When a person is acquitted of a crime, the “double jeopardy” rule prevents that person from being recharged with that same crime at a later time, even if new evidence is found. Double jeopardy, however, only applies to one specific jurisdiction. Even if a person is acquitted of a federal crime, they might still be charged with that same crime on the state level. Understanding the double jeopardy rule While the double jeopardy rule protects defendants [...]

 How long does court last? Well, that's an open ended question because sometimes the court date is open ended. It normally starts at 9:00 AM, and sometimes you're done by noon; sometimes you may be required to be there all day. Usually there are a lot of cases on the docket and the courts attended to them in the manner that is most expedient. Your attorney should keep you apprised of it. We do our [...]

 Another recent development in Tennessee law deals with the application of school zones to drug-related felonies. In these particular situations, the legislature has determined that when there is drug activity of a resale type variety – could be delivery, could be possession – within 1,000 feet of a school that it constitutes a drug free school zone violation. That means that the actual felony – let's say it's a schedule 2 cocaine case – is [...]

The requirement to register as a sex offender is an ignominious consequence of receiving a conviction on a sex offense in Tennessee. In the eyes of the public, it labels you as an individual not to be trusted, and particularly avoided in many cases. It also inhibits you from obtaining employment and living in certain areas. In addition, as a registered sex offender, your Tennessee driver’s license will also indicate such. The State of Tennessee has [...]

 How you should behave in court is now something that we are regularly having to tell our clients. Those cellular devices that you have with you? Any type of mobile electronics need to be turned off. You don't need to be texting in court and you need to be paying attention to the proceedings. You don't want to be a distraction in any way, shape, manner or form – and just as a matter of [...]

It’s virtually automatic that lawyers in both criminal and civil cases will seek to examine your social media posts. Attorneys will ask to review your Facebook posts, your Twitter feeds, and any text that you’ve posted. It’s why many lawyers advise their clients to stay off social media as soon as their case begin. Clients should always be cautious, even if a case isn’t active, about what they say on social media. Online posting now includes [...]