When considering a plea deal, you’ll be looking at the penalties sought to be imposed. But even when it seems like the prosecutor is being reasonable, there are a number of collateral consequences that you need to consider before agreeing to a conviction. After all,...
Federal Criminal Charges
When does a drug crime become a federal offense?
Being charged with a drug crime comes with major potential penalties, including jail or prison time. The penalties may be higher if you are charged with a federal drug crime. A drug charge becomes a federal offense if the crime occurs while crossing state lines. If...
Constitutional violations can serve as a defense to criminal charges
The United States Constitution, particularly the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, can be used to protect defendants from criminal convictions. Criminal defense attorneys in Tennessee will often use a defense strategy that addresses constitutional violations. Incorporating...
Defending against an assault charge
If a person is charged with assault, it can carry serious penalties including fines and imprisonment. However, there are potential defenses to consider. Assault overview Assault is the intentional act of causing physical injury or threatening bodily harm to another...
Mail fraud penalties and potential defenses
Mail fraud is a serious offense and if a person is charged with this federal crime, it can be hard to know what to do next. Mail fraud occurs when a person uses the U.S. Postal Service or other similar mail services for fraudulent purposes. Mail fraud can include...
What you can expect at your grand jury appearance
A grand jury is a crucial part of the criminal court process in Tennessee. It is a panel of 13 “average” citizens and their job is to probe the information available to determine if there is enough evidence to show that someone committed a crime. Those who plead...
Medicare fraud case transferred to federal district court
In the legal sense, the term “fraud” connotes deceit and an underhanded act or scheme. When applied to specific areas of law, the elements change but reflect the general principle. In cases of Medicare fraud, a federal statute entitled the False Claims Act (FCA)...
Strong character reference letters can help your criminal case
Tennessee residents who are facing white-collar crime charges have plenty of concerns. Avoiding prison time is often a defendant’s biggest goal. If you are charged with a white-collar crime, there may be available defenses, depending on your situation. However,...
Can I bring marijuana on a plane?
At the beginning of October, President Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. He also announced the review of whether weed should remain a Schedule I substance, illegal under the Controlled Substances...
Those accused of fentanyl crimes can face serious consequences
Fentanyl has received much attention in the media lately, with numerous reports of unlawful sales of the drug and overdoses. Due to its dangerous nature, those who engage in the distribution of fentanyl will be harshly penalized. What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is an...