Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorneys Blog

How LOOOW can you go? NTSB urging lower BAC.

2013-05-15T17:56:01Z

Life- and career-changing DUI laws on the horizon?

By Joe Lodato, Partner, Breeding, Lodato & Lenihan

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently voted to formally recommend that all 50 states, Tennessee included, lower the statutory legal blood alcohol content, or BAC, from 0.08% to 0.05%, as part of an effort to reduce highway fatalities attributable to alcohol. What this means is that the statutory presumption for a conviction for DUI or DWI will be lowered significantly, if this recommendation is adopted and passed by the individual states. This author believes that because of the political nature and high human value impacted by DUI this recommendation may become reality.

What this means to you, the reader, is a more difficult road to overcoming a DUI arrest, especially considering that many states have ramped up their efforts with their Implied Consent laws and mandatory blood draws based on probable cause or the lower standard of reasonable suspicion. This will result in harder fought legal contests and the greater need for an experienced, state of the art defense. One can also envision a greater impact on personal privacy and liberty, since the lower BAC standard will likely give rise to an lower articulable belief of impairment caused by alcohol and a greater number of traffic stops and encounters with the police than ever before.

The proposed decrease in BAC is also likely to catch more social drinkers in its legal snare, limiting drivers to a much lower acceptable consumption of alcohol before driving without exposing the driver to the harsh and stigmatic consequences of a DUI arrest or conviction.

Clean Slate: Tennessee's New Expungement Law

2012-05-23T16:12:32Z

By: Brad Henry

On May 21, 2012, Governor Haslam signed House Bill 2865 into law. The new law will become effective on July 1, 2012. HB2865 amends Tennessee's expungement law, T.C.A. 40-32-101, to allow a person to request the expungement of certain non-violent criminal convictions. Previously, a person was only eligible for expungement if they had been arrested but not charged, a true bill was not returned by the grand jury, or the case was dismissed. Now, subject to a few conditions, a person may petition a court to destroy the records of a conviction.

]]> HB2865 will allow a person to have a criminal offense expunged from their record for "nonviolent" offenses. A nonviolent offense is defined as:

(A) The offense does not have as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another,
(B) The offense is not a felony offense that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense;
(C) The offense does not involve the use of a firearm;
(D) The offense is not a sex offense for which the offender is required to register as a sexual offender or violent sexual offender under title 40, chapter 39, part 2; and
(E) The offense did not result in causing a victim or victims to sustain a loss of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more.

If you have been convicted of a crime and it does not fall within one of the above categories you may request an expungement from the court if:

(A) At the time of filing, the person had never been convicted of any criminal offense, including federal offenses and offenses in other states, other than nonviolent offenses committed during a single criminal episode and that includes the offense for which the person petitions for expungement; and
(B) The person has fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court in which the individual was convicted of the nonviolent offense, including:
(i) Payment of all fines, restitution, or other assessments;
(ii) Completion of any term of imprisonment;
(iii) Meeting all conditions of supervised or unsupervised release; and
(iv) If so required by the conditions of the sentence, remaining free from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for a period of not less than one (1) year.

If you qualify to petition for an expungement you must file a petition requesting relief in the court where the person was convicted. The District Attorney will have 60 days to respond stating whether they agree with the expungement or not. The D.A. and the petitioner will be permitted to file any evidence supporting or attacking the expungement request. The court will make the ultimate decision of whether expungement is appropriate.

If the court denies the petition for expungement a person may reapply after two years have passed. If the petitioner is continually denied their petition must be granted after 10 years of eligibility.

If you meet these qualifications and would like to speak to one of our Knoxville, Tennessee criminal defense attorneys you may contact us anytime.

Pay to Play: SCRAM Units in Knox County DUI Cases

2012-04-27T15:00:03Z

By: Brad Henry

I recently attended a meeting on DUI where the use of SCRAM Units was discussed. It has been the practice of the Knox County D.A.'s Office to offer reduced sentences for defendants who can afford to wear a SCRAM Unit for a certain period of time. For many people this has saved them from the embarrassing consequences of a DUI conviction while ensuring that they are alcohol free for their probationary period. The problem is what happens to all the people who cannot pay for the SCRAM Unit?

]]> A SCRAM Unit is a device that attaches to an individuals ankle using a rubber strap. Attached to the strap is a black box approximately the size of a deck of cards. The SCRAM Unit, once attached, is able to detect the consumption of alcohol through contact with the skin.

According to the Knox County D.A.'s office, there has been tremendous success with the use of the SCRAM Unit. They laud its ability to keep DUI defendants alcohol free for their probationary period. In fact, many defendants are happy to wear the SCRAM Unit because it provides them a way to show that they can abstain from alcohol and will learn from their DUI experience.

The problem is that a SCRAM Unit can be very expensive. It is approximately $400 the first month and $300 per month afterwards for as long as you are required to wear the SCRAM Unit. For many people the SCRAM Unit is too expensive and they are not able to take advantage of the types of plea agreements that those who can afford it can.

The SCRAM Unit is a wonderful way to monitor those charged with DUI, but people should be aware of the expense of these units ahead of time. If you are unable to afford a SCRAM Unit you should speak to your attorney about potential alternatives that would allow you to benefit from the same negotiated outcomes as those who are able to pay.

In the end, the Knox County D.A seems to appreciate the usefulness of the SCRAM Units, and defendants enjoy the benefit of negotiated pleas that benefit both parties. If we can figure out a way to provide this option to everyone, regardless of their income, we would be on the way to a workable solution for many alcohol related offenses in Knox County.

If you have been charged with a DUI or attorneys are happy to speak to you about your options.

Minimum Mandatory: Control Through Charging Discretion

2012-04-13T03:15:25Z

By: Brad Henry

Minimum mandatory sentences are strewn throughout the federal criminal code. Unfortunately, these mandatory minimums take authortiy away from judges and give it to the prosecution. By providing defined sentences for certain offenses, judges are handcuffed and cannot consider what sentence is appropriate for the individual. The net result is hundreds or thousands of low-level, non-violent, drug addicted defendants are sent to prison for extraordinary amounts of time. As Sentencing Law and Policy Blog points out, Judge John Gleeson, District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, has a solution; prosecutors should use their charging discretion.

]]> In an opinion on March 30, 2012, Judge Gleeson suggests that many of the extreme sentences handed down to low-level drug offenders can be prevented. It would not require a change in the law but only a mandate from the United States Department of Justice controlling how crimes are charged.

Judge Gleeson suggests that the Attorney General could fix the current problem of incarcerating undeserving low-level drug defendants by doing the following:

- charging under the 10-year minimum mandatory provision only if the government intends to prove the defendant was a leader warranting a four-point upward departure under U.S.S.G. 3B1.1(a);

- charging under the five-year minimum mandatory provision only if the government intends to prove the defendant was a manager warranting a two or three-point upward departure under U.S.S.G. 3B1.1(b) or (c); and

- Removing the mandatory minimum provision form the charge if the enhanced role adjustment has not been proven by the government or admitted by the defendant.

By following the guidelines Judge Gleeson suggests the United States can make sure that harsh minimum mandatory sentences apply only to those individuals deserving of the punishment.

Fortunately, the U.S. Attorney's office can make adjustments to your charges. These charging decisions are important in your case and can make a huge difference in the final outcome. If you have been or feel you may be charged with a federal offense it is important to get an attorney who can negotiate the charge against you. If you can avoid the minimum mandatory provisions early you could save many months on your potential sentence.

If you would like to speak to one of our Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorneys you can contact us anytime.

21 U.S.C. 851: Doubling Your Sentence Under Federal Law

2012-03-14T20:15:41Z

By: Brad Henry

If you have been charged with a drug offense under 21 U.S.C. 841 and have a prior drug offense you may face a doubled minimum mandatory. All the government has to do is file an Information pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 851 alleging that you have a prior drug offense that carries a maximum penalty of over one year in jail. Even if you did not serve a year in jail on the prior offense, the government can seek to double your minimum mandatory sentence. Luckily, the government must follow strict procedure and prove certain elements of the prior offense beyond a reasonable doubt to the judge at sentencing.

]]>

The procedure for the government is simply to file an Information alleging the prior felony drug offense they are seeking to use for enhancement. Unfortunately, the definition for a prior felony drug offense is very broad and even includes simple possession offenses if you could have been sentenced to more than one year in prison. There is also no time limit for the prior offense.

Once the prior offense is alleged in the Information, it must be served on the defendant before trial or his plea of guilty. If it is filed afterwards it is untimely and the court has no jurisdiction to enhance.

The court then has to have a hearing asking the defendant whether he affirms or denies the prior conviction. This procedure has not been established in every district but has been followed in the districts that have addressed the 851 issue; which are very few. It is important to remember that a defendant has a right to plead the fifth at sentencing if his answer can increase the punishment and this has been treated as a denial by circuit courts. Obviously an affirmation waives the right to challenge the 851 Information and the sentence will be enhanced. However, a denial or an exercise of the defendant's right to remain silent will trigger the next step.

Once the defendant denies the prior offense he must file a written response challenging the prior offense. The defendant can allege the offense is invalid. Then the government must prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and then the burden shifts to the defendant to show why it is invalid. A challenge for invalid conviction may only be made if it is less than five years old at the time the Information is filed. However, the five year statute of limitations does not apply if the defendant challenges the fact that the prior offense was not a conviction of him (ID) or that he was not represented by an attorney during the prior offense. The government must also prove these beyond a reasonable doubt, but the defendant has no burden in these cases. In ID cases the government usually proves identity through fingerprint exemplars.

It is important to speak to an attorney in your area about these issues. The cases in this area of law are sparse and the penalties for the prior felony drug convictions are huge. It is an excellent area to attack at sentencing because the burden on the government is so high. If you are facing a sentencing enhancement under 21 U.S.C. 851 our federal criminal defense attorneys may be able to help.

Lawyer Up!: The importance of Your Right to Counsel

2012-01-18T16:08:08Z

By Brad Henry:

The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the United States Consitution provides that every person is entitled to the assistance of counsel in a criminal case. The problem is that many people who have been charged with a crime and are being held in custody don't exercise their right to counsel. They want out of jail so badly that they are willing to make a deal with the prosecution even if it results in a conviction. These convictions can have serious consequences. Don't make a decision that could affect the rest of your life without speaking to an attorney first.

]]> In every criminal case you should be asked by the judge if you would like an attorney to represent you in court. Your answer should always be yes. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney the judge will appoint someone to represent you. Many of these attorneys have significant experience and can help you make sure that the charges against you are valid. Even if you know you committed the offense your attorney may be able to find a procedural or evidentiary issue that will help you. Your attorney will also know the prosecutor and will be able to help you make a deal.

Even if your goal is to be let out of jail as soon as possible, you are better off with an attorney. The attorney can make a deal for you if he is unable to find any issue with your case. Either way, asking for an attorney will help you avoid unwarranted criminal convictions on your record.

If you are unsure whether you need an attorney or not you can call us anytime. Our Knoxville criminal attorneys are happy to speak to you about your charges. You can call us at (865) 670-8535 for a free initial consultaion.

Electronic Surveillance: Smartphones are Recording You

2011-12-05T18:44:31Z

By: Brad Henry

Recently, a security researcher posted a video showing hidden software on smartphones that records our activities called Carrier IQ. There have been several stories in the news about electronic surveillance and how smartphones and computers can record what websites we visit, phone numbers we dial, text messages we send, and even our exact location. As technology increases at a rapid pace our laws have not kept up. Obviously, this leads to concern over our privacy to use electronics without fear of unreasonable searches.

]]> Because phone companies are now capable of collecting information about you through your electronic usage, the logical question becomes can the government get this information and does it require a warrant? As our computing capability increases, so does our privacy decrease.

The biggest obstacle to providing the kinds of protections we are used to under the Fourth Amendment is the rapid advancement of technological capability versus the snail's pace of our legal system. Tech giants continue to push the envelope of computing power, but our laws have not addressed whether these advances in technology are subject to the warrant requirement of the 4th Amendment.

Since we cannot be sure what protections we have against this type of electronic surveillance it is best to make sure you are not doing things on your electronic devices that you do not want to be public. If you have had information from your smartphone or computer come into the hands of law enforcement you should contact an attorney immediately. The criminal defense attorneys at Breeding & Lodato, LLC can help you navigate these and other technical constitutional issues.

Failing to Report - Knowledge can be criminal

2011-11-08T21:20:16Z

Failing to Report - Knowledge can be criminal

By Joe Lodato

By failing to report the sexual abuse or assault on a child, of which he was aware, legendary Penn State football coach, Joe Paterno, is poised to lose his job and may yet face more severe sanctions. This could have been worse in Tennessee. In Tennessee, this inaction would be a criminal offense and punishable under the law. " Any person required to report known or suspected child sexual abuse who knowingly and willfully fails to do so, or who knowingly and willfully prevents another person from doing so, commits a Class A misdemeanor." Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-615.

]]> Paterno did report one incident of abuse, as related to him by a graduate assistant at the time, to his then Athletic Director Tim Curley. But neither Curley nor Joe Pa had notified the police, or local law enforcement or child protective services authorities in Pennsylvania. While Curley and Paterno have appeared to violate no applicable Pennsylvania criminal statute, the court of popular opinion has certainly condemned their respective silence. As stated above, lack of legal, or at least criminal, repercussions would not be the case had this incident occurred in the State of Tennessee.

Of further concern, is the question of whether the graduate assistant who witnessed the assault and reported it to Paterno would have been in compliance with current Tennessee law. I'm sure all involved with knowledge of the allegations and situations of the sexual assaults would have been well-advised to have consulted legal counsel at the time of the discovery and non-disclosures. If faced with a situation where you are aware of the criminal wrong-doing of another, it is best to consult with an experienced Knoxville, Tennessee criminal defense attorney to discuss your obligations and liabilities.

Possession of a Handgun While Under the Influence. Guns and alcohol don't mix.

2011-11-08T17:55:07Z

By Joe Lodato

The recent arrest of a Tennessee legislator who had sponsored a bill to allow the carrying of handguns in establishments that serve alcohol bring to light at least two offenses involving alcohol or other intoxicants. State Representative Curry Todd was arrested earlier this month and charged with Possession of Handgun While Under Influence, Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1321, and DUI,Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-401, among other charges.

]]> Todd was stopped in October and arrested for DUI. Police found a loaded .38 caliber handgun in his car. Even though Todd has a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit, which allows him to carry a handgun, possessing a handgun while under the influence illegal in Tennessee. Violation of the statute is a Class A misdemeanor, and a conviction carries with it up to eleven months, twenty-nine days of incarceration or probation and a fine of up to $2,500.00. In addition, violators can have their handgun carry permit suspended for up to three years.

So, before you think of having that first drink, or before you think of reaching for your handgun, remember that the consequences of mixing the two can be severe. If you find yourself being charged with Possession of a Handgun While Under the Influence, it is important to have an experienced Knoxville criminal defense attorney at your side as soon as possible to help minimize the ramifications and to protect your important right to bear arms.

White Collar Crackdown

2011-10-27T18:02:54Z

By: Brad Henry

White collar crime has become an epidemic. News of ponzi schemes, insider trading, fraud, and embezzlement has steadily grown. The sentences given to the individuals charged with financial offenses have also grown. White collar offenders are receiving harsh sentences in cases all over the country. Many of the well known financial offenses occur in major cities, but the trend towards severe white collar penalties continues even in Knoxville. Leslie Janous, better known as party mom, was sentenced today to 110 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Leon Jordan for violations of the wire fraud and money laundering statutes.

]]> In today's economic climate the temptation to commit financial offenses is increasing. The courts have taken note and have started meting out large prison sentences for these crimes. In addition to prison time, an offender can be responsible for repaying huge sums of money to the victims of the offense.

White collar offenses include a wide range of acts, including: money laundering, tax fraud, tax evasion, healthcare fraud, insider trading, identity theft, mortgage fraud, and bank fraud, among others.

Often, a target of a financial crime investigation is aware that they are being looked at by the authorities. This can be an advantage if you hire legal counsel as soon as you discover that you are being investigated. Pre-indictment discussions can help shave time off of your sentence or even prevent the charges from being filed.

If you believe you are under investigation for a white collar offense or have already been charged, our Knoxville White Collar Defense Attorneys can help you. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.

Ticket to (Not) Ride -- Do you have your costs paid?

2011-10-19T17:39:09Z

By: Joe Lodato

Recent legislation passed by the Tennessee Legislature is likely to lead to an increase in suspended driver's licenses and a related growth in Driving on Suspended License Charges. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-24-105, enacted on July 1, 2011 and effective for all crimes committed after July2, 2011, punishes would-be defendants who are convicted of criminal offenses and who do not get there court costs and fines paid IN FULL within a year from the of judgment with an automatic suspension or revocation of that person's driving privileges.

]]> The new law applies to all persons convicted of criminal offenses, and the one-year time limit is in force regardless of the term of imprisonment or probation imposed. Keep in mind that fines in drug charges are mandatory and can top over four- to twenty-thousand dollars, and all misdemeanors and felonies carry permissive fines, which may also be subject to increased ordering by the court, as courts and legislatures struggle for funds in this down economy. The new law mandates that all fines imposed must be paid within one year or subject the defendant to license suspension or revocation.

Breathing room comes by way of at least two provisions in the new statute. One provision provides for a limited, one-time one hundred, eighty (180) day stay of the suspension, upon motion of the defendant and showing of extreme hardship "limited to travel necessary for...employment...or...(s)erious illness of the person or an immediate family member." Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-24-105(b)(3)(A)(i) and (iii) (2011).

Tenn, Code Ann. § 40-24-105(b)(4) allows defendants to enter into a payment plan - either weekly or monthly - with the court of original jurisdiction if "unable to pay all of the assessed litigation taxes, court costs, and fines" but able to pay some amount to the court monthly or weekly. If the court/clerk accepts the proposed payment plan, it shall issue an order staying the mandatory suspension once the one-year deadline is reached. The caveat here is that if a defendant fails to make payments in accordance to the payment plan for three (3) consecutive months "without good cause, the court may revoke the order" and terminate any stay of revocation. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-24-105(b)(4) (2011).

This new law in no way supersedes or replaces any provision of Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-502, which provides for suspension or revocation of driving privileges for non-payment or non-answering of parking or traffic-related citations, but it is certain to spawn a whole new wave of license revocations or suspensions on its own. Now, more than ever, it is important to have a qualified, experienced Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney represent you if you are charged with a crime or one of these new license suspension charges, to help keep your court costs and fines down on the front end and to help navigate the unsteady sea of new charges, which are certain to be subject to new challenges and ongoing litigation.

Simple Possession: Three Strikes and You're a Felon

2011-10-14T16:48:30Z

By: Brad Henry

In Tennessee, it is illegal to possess or give away a controlled substance of any amount. Unfortunately, many people charged with simple possession or casual exchange believe that the charge is minor and that they can handle the charge themselves, or just plead guilty to probation. What you may not know is any simple possession violation, after two prior convictions, is an E felony. The Knox County District Attorney's office is seeking this enhanced penalty now, more than ever before.

]]> While possession of a controlled substance is illegal in any amount, it is a defense if, "the substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of professional practice." T.C.A. 39-17-418. The first and second violations of this law are punished as class A misdemeanors. A class A misdemeanor has a maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days in jail and court costs/fines.

The third or subsequent violation is enhanced to a class E felony. A class E felony is carries a maximum sentence of 1-6 years in jail and court costs/fines. In addition, if you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to possess a firearm, vote, hold public office, and other valuable civil rights.

If you have been charged with simple possession or casual exchange of any drug you should contact an attorney immediately. Contact us anytime and speak to our Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorneys about how they can help you fight your charges.

Back to the Future: Incorrect Search Warrant Dates

2011-10-07T13:00:00Z

By: Brad Henry

Tennessee law requires a search warrant to have certain information to be valid. One of the requirements is the judge must write the date and time that the warrant is issued when it is signed. The warrant is invalid if the date and time are not included, or if they are not correct. In a recent cases, the warrant had the date September, 2011, but it was actually issued in March, 2011. The Court declared the warrant invalid because it was dated five months in the future. The defendant's charges were dismissed because of this error.

]]> Rule 41 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure gives the basic requirements for a valid search warrant. A search warrant is invalid if it, "did not endorse on the warrant the date and time of issuance and the name of the officer to whom the warrant was issued." The date and time has to be included in the warrant and it must be correct. The Court may dismiss the search warrant if the date and time is not included or if the date and time is wrong.

Courts are strict with search warrants because they are powerful tools that give the police permission to invade your privacy. The Tennessee Courts say:

"There is no writ more calculated to be abused in its use than the search warrant, for with it any home may be entered and the inmates disturbed, humiliated, and degraded. To prevent such a possibility from false informants made to officers inspired by overzeal, or acting from expediency, or obeying the command uttered by a mob impulse, the provisions of the Constitution and statutes found force and command observance." Id. (quoting Hampton v. State, 148 Tenn. 155, 252 S.W. 1007, 1008 (1923)).

It is important to speak to an attorney if you have had your residence or other property searched because of a warrant. Our Knoxville criminal defense attorneys can help you fight the search warrant used against you.

Diclaimer: Please note that each case is different, and that prior results don't guarantee the same result in future cases.

I See You but You Can't See Me - Government use of GPS Surveillance

2011-10-05T20:55:38Z

By: Brad Henry

On November 8, 2011, the United States Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a ground-breaking Fourth Amendment challenge to government use of GPS to track individuals without a warrant. In United States v. Jones, the Supreme Court will decide the constitutionality of attaching a GPS surveillance unit to a vehicle and tracking its movements without a warrant or permission. SCOTUSblog outlines the issues as:

]]> (1) Whether the warrantless use of a tracking device on petitioner's vehicle to monitor its movements on public streets violated the Fourth Amendment; and (2) whether the government violated respondent's Fourth Amendment rights by installing the GPS tracking device on his vehicle without a valid warrant and without his consent.

This issue is receiving a lot of attention. In fact, the inventor of GPS, 90 year old Roger L. Easton, has weighed in on the matter asking the Supreme Court to rule against the Obama Administrations' policy allowing a GPS device to be attached to vehicles and track its movements without a warrant. As reported on Wired.com, Easton believes the Courts previous decision in United States v. Knotts is outdated.

In Knotts, the Court considered the use of beepers or "bird dogs" to track suspects. This device allowed agents to get an approximate location of an individual, but ultimately required visual contact to confirm the exact location of the vehicle being tracked. However, GPS surveillance does not require an officer to have visual contact to track the exact location of the vehicle. In reality, agents are able to track every movement of a vehicle from their computer at home.

If you or someone you know is charged with a crime and the government used electronic surveillance to gather evidence contact our Knoxville criminal defense attorneys to discuss.

You can read the full article on Wired.com here: GPS Inventor Urges Supreme Court to Reject Warrantless Tracking

Welcome to our Knoxville, Tennessee, criminal defense law blog

2011-09-30T15:02:49Z

When you have been arrested for or charged with a crime, an aggressive lawyer can be of great assistance and can look out for your rights. Tennessee's legal system can be confusing and intimidating, with a unique set of rules and a language of its own. An attorney who understands the law and the process can help you evaluate your options and make the right decisions.

At Breeding & Lodato, LLC, we assist clients throughout the Knoxville area who face criminal prosecution. Our firm includes a former prosecutor and police officer who understands how the state investigates and prepares criminal cases. We have extensive experience handling criminal trials, as well as criminal appeals. We know how to quickly determine the next step in your criminal law case.

When you hire us to defend you in a criminal case, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances of your arrest, looking to make certain police and prosecutors followed proper procedures when gathering evidence. We will verify that there was probable cause for any search or seizure and that all evidence was properly obtained.

Contact our office by e-mail or call us at 865-223-6307 or toll free at 866-919-0953 to discuss your situation with an attorney.

Our criminal defense law blog

We established this blog to provide valuable information to individuals in and around Knoxville who have questions or concerns about their rights in a criminal prosecution. We will regularly update this blog, posting on a wide range of criminal law topics, including DUI or drunk driving, underage drinking and college-age crimes.

We welcome your participation in the discussions on this blog. Feel free to comment on posts that interest you.