Criminal Defense Case Results in Nashville, TN

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

DUI - First Offense (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

Stopped for speeding late at night, the client performed roadside tests and was arrested for DUI. We obtained the reports and learned the agency had no dashcam video to corroborate the officer’s account. The client disclosed a lazy eye and ankle issues that can affect balance, which we emphasized when assessing the field tests. Blood was drawn only after a warrant and several hours after the stop, so we scrutinized the timing and paperwork. Leveraging those weaknesses and mitigation, we negotiated straight probation.

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.

Charge

Open Container of Alcohol

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

After a single vehicle incident, officers responded and found empty alcohol containers in the car. The client performed field sobriety tests and was not arrested for DUI, but received a citation for open container. We obtained the citation and police report, then pressed the state on a key element: the containers were empty trash, not beverages being consumed. We emphasized the lack of impairment evidence and the mismatch between the facts and the law. The prosecutor dismissed the case.

Charge

Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle - Joyriding (Misdemeanor)

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 5D

Allegations

The client was accused of joyriding after using a contractor’s truck from a work lot to move a trailer, then promptly returning the vehicle. No damage was reported and nothing was kept. We secured the police report and subpoena records, identified gaps about ownership and authorization, and questioned whether the company would have a witness available to establish those elements at a preliminary setting. We pressed those issues while underscoring the client’s clean history and lack of loss. The State dismissed the case.

Charge

Open Container

Location

Williamson County, General Sessions

Allegations

The client was cited for an open container offense after a brief police encounter. We moved quickly to obtain the state's evidence and dissect the officer's account, focusing on whether the container was actually open, where it was found, and whether it could be tied to our client. We pressed the burden of proof issues and highlighted gaps in the documentation. Facing those weaknesses and our readiness to litigate, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Driving Under the Influence

Location

Williamson County, General Sessions

Allegations

Police arrested our client for DUI after a roadside encounter. We secured the discovery, dissected the reason for the stop, the officer's observations, and how the evidence was collected. Our analysis revealed gaps and inconsistencies that undercut the state's ability to prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. We presented these problems to the prosecutor and prepared to challenge the case in court. Facing a weakened file, the state dismissed the charge.

Charge

Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle

Location

Williamson County, General Sessions

Allegations

The client was accused of evading arrest in a vehicle after an alleged attempt by officers to initiate a stop. We obtained the discovery and mapped out the timeline, focusing on whether the client actually knew a lawful order to stop had been given. We also pressed the state on gaps in proof tying our client to the driver and on the intent element required for evading. After sustained negotiations and signaling readiness to litigate, the prosecution acknowledged the weaknesses and dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

Stopped for an expired registration, the client consented to a vehicle search. Officers found a small amount of plant material and a THCA vape, then issued a citation with instructions to self book. We stepped in early, coordinated processing, and pulled discovery to question whether the substances were truly illegal and how they were tested. Using the client’s clean history and those evidentiary issues, we pressed for a noncustodial outcome. The state agreed to straight probation, avoiding jail and limiting collateral consequences.

Charge

Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

A routine traffic stop for a registration issue led to a vehicle search after consent was given. Officers found a dugout and a vape, and charged our client with unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. We examined the basis for the stop, the voluntariness and scope of the search, and pressed the state on proving what was actually in the devices. We also documented the client's clean record and cooperation. After negotiations, the state agreed to a plea to straight probation, avoiding jail and keeping penalties limited.

Charge

Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Sumner County, C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Police cited our client for leaving the scene after a minor property accident. He had swerved to avoid an animal, believed he struck a trash can, and drove a short distance on a blown tire to a nearby residence. When told it was a mailbox, he returned, spoke with the owner and officers, and his insurance paid for the damage. We gathered the citation noting his return and collected proof of restitution. We pressed the prosecution on the ability to prove he knowingly left the scene and highlighted full cooperation and no injuries. The state dismissed the case.

Charge

Theft of Property ($1,000 or Less)

Location

Rutherford County, SMYRNA JUSTICE CENTER

Allegations

Loss prevention stopped the client at a self checkout over a small amount of merchandise, and police issued a citation instead of an arrest. We coordinated the required booking and fingerprints, secured a waiver of the initial court appearance, and kept the client informed throughout. In negotiations, we emphasized the clean record and the low alleged value and pressed for a non conviction resolution. The prosecutor agreed to deferred adjudication, avoiding a conviction and positioning the client for expungement upon successful completion.