One advantage of hiring a criminal defense attorney is that the attorney may discover ways to have your case dismissed or some type of plea bargain where the case may be expunged. One issue that comes up is how to answer a job application. My short answer is truthfully. Two potential lawyers who were denied admission
Mandatory Sentences Give Prosecutors The Hammer
Richard A. Oppel Jr. of the New York Times just published a article entitled " Sentencing Shift Gives New Leverage to Prosecutors". From my perspective handling criminal cases in Tennessee , Mr Oppel is right on target. Under Tennessee criminal sentencing laws , there are mandatory minimum sentences in certain criminal offenses.Some prosecutors use
Reflections on the Death Of Troy Davis
Yesterday , I watched and waited on whether the execution of Troy Davis would be stayed . It was not and Troy Davis was put to death. In the days before his execution , public interest swelled . Protesters , posts on twitter and an outcry to stop the execution. The last minute appeal to
What Does ” Bound Over ” Mean ?
Criminal law creates it’s own unique terminology. One of the common phrases is " Bound Over ". Most criminal cases in Tennessee start at the General Sessions Court . If the case cannot be settled at the General Sessions Court , a citizen accused of a crime can have a preliminary hearing or waive your
Another Tip On Surviving Your Tennessee Criminal Case
Last week , I wrote a post on some tips for surviving your criminal case in Tennessee . I am going to add another tip today . Do not use your work computer to send email to your lawyer . It may not be protected communication under the attorney-client privilege .
The American Bar Association
Is the Rise in Child Abuse Cases Linked to the Recession ?
An increase in child abuse is linked with the recent recession according to new research in the field. Dr. Rachel Berger of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh said the results of her research confirmed reports from pediatricians who have seen an increase in shaken baby cases and other forms of brain-injuring child abuse .
Combine the
What is Criminally Negligent Homicide ?
Under Tennessee criminal law , there are several different types of homicide or murder charges from first degree murder to criminally negligent homicide. Criminally negligent homicide is the least severe charge of murder . It is a Class E felony which carries a full range of punishment of 1 to 6 years in jail .
Tips on Surviving Your Criminal Case In Tennessee
Here is a tweet from one of my favorite criminals on her failed court ordered drug test . The tweet is perfect for today’s post. Several weeks ago , Nashville lawyer David Raybin spoke at a meeting before the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Raybin spoke about some common sense
The Use of Constables in Sumner County Tennessee
I see some strange things in the courtroom . Today in Gallatin , Tennessee was no exception. As I was waiting for my case to be called . I watched a DUI trial that involved a constable . No assistant district attorney and the defendant represented himself. The arrest was made by a constable. I thought
Death Sentence Reversed Due to False Snitch Testimony
The jail house snitch is often used as a key witness in some criminal cases by the District Attorney’s Office. The most memorable jail house snitch used in a Nashville , Tn. murder case was in the case against Perry March. The Snitching Blog reported on the case of Sivak v. Hardison where the 9th Circuit