Criminal Defense Case Results in Tennessee

Charge

Driving Under the Influence (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

Police contacted our client during a roadside investigation and initiated a DUI inquiry. He performed field sobriety testing and later consented to a blood draw. We reviewed the reports and the officer’s affidavit and noted that only the eye test was administered, and the reported alcohol level was not especially high. Throughout the case we kept the client in full compliance with alcohol monitoring and court directives, coordinating necessary travel without incident. Leveraging these points, we negotiated a plea to straight probation with no jail time.

Charge

Driving Under the Influence

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 5C

Allegations

After a late-night crash, officers conducted field sobriety tests and obtained a consensual blood draw, leading to a DUI arrest. We obtained the body and dash camera video and the lab report, which showed a high BAC and footage the State liked. While managing bond terms, including ignition interlock, we helped the client handle logistics after his car was totaled as he prepared to relocate out of state. On our advice, the client finished the 48 hour DUI center and alcohol education early, and we packaged that compliance for the prosecutor. The charge was reduced to a non DUI offense with straight probation, no additional jail, and the interlock requirement lifted.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Sumner County, C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

The client was on probation for a nonviolent misdemeanor and missed mail-in check ins while dealing with job loss and financial strain. After being picked up on the violation, we engaged early with the probation office, confirmed the client's renewed compliance, and obtained records of treatment and a scheduled mental health assessment. We reset the setting to allow those items to be completed, then pressed the state with the probation officer's support to resolve it without a hearing. The result was reinstatement to probation with in-person reporting and no additional jail.

Charge

Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Property Damage $1,500 or Less)

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg.

Allegations

The client was accused of leaving the scene after a minor traffic collision, with only property damage at issue. We concentrated on mitigation, establishing that no one was hurt and the repair costs were limited, and we documented insurance coverage and full restitution to the other party. We conveyed this to the prosecutor and pushed for a noncustodial outcome. The matter resolved as straight probation, avoiding jail and allowing the client to move forward under supervision.

Charge

DUI - Second Offense

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 5D - GS Division II

Allegations

Police found the client parked in a lot with the engine running, asleep in the driver’s seat, and an open container visible. Officers conducted field sobriety tests, obtained consent for a blood draw, and made an arrest for a second DUI. Our team secured the bodycam and lab records, scrutinized the basis for consent and the manner of roadside testing, and highlighted that the client was not observed driving. We also documented sustained recovery efforts, interlock compliance, clean testing, and meeting attendance. After focused negotiations, the client received probation.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Williamson County

Allegations

Our client faced a misdemeanor motion to revoke probation stemming from an old DUI after moving out of state and falling behind on check-ins and payments. We confirmed the warrant, planned a controlled surrender and bond to avoid extended custody, and immediately documented compliance. Our team compiled proof of completed alcohol education and victim impact requirements, steady employment, sobriety, and payment of outstanding amounts, and engaged probation. Emphasizing the case’s age and rehabilitation, we negotiated with the prosecution, and the revocation was dismissed.

Charge

Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Lisa Eischeid

Allegations

The case began with a traffic stop after a right turn at a signal, where the officer alleged our client failed to come to a complete stop and issued a citation for failing to obey a traffic control device. We reviewed the dashcam, the timing of the stop, and the officer’s report. We met with the prosecutor and used our analysis to push for a noncustodial resolution. The state agreed to straight probation, allowing the client to resolve the case with conditions rather than additional penalties.

Charge

DUI - First Offense

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Hall McFarlin III

Allegations

After a late-night stop for speeding, the client was arrested for DUI. Bodycam footage showed a cooperative, clear-spoken driver, while the officer rushed and misinstructed key field sobriety tests. The client declined a voluntary blood draw, and a sample was later taken under a warrant. We secured the videos and reports, flagged improper test administration and post-arrest questioning without Miranda, and showed how the footage undercut the state’s impairment theory. Faced with those evidentiary problems, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

DUI - First Offense

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Hall McFarlin III

Allegations

Stopped for headlights late at night, the client was followed from a convenience store to a residence before the officer activated lights. Field sobriety tests were done in a sloped driveway while the client wore slippers and was on prescribed medication that can affect eye tracking and balance. Reports noted no erratic driving and conflicted on when the stop began. We obtained the police reports and blood paperwork, challenged the reliability of the testing and observations, and the state dismissed.

Charge

Assault - Class A Misdemeanor

Location

Rutherford County, SMYRNA JUSTICE CENTER

Allegations

Police were called to a disturbance at a grocery store after a verbal exchange turned physical. Our client reported that the other person rushed him and he acted in self-defense. Responding officers at the time could not identify a primary aggressor and sent both parties on their way. Long after the incident, an old warrant surfaced and the case was filed as a misdemeanor assault. We obtained the reports, highlighted discrepancies between the initial scene response and the later allegation, and compiled available witness accounts supporting self-defense. The state dismissed the case.

Charge

Resisting Arrest

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 4C

Allegations

Officers responded to a disturbance in a crowded entertainment area. As they moved to detain the client, confusion over why they were being arrested led to the client pulling away during handcuffing, which was charged as resisting arrest. We dug into the incident details, gathered the context surrounding the detention, and emphasized there was no attempt to flee or fight. We communicated this to the prosecution and were prepared to litigate the issue if needed. The state ultimately dismissed the resisting arrest charge.

Charge

Public Intoxication

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 4C

Allegations

Police responded to a busy nightlife area after bystanders reported a person passed out on a sidewalk. Our client was trying to help a friend when an argument in the crowd drew officers, who arrested the client for public intoxication. We reviewed the police reports and available footage and challenged whether the client actually posed a danger to self or others or caused a public disturbance. We highlighted inconsistencies and the absence of concrete impairment indicators in the officer’s account. After steady pressure in negotiations, the prosecutor dismissed the charge.