Criminal Defense Case Results in Sumner, TN

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Sumner County, C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

The client was on probation for a nonviolent misdemeanor and missed mail-in check ins while dealing with job loss and financial strain. After being picked up on the violation, we engaged early with the probation office, confirmed the client's renewed compliance, and obtained records of treatment and a scheduled mental health assessment. We reset the setting to allow those items to be completed, then pressed the state with the probation officer's support to resolve it without a hearing. The result was reinstatement to probation with in-person reporting and no additional jail.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

During a traffic stop for a rolling stop, the officer claimed to smell marijuana. The client acknowledged a small joint and a THC vape and voluntarily handed them over. No scales, baggies, cash, or other sale indicators were found, and a lawfully possessed firearm led to no separate charge. We verified a clean record, scrutinized the basis for the stop and the voluntariness of the handover, and pressed the State on proof, including whether the items were lab tested and admissible. Emphasizing the minimal quantity and our readiness to litigate search issues, we secured a dismissal.

Charge

Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (Contact)

Location

Sumner County, Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

During a traffic stop involving a friend, our client approached officers to ask for a supervisor. The encounter escalated and an officer alleged the client pushed him as the officer moved to handcuff the client, leading to an assault on a law enforcement officer charge. We obtained the body cam, dash cam, and the client’s phone video and compared them with the reports. The footage did not show clear, intentional contact and exposed inconsistencies in the accounts. We made clear we were prepared to litigate those issues at a hearing, and the prosecutor dismissed the case.

Charge

Domestic Assault - Bodily Injury (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Sumner County, Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

After a domestic argument, our client was arrested for domestic assault based on a brief on-scene statement. He acknowledged some water was spit during the dispute, denied any neck grabbing, and there was no weapon or prior history. We moved quickly to modify the no-contact bond condition so the family could communicate while we investigated. We obtained the affidavit, officer video, and home security footage showing a third party escalating the situation and that our client called 911, then contrasted that with inconsistent accounts and the complainant's reluctance to proceed. With that record and proof of voluntary counseling, we pressed the prosecution, and the case was dismissed.

Charge

Domestic Assault

Location

Sumner County

Allegations

Police responded to a shared housing dispute where a verbal argument got loud. The client was accused of making threats and charged with domestic assault, despite no report of weapons, injury, or physical contact. We obtained the warrant, reports, and body cam, and set the matter for a hearing to require live testimony. The complainant’s accounts shifted between the initial report and follow up, and other credibility problems surfaced. Leveraging those weaknesses, we secured an agreement for dismissal upon completion of a brief class. The client complied, and the state dismissed the case.

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

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

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

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

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 or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Sumner County, Judge C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Stopped for speeding, our client was told the car smelled like marijuana and consented to a search. An officer found a small dispensary-labeled jar in a backpack and issued a citation for simple possession. The client disclosed the contents could be a mix of THCA and marijuana, so we obtained the reports and kept negotiations away from lab testing that could harden the state’s stance. We secured an under-advisement plan requiring a brief online class and no new offenses. Once our client complied and we provided proof, the case was dismissed.