Criminal Defense Case Results in Tennessee

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Williamson County, Special Judge

Allegations

A traffic stop for an illegal U-turn ended with the officer claiming to smell marijuana, ordering a search over the client’s objection, and locating two pre-rolled joints and a small pipe. The client was cited rather than arrested and had no criminal history. We obtained the reports, examined the legal basis for the search, and challenged the reliability of the odor claim as probable cause. We also presented mitigation based on the small quantity and the client’s cooperation. Confronted with these issues and risks, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Stalking - Class A Misdemeanor

Location

Rutherford County, None

Allegations

After a heated text argument with a partner, our client learned there was a warrant and voluntarily turned themselves in on a misdemeanor stalking charge. We obtained the police report and sworn affidavit, which described a burst of messages confined to a single day while the two were in separate locations, with no continuing conduct alleged. We gathered proof of the client’s prompt counseling efforts and organized the full context of the dispute. The complainant informed prosecutors they did not wish to proceed. Relying on these points, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Vandalism - $1,000 or Less

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 5D

Allegations

Police sought our client in connection with an alleged door-damage incident at a residence. After processing, a citation was issued and a court date set. We guided the client through that phase, then investigated the accusation. The complainant said the door was damaged, but our client and an on-scene witness reported no damage occurred. We gathered sworn statements, underscored the inconsistencies, and pointed out the lack of corroborating proof. Confronted with these evidentiary problems, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Public Intoxication

Location

Sumner County, C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Police arrested our client for public intoxication after she was locked out of her home and walked toward a nearby friend's house. The report alleged she was a danger, but there was no driving, no contraband, and no disturbance. We gathered her account and documented proactive steps, including verified AA meeting attendance. We challenged whether the facts met the statute and highlighted her minimal record and job impact. The state agreed to a path to dismissal conditioned on brief good behavior and alcohol education. After she complied, the case was dismissed.

Charge

Speeding

Location

Rutherford County, Murfreesboro City Court

Allegations

During a routine traffic stop our client was cited for alleged excessive speed. We obtained the citation and officer’s notes, then pulled the client’s driving record to confirm there were no recent points. We opened discussions with the city attorney and pressed mitigation based on the circumstances and the client’s clean history. After persistent follow up, including meeting the court’s requirement for original signatures, the prosecution agreed to drop the speeding citation. The case ended in a complete dismissal.

Charge

Reckless Driving

Location

Rutherford County, Murfreesboro City \u200bCourt.

Allegations

The client was cited after being clocked at roughly 40 mph over the limit. The officer added a reckless driving charge, citing low visibility and surrounding traffic. There was no arrest, only a ticket. We obtained the citation and report and engaged the local court, where no prosecutor was assigned. We pressed the evidentiary burden for reckless beyond speed alone and highlighted the client’s clean recent record. After negotiations at the hearing with court staff and the officer, the reckless charge was dismissed.

Charge

Domestic Assault - Bodily Injury

Location

Sumner County, C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Police were called to a domestic dispute at a residence. The complainant showed a minor scratch, and officers arrested our client based largely on that mark and the initial statement. We obtained the police reports and available recordings, gathered the message history surrounding the argument, and emphasized the lack of independent corroboration for an intentional injury. We presented this context to the prosecutor and kept pressure on the weaknesses in proof. The case was resolved with pre-trial diversion, protecting the client’s record upon completion.

Charge

Violation of an Order of Protection

Location

Sumner County, C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Police alleged our client violated an order of protection by going to a residence and contacting the protected party. We gathered the message history and call logs showing the protected party had directed the client to be at the property and continued communicating. We also challenged whether the order had been properly served at the time and documented that the incident occurred during a severe weather emergency with limited power and lodging. After presenting these issues and signaling readiness to litigate, we secured pre-trial diversion, keeping a conviction off the record.

Charge

Theft of Property ($1,000 or Less)

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

A plate reader flagged the vehicle for a stolen tag, and officers approached while the car was parked. The client admitted taking a plate from a disabled vehicle during a rough patch, and the case was filed as theft under $1,000. We confirmed the exact charge through official records, reviewed the reports and available video, and pushed back on any overstatement of the conduct. In talks with the prosecutor we highlighted the low value, cooperation, and minimal history. The case resolved with a plea to straight probation, avoiding jail.

Charge

DUI - First Offense

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Hall McFarlin III

Allegations

On an icy night our client’s truck tipped onto its side. After officers helped right the vehicle and allowed him to leave, a slip of the clutch led to a minor collision and a DUI arrest. He performed roadside tests, then officers obtained a warrant and drew blood. We obtained the body cam video and lab packet, emphasizing that he appeared sober and that officers initially let him drive. Leveraging those issues and his compliance on bond, we negotiated a plea to straight probation so he could keep working while completing court conditions.

Charge

Domestic Assault - Bodily Injury (Second Offense)

Location

Sumner County, C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Police responded to a domestic argument at a residence and arrested our client after noting a minor mark on the other party. From the start, our client consistently disputed any assault. We pulled the reports, organized the client’s texts and materials into a clear timeline, and underscored that the arrest decision hinged on a single, contested observation with no reliable corroboration. We challenged the credibility of the account and pressed the state on its ability to prove bodily injury beyond a reasonable doubt. After negotiations, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Violation of Condition of Release

Location

Sumner County, Judge C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Officers responded to a 911 call from the client requesting an ambulance for injuries and chest pain. She was on bond with a no alcohol condition. Despite her repeated requests for testing, officers assumed intoxication and arrested her for violating a condition of release. We compiled call logs and medical records showing a medical episode, not drinking, and emphasized the absence of any objective test to prove a violation. Faced with those gaps and our readiness to litigate, the prosecutor dismissed the case.