Criminal Defense Case Results in Nashville, TN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reckless Driving

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 5D

Allegations

A patrol officer claimed our client was driving about 80 mph and weaving on a surface road, based solely on observation. The vehicle was an older manual with a loud exhaust, which exaggerated engine noise. We obtained the officer’s account and compared it to trip data from a phone app that logged speeds far below what was alleged. We highlighted the absence of a verified speed measurement and the inconsistency with the app data. After the client completed a driver safety course, the prosecution dismissed the reckless driving charge.