Criminal Defense Case Results in Rutherford, TN

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Charge

Speeding

Location

Rutherford County, Murfreesboro City Court

Allegations

During a routine traffic stop our client was cited for alleged excessive speed. We obtained the citation and officer’s notes, then pulled the client’s driving record to confirm there were no recent points. We opened discussions with the city attorney and pressed mitigation based on the circumstances and the client’s clean history. After persistent follow up, including meeting the court’s requirement for original signatures, the prosecution agreed to drop the speeding citation. The case ended in a complete dismissal.

Charge

Reckless Driving

Location

Rutherford County, Murfreesboro City \u200bCourt.

Allegations

The client was cited after being clocked at roughly 40 mph over the limit. The officer added a reckless driving charge, citing low visibility and surrounding traffic. There was no arrest, only a ticket. We obtained the citation and report and engaged the local court, where no prosecutor was assigned. We pressed the evidentiary burden for reckless beyond speed alone and highlighted the client’s clean recent record. After negotiations at the hearing with court staff and the officer, the reckless charge was dismissed.

Charge

Theft of Property ($1,000 or Less)

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

A plate reader flagged the vehicle for a stolen tag, and officers approached while the car was parked. The client admitted taking a plate from a disabled vehicle during a rough patch, and the case was filed as theft under $1,000. We confirmed the exact charge through official records, reviewed the reports and available video, and pushed back on any overstatement of the conduct. In talks with the prosecutor we highlighted the low value, cooperation, and minimal history. The case resolved with a plea to straight probation, avoiding jail.

Charge

DUI - First Offense

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Hall McFarlin III

Allegations

On an icy night our client’s truck tipped onto its side. After officers helped right the vehicle and allowed him to leave, a slip of the clutch led to a minor collision and a DUI arrest. He performed roadside tests, then officers obtained a warrant and drew blood. We obtained the body cam video and lab packet, emphasizing that he appeared sober and that officers initially let him drive. Leveraging those issues and his compliance on bond, we negotiated a plea to straight probation so he could keep working while completing court conditions.