Public Intoxication? Did you have too much fun last night on Lower Broadway?
If you are visiting Nashville for vacation or work, there’s a good chance you have made your way down to the honky tonks of Lower Broadway. Sometimes the excitement of a night out with live music and/or Tennessee whiskey can result in an involuntary introduction to our local law enforcement. Along with this unfortunate encounter, you may… Read More
Do I Need a Murfreesboro Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you have been charged with a crime in Rutherford County, Tennessee, you would be wise to take immediate steps to retain an experienced Murfreesboro criminal defense lawyer. As Murfreesboro grows, so does the sophistication of law enforcement in Rutherford County. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, Matt Stephens has the experience… Read More
What is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection is a court order prohibiting any contact with a person alleged to have been subjected to, threatened with or placed in fear of domestic abuse, stalking or sexual assault. A person seeking an order of protection does so by filing a sworn petition. A magistrate or judge may issue a temporary order upon… Read More
Do I Need a Title IX Defense Attorney?
If you have been contacted by a campus official concerning a violation of your university’s sexual misconduct policy, you would be well served to immediately contact an experienced Title IX defense attorney to help you in responding to the investigation. Often these investigations involve subject matter that can easily result in a criminal investigation by… Read More
Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you have to ask, the answer is probably yes. Whether you are concerned that you have been made the target of an investigation or feel certain that you have been made the target of an investigation, you would be well served by speaking with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. While… Read More
What Happens after Indictment?
In Tennessee, there are 31 separate judicial districts, but all criminal cases follow a similar path after the grand jury issues a true bill which results in an indictment. An indictment is the charging instrument which is essentially nothing more than an accusation. It should be noted that a presentment is an alternative charging instrument,… Read More
What happens in General Sessions Criminal Court?
If you have been charged with a crime in the State of Tennessee, your case will most likely begin in the General Sessions Court. There are limited circumstances under which a case will begin at the grand jury level, but the first court appearance in most criminal cases is in General Sessions Court. Everything from… Read More
Tennessee Supreme Court Issues Opinion in Gun Case
In State v. Harbison, 2018 Tenn. LEXIS 7, the Tennessee Supreme Court recently held that multiple convictions for employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony do not violate the prohibition against double jeopardy. Harbison was convicted of three counts of employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony wherein… Read More
Drug Charges: Joint Possession Should Not Result in Joint Representation
If you, along with other people, have been charged with possession of the same drugs, you may be asking yourself how can this be? Well, under Tennessee Law you may be prosecuted for what is referred to as joint possession. In Tennessee, two types of possession exist: actual or constructive. “A person who knowingly has… Read More
Drug Charges and Constructive Possession
If you have been charged with possession of drugs that were not yours and perhaps were only in your vicinity when they were discovered by law enforcement, you may have been charged under a theory of what is referred to as constructive possession. It is important that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney… Read More