Criminal Defense Case Results in Tennessee

Charge

Assault - Domestic Bodily Injury

Location

Davidson County, General Sessions

Allegations

Police were called to a hotel after a loud argument between our client and a partner. The partner alleged a slap and showed a facial mark, while our client denied striking and described pushing away during the dispute. There were no independent witnesses, and both initially told officers it was a verbal argument. We obtained the reports, documented the conflicting accounts, and confirmed the complaining witness did not wish to pursue the case and lived out of state. We presented those issues to the prosecutor, kept the pressure on, and the state dismissed the charge.

Charge

Driving Under the Influence

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Lisa Eischeid

Allegations

Stopped after a right turn at a signal, the officer reported classic signs of intoxication. Field sobriety tests were conducted, an open container was noted, and a later blood draw reportedly came back around .19. We obtained the body and dash videos and the lab paperwork, scrutinized the timing of the draw and the margin of error, and challenged how the roadside tests were administered. Faced with those issues, the prosecution agreed to a resolution avoiding extended custody and placing the client on probation.

Charge

Possession of a Handgun While Under the Influence

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Lisa Eischeid

Allegations

During a late-night traffic stop for a traffic signal violation, officers suspected intoxication and arrested our client. A lawfully owned handgun was found secured in the vehicle, leading to a charge for possessing a weapon while under the influence. We obtained the dash and body camera footage, scrutinized the basis for the stop, and documented that the firearm was not brandished or used. We highlighted the client’s minimal record and that the weapon remained stored in the car. After sustained negotiations with the prosecution, we resolved the weapons case for probation, avoiding additional jail time.

Charge

Use of a Handheld Device While Driving

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Lisa Eischeid

Allegations

The stop began as a routine traffic issue. As the officer approached, he saw the client on a phone and added a charge for using a handheld device while driving. The client consistently said he placed the call only after pulling over with emergency lights behind him. We focused on the timing, challenged whether any use occurred while the vehicle was in motion, and pressed that gap with the prosecution. The matter was resolved with probation, avoiding incarceration and closing the case.

Charge

DUI - First Offense

Location

Rutherford County, SMYRNA JUSTICE CENTER

Allegations

Stopped for a window tint violation, the client was questioned about alcohol use. After acknowledging a couple of drinks with dinner, they performed field sobriety tests and, under a warrant, later provided a blood sample. We pulled the dash and body camera footage, reports, and test paperwork. The video showed confusing instructions and performance that did not clearly indicate impairment, and there was a notable delay before the blood draw. We also documented a neurological condition and nonintoxicating prescription to explain observations. Faced with these problems, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Sumner County, Judge C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Stopped for speeding, our client was told the car smelled like marijuana and consented to a search. An officer found a small dispensary-labeled jar in a backpack and issued a citation for simple possession. The client disclosed the contents could be a mix of THCA and marijuana, so we obtained the reports and kept negotiations away from lab testing that could harden the state’s stance. We secured an under-advisement plan requiring a brief online class and no new offenses. Once our client complied and we provided proof, the case was dismissed.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

During airport screening, a secondary bag check turned up a vape cartridge the officer called marijuana, and our client was cited for possession or casual exchange. The client explained it was a store-bought, hemp-derived product, not illegal marijuana. We demanded the body camera and screening footage, scrutinized how the item was discovered, and highlighted the absence of any lab testing to prove THC content. We made clear we were ready to litigate those proof issues. The state agreed to dismiss upon payment of standard court costs, and the case was dismissed.

Charge

Possession of a Legend Drug (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

During a security checkpoint, officers found several prescription pills stored together in a single unlabeled bottle and charged our client with legend drug possession. We moved quickly to collect pharmacy records and physician documentation verifying every medication was lawfully prescribed. Our team reviewed the reports and video to pinpoint exactly what was seized and to challenge any suggestion of unlawful possession. After we presented the proof and pressed the gaps in the state's case, the prosecutor dismissed the legend drug charge.

Charge

Theft of a Firearm

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 5D

Allegations

Airport security flagged the client's bag and officers found a handgun that later came back as stolen. The client explained a third party had placed it in the bag after an earlier incident and he had forgotten it was there. We demanded body camera and surveillance footage and dug up controlling case law on the knowledge element required for theft of a firearm. We showed the prosecution the evidence did not support that he knew the gun was stolen and made clear we were ready to litigate. The state dismissed the case.

Charge

No Driver's License

Location

Davidson County, JAAB Building

Allegations

During a traffic stop, our client was cited for no driver’s license after explaining the wallet was lost and showing a photo of the license on a phone. We obtained driving history and agency records confirming the license was valid on the date of the stop, then gathered updated paperwork showing current compliance. We presented that documentation to the prosecutor and underscored that the citation stemmed from not having the card in hand, not from being unlicensed. After coordinating with the court, the state dismissed the charge.

Charge

Domestic Assault - Bodily Injury

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

Police were called after a domestic argument at a home escalated and both sides reported minor injuries. Officers later met our client at work and obtained a written statement after telling him he had to provide one, without advising of his rights according to the client. The initial case hinged on the complainant’s first account. We pulled the reports, documented inconsistencies between versions, and raised concerns about the voluntariness of the statement. The complainant later asked for peaceful contact and the client completed counseling. We presented all of this to the prosecutor, and the case was dismissed.

Charge

Aggravated Assault - Strangulation

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

Police arrested our client after a domestic argument at a home escalated and the other party reported strangulation. He was contacted at work later and, according to him, was told he had to provide a written statement without Miranda warnings. We obtained the officer reports and body cam, compared them to the complainant's later statements, and documented key inconsistencies. The complainant then asked the court to allow peaceful contact. We presented the credibility problems and mitigation, and the prosecution dismissed the case.