Criminal Defense Case Results in Tennessee

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

The client faced a motion to revoke probation after a later traffic stop led to new drug-related allegations. We pulled the prior probation file and new police reports, flagging issues with an extended roadside detention and K-9 deployment. To demonstrate rehabilitation, we assembled a series of clean drug screens and proof of recent substance-education coursework. In negotiations, we pushed back on jail as a sanction and argued for continued supervision. The result was straight probation.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

After a traffic stop for an equipment issue, officers asked to search the vehicle. The driver declined, a K-9 was called and, after a delay, alerted, leading to discovery of a few unprescribed pills and a trace amount of powder. We reviewed the reports and video to question the length of the detention and the basis for the canine deployment, and underscored the minimal quantity involved. The client began weekly drug testing and completed a drug education course, which we used in mitigation. The case was resolved to straight probation with no jail time.

Charge

Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 1B

Allegations

After a traffic stop for a seat belt issue, officers reported the odor of marijuana and found a small personal stash in the rear of the vehicle along with a tray and grinder, which led to a paraphernalia charge. The client was cooperative and there were no scales, baggies, weapons, or other signs of distribution. We obtained the reports, guided the client through booking, and had them complete a marijuana education course in advance. We presented those mitigating facts and pressed the state to treat the case as personal use. The prosecutor dismissed the paraphernalia charge, and we initiated expungement.

Charge

Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

After a traffic stop, officers extended the encounter for a K-9 sniff and searched the vehicle, reporting plastic vials with small spoons, baggies, and a scale. We scrutinized the justification for prolonging the stop and the dog deployment, and emphasized that the items were new and showed no drug residue. We pushed back against any claim that the materials suggested distribution, narrowing the focus to simple paraphernalia. Using those points in negotiation, we secured straight probation on the paraphernalia charge with no jail time.

Charge

Unlawful Possession of a Weapon

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

During a traffic stop for a minor equipment issue, officers called for a K-9 after the client declined consent to search, which led to a vehicle search. A handgun was discovered inside the vehicle, secured in a case and not on the client. We scrutinized the length of the detention before the dog arrived and highlighted how the firearm was stored, questioning whether the facts fit the charge. Leveraging those issues and mitigation we assembled, we pressed for a noncustodial resolution and negotiated probation.

Charge

Domestic Assault

Location

Sumner County

Allegations

Police responded to a shared housing dispute where a verbal argument got loud. The client was accused of making threats and charged with domestic assault, despite no report of weapons, injury, or physical contact. We obtained the warrant, reports, and body cam, and set the matter for a hearing to require live testimony. The complainant’s accounts shifted between the initial report and follow up, and other credibility problems surfaced. Leveraging those weaknesses, we secured an agreement for dismissal upon completion of a brief class. The client complied, and the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

A nighttime equipment stop led officers to ask for a vehicle search, which the client declined; a K-9 was brought in and a small amount of a controlled substance was found. We scrutinized the length of the detention and the basis for the dog deployment, highlighting weaknesses in the search. At the same time, we built mitigation with clean drug screens and proof of completion of a drug education course. We presented the issues and mitigation to the state and pressed for a noncustodial outcome. The case was resolved as probation, keeping the client out of jail and limiting the impact of the charge.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 1B

Allegations

During a traffic stop for a seat belt violation, officers reported smelling marijuana and the client disclosed a small amount stored in the rear of the vehicle. The search recovered personal use cannabis only, with no scales, cash, or weapons, and the client had no prior record. We entered the case quickly, coordinated booking, reviewed the reports, and documented the cooperation and limited quantity. At our direction the client completed an online marijuana education course, and we presented the certificate in negotiations. The prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.

Charge

Criminal Trespass

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

Outside a crowded bar, our client was told not to enter and, believing they could simply rejoin the line, remained nearby. Officers detained them and filed a criminal trespass charge. We dug into the affidavit and the basis for any trespass warning, then pressed the prosecutor on their ability to produce a complainant to establish notice. We highlighted the misunderstanding and the absence of a cooperative witness, and showed the client had taken responsible steps after the incident. Facing proof problems, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Public Intoxication

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

The client was detained outside a crowded nightlife venue after security turned them away and they rejoined the line, which led to a public intoxication arrest. Officers claimed visible impairment, but no breath or blood test was performed. We stepped in early, advised against any plea given potential immigration concerns, and obtained the police materials. We prepared to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence and had the client complete an alcohol awareness course, securing a certificate. At the court setting, we presented our mitigation, pressed the weaknesses in proof, and the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Implied Consent Violation (Civil)

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

The client was stopped during a nighttime traffic stop. After roadside exercises, they declined a chemical test, and officers obtained a warrant with blood drawn several hours later. We obtained the reports and records surrounding the refusal and warrant, verified what video evidence was available, and focused negotiations on a compliance-based resolution. The case concluded with straight probation. We then guided the client through license compliance steps, including SR-22, ignition interlock, and DMV paperwork.

Charge

Speeding

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

Police initiated a traffic stop after alleging the driver was traveling 55 in a 40 mph zone. When the vehicle coasted and veered while pulling over due to mechanical issues the client reported, the officer treated the stop as more serious than a simple citation. Our team obtained the reports, requested dash and body camera footage, and confirmed there was no dash video available from the agency. We highlighted the lack of video corroboration and the vehicle defects that could affect the officer’s observations. After negotiations, the speeding case was resolved with a term of probation, avoiding additional consequences.