The criminal justice system is, unfortunately, complicated and intimidating. And too often, people misunderstand the legal processes and what they need to do when they are facing a criminal offense. The clash between the system and people’s understanding of it can...
Year: 2020
Know your rights during periods of increased DUI enforcement
At various times throughout the year, police ramp up DUI enforcement efforts. The exact nature of the efforts varies by state and county, but in general, it means increasing the number of police on duty, setting up sobriety checkpoints and focusing their enforcement...
Police lie detection techniques: How they can go wrong
Being accused of a crime is enormously upsetting, particularly if the allegations against you are false. Under such circumstances, people feel driven to defend themselves and give their side of the story to anyone who will listen. However, this could backfire if you...
Drinking and boating: What to know when you’re on the water
Safer-at-home orders in Tennessee have made this summer a particularly popular time for people to get out on the water and do some boating. This activity allows people to spend time outside, have fun and just get out of the house without putting their health in...
What are deepfakes and why can they lead to criminal charges?
Technology plays a significant role in most people's lives. Everything from streaming content on our TVs to using the phones in our pockets requires the utilization of sophisticated technology. And emerging technology also influences the legal industry, including...
What should I do if my child is accused of assault?
Teenagers can be volatile and dramatic as they navigate this complicated phase of life. They can also make impulsive decisions without considering the consequences. Unfortunately, this can lead to confrontational and possibly violent exchanges. If someone accuses your...
Hosting a summer party? Serve responsibly.
Between the freedom of summer and the potential for lifted COVID-19 restrictions, people across the state will be more than ready for some fun in the coming weeks. But if you are the one responsible for that fun, you can also be responsible for the consequences if...
Understanding reasonable suspicion and DUIs
One of the first questions police officers ask drivers after pulling them over is, “Do you know why I stopped you?” Whether you know the answer to this or not, one thing is certain: The officer must have an answer. Police cannot pull drivers over and detain them for...
Paintball fights trigger dozens of warrants, multiple arrests
Young people across Tennessee are seeking out various ways to entertain themselves in light of social distancing guidelines and school closures. However, some of their solutions are turning out to have some unfortunate consequences. Recently, young people across the...
How accurate are field sobriety tests?
Drivers stopped by police and suspected of driving drunk will typically be asked to complete a few roadside tests, called field sobriety tests. Police administer these tests to determine if a person is impaired. Considering how often police use these tests and the...