Criminal Defense Case Results in Rutherford, TN

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

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

Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

After a family dispute, officers were called and later tried to stop the client while driving. The client reported only noticing the lights late and continued while looking for a safe place to pull over due to hazardous road conditions, then went home. Days later, police arrested him and questioned him without Miranda warnings, leading to an admission. We challenged the state on driver identification, demanded the video evidence, and prepared to litigate suppression and a preliminary hearing. Facing these issues, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession or Distribution of Alcohol by a Person Under 21

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

The case stemmed from a traffic stop where officers questioned our client about alcohol in the vehicle. He acknowledged purchasing it earlier, the officers poured it out and released him. The next day a separate charge was filed alleging possession or distribution of alcohol by a person under 21. We moved quickly, obtained the police report, and focused on the lack of preserved evidence and any proof he furnished alcohol to anyone. After pressing these issues with the prosecutor and preparing to litigate them, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Hall McFarlin III

Allegations

A traffic unit stopped our client after alleging the vehicle failed to maintain a single lane. The citation was filed as Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic alongside a related investigation. We examined the report language and the officer's description of any lane drift against what the statute actually requires. We pressed the state on whether the brief deviation described created a safety risk and whether the stop observations were consistent. With those weaknesses on the table and our readiness to litigate, the prosecutor agreed to reduce the charge.