensures these rights ...
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  • Why Is It Important to Fight Charges for DUI?

    If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you can be facing years in jail and fines of thousands of dollars. In Tennessee, even a first offense for DUI can be punishable by up to 11 months in jail. However, the consequences of a DUI conviction can affect a person’s livelihood for decades after a jail term has been served and fines have been paid. While a charge for DUI demands ...
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  • Murder & White-Collar Cases Dismissed Without Trials

    Chris Clark, criminal defense attorney and partner at Patton & Pittman, successfully convinced the State of Tennessee to drop first degree murder charges on October 24, 2016. The client was charged in a single count indictment with the first degree, premeditated murder of a Clarksville man. The case had been pending since August, 2014 and was set for trial on October 24, 2016. “Our criminal ...
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  • Can I Get a Restraining Order Removed?

    In the state of Tennessee, when a person is abused, threatened, stalked, harassed, or a victim of domestic violence , they may seek a protective order with the courts which requires their alleged abuser to stay a certain distance away from them. Also known as “restraining orders,” these orders usually remain active for one year, though they may be modified by the courts as they see fit. But what ...
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