Criminal Defense Case Results in Nashville, TN

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Speeding

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

The client was stopped by a motorcycle officer and cited for speeding after the officer claimed an exceptionally high speed. The client maintained that their speed was far lower. We pulled the client’s Life360 trip logs, which showed speeds well below what was alleged, and compared them to the officer’s report. We also pressed the state on the lack of a verified radar reading and the reliance on a visual estimate. After presenting these issues and making clear we were ready to challenge the evidence, the prosecution dismissed the speeding charge.

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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.

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Disorderly Conduct

Location

Davidson County, General Sessions

Allegations

Police responded to a street altercation in a busy nightlife area and arrested our client after seeing only part of the scuffle. He reported stepping in to stop harassment, being surrounded, and acting to protect himself. We obtained the reports, emphasized that officers never saw how it began, and identified two eyewitnesses prepared to corroborate that he was not the aggressor. We pressed the state on the proof and the self defense issues. The prosecutor dismissed the case.

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Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Williamson County, Special Judge

Allegations

A traffic stop for an illegal U-turn ended with the officer claiming to smell marijuana, ordering a search over the client’s objection, and locating two pre-rolled joints and a small pipe. The client was cited rather than arrested and had no criminal history. We obtained the reports, examined the legal basis for the search, and challenged the reliability of the odor claim as probable cause. We also presented mitigation based on the small quantity and the client’s cooperation. Confronted with these issues and risks, the state dismissed the case.

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Stalking - Class A Misdemeanor

Location

Rutherford County, None

Allegations

After a heated text argument with a partner, our client learned there was a warrant and voluntarily turned themselves in on a misdemeanor stalking charge. We obtained the police report and sworn affidavit, which described a burst of messages confined to a single day while the two were in separate locations, with no continuing conduct alleged. We gathered proof of the client’s prompt counseling efforts and organized the full context of the dispute. The complainant informed prosecutors they did not wish to proceed. Relying on these points, the state dismissed the case.

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Vandalism - $1,000 or Less

Location

Davidson County, Birch Bldg, Court Room 5D

Allegations

Police sought our client in connection with an alleged door-damage incident at a residence. After processing, a citation was issued and a court date set. We guided the client through that phase, then investigated the accusation. The complainant said the door was damaged, but our client and an on-scene witness reported no damage occurred. We gathered sworn statements, underscored the inconsistencies, and pointed out the lack of corroborating proof. Confronted with these evidentiary problems, the prosecution dismissed the case.