Introduction

You’ve seen it on TV:

“You have the right to remain silent…”

Most people believe police are required to say those words before an arrest.

That’s not how it works.

And misunderstanding this can seriously hurt your case.

The Short Answer

Yes — you can absolutely be arrested without being read your Miranda rights.

Police are not required to read you your rights at the time of arrest.

Where Miranda Rights Come From

Miranda rights come from the U.S. Supreme Court case
Miranda v. Arizona

The ruling protects your rights under the
Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution

But here’s the key:

👉 Miranda applies to custodial interrogation — not the arrest itself.

What That Means in Plain English

Police only have to read your Miranda rights when:

1. You are in custody
2. AND they want to interrogate you

If they don’t question you, they don’t have to read your rights.

Why People Get This Wrong

Movies and TV make it seem like:

• No Miranda warning = case dismissed

That’s not true.

If police arrest you and never question you:

👉 There’s no Miranda issue at all

When Miranda DOES Matter

Miranda becomes important if:

• police question you while in custody
• AND they did not advise you of your rights

In that situation:

👉 Your statements may be suppressed (not used in court)

What Miranda Does NOT Do

Miranda does NOT:

• prevent your arrest
• make charges disappear
• automatically dismiss your case

It only affects whether certain statements can be used as evidence.

The Real Danger: Talking Anyway

Here’s what actually happens in real cases:

People:

• start talking immediately
• try to explain
• think they can “clear things up”

And those statements become evidence.

What You Should Do Instead

Whether you’ve been read your rights or not, your move is the same:

Say:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Then ask for a lawyer.

Then stop talking.

Why This Matters in Nashville

In Nashville and throughout Davidson County, Tennessee, many cases are built on:

• statements made at the scene
• statements made in patrol cars
• statements made before any Miranda warning

Those statements are often admissible.

The Bottom Line

• Police do NOT have to read you your rights to arrest you
• Miranda only applies to custodial interrogation
• Talking is what creates problems — not the lack of a warning

Your safest move:

“I don’t answer questions.”

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you’ve been arrested or questioned by police:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

What you say matters more than whether your rights were read.

Introduction

If a police officer tells you something during an investigation, can you trust it?

Most people assume the answer is no — that officers have to tell the truth.

That assumption is wrong.

And believing it can get you into serious trouble.

The Short Answer

Yes — police are generally allowed to lie to you during an investigation.

That means officers can legally:

• say they have evidence they don’t actually have
• claim someone else has already confessed
• suggest they “just want to help you”

These tactics are commonly used to get people to talk.

Why Police Use This Strategy

Law enforcement is trained to gather evidence.

One of the most effective ways to do that is:

👉 getting you to talk

If you believe:

• “They already know everything”
• “I might as well explain”

you’re more likely to give statements that can be used against you.

What They Cannot Do

While police can use deception, there are limits.

They generally cannot:

• force a confession
• physically coerce you
• violate your constitutional rights

But here’s the reality:

👉 Most cases don’t involve force — they involve conversation

The Trap

A typical interaction might sound like this:

• “We already have you on video”
• “Your friend already told us everything”
• “This is your chance to clear things up”

Even if those statements aren’t true, they are often legally allowed.

Why This Matters

People don’t get into trouble because they’re forced to confess.

They get into trouble because they:

• try to explain
• try to cooperate
• try to talk their way out

And those statements become evidence.

What You Should Do Instead

If you are being questioned:

Say this:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Then stop talking.

Do not:

• argue
• explain
• try to correct the officer

What About “Being Honest”?

A lot of people believe:

“If I’m honest, it will help me.”

That’s not how the system works.

Your statements are not used to “clear things up.”

They are used to build a case.

Why This Matters in Nashville

In Nashville and throughout Davidson County, Tennessee, police interviews and roadside questioning are a routine part of investigations.

And many cases come down to one thing:

👉 what the person said

Knowing when not to speak is critical.

The Bottom Line

• Police can legally lie during investigations
• You do NOT have to answer questions
• Talking can hurt you — even if you’re telling the truth

Your safest move:

“I don’t answer questions.”

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you are being questioned or investigated:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

What you say can — and will — be used against you.

According to reports, a man in nearby Springfield is now facing federal charges after allegedly firing a gun from his back porch and threatening to kill a woman. 

This type of case is more common than people think — and the legal consequences can be severe.

What Happened

Authorities say the defendant:

• allegedly fired multiple shots from his property
• made threats toward another person
• was already a convicted felon

Law enforcement responded with a tactical team and ultimately took him into custody. 

The key charge?

👉 Felon in possession of a firearm

Why This Charge Is So Serious

If you have a prior felony conviction, you are generally prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.

That means:

• You don’t have to commit a violent crime
• You don’t even have to fire the weapon

👉 Simply possessing it can lead to federal charges

And federal cases are a different animal:

• stricter sentencing
• fewer diversion options
• aggressive prosecution

The Threat Allegation Makes It Worse

In this case, prosecutors also allege that the defendant threatened to kill someone.

That can trigger additional charges, including:

• aggravated assault
• terroristic threats
• potential federal enhancements

When firearms and threats are combined, prosecutors take these cases very seriously.

Where People Go Wrong in These Cases

Most people don’t realize how quickly things escalate.

Common mistakes include:

• handling a firearm despite a prior felony
• making statements to police
• attempting to explain or justify the situation

Those statements often become key evidence.

The Critical Mistake: Talking

In cases like this, what you say matters just as much as what you do.

People often try to explain:

• “I was just trying to scare them”
• “I didn’t mean anything by it”

Those statements can be used to build the case against you.

What You Should Do Instead

If you are being investigated in a situation involving a firearm:

1. Do not explain
2. Do not justify
3. Say:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Then ask for a lawyer.

Why This Matters in Nashville

Even though this case happened just outside Nashville, these types of charges show up regularly in Davidson County.

And prosecutors here take:

• gun cases
• domestic-related threats
• repeat offender cases

very seriously.

The Reality

Once a firearm is involved — especially with a prior conviction — you are in high-risk territory.

This is not something you can “talk your way out of.”

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you are facing a gun charge, federal investigation, or violent offense:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

What you say — or don’t say — can determine your future.

If you’re a lawyer in 2026 and you’re not posting videos online, you are falling behind.

Not slowly — quickly.

The legal profession has changed. Clients are no longer choosing lawyers based only on referrals or websites.

They are choosing lawyers they already know, trust, and recognize.

And today, that trust is built on video.

The Shift: From Yellow Pages to Social Media

There was a time when lawyers competed using:

• billboards
• TV ads
• phone book listings

Today, clients are doing something very different:

• watching videos
• following legal creators
• learning their rights online

By the time they call a lawyer, they’ve already decided who they trust.

Why Video Works Better Than Anything Else

Video allows potential clients to:

• hear how you think
• see how you explain complex issues
• decide if they trust you

In criminal defense, that matters more than anything.

Because when someone is facing charges, they are not just hiring a lawyer — they are choosing someone to stand next to them in the most stressful moment of their life.

The DrJudge Example

David G. Ridings — known online as “DrJudge” — is a clear example of what happens when a lawyer embraces video.

By consistently posting:

• bodycam breakdowns
• legal explanations
• real-world scenarios

he has built an audience of hundreds of thousands across multiple platforms.

But more importantly:

👉 He has built trust at scale

People don’t just find him.

They already know him.

What That Means for Clients

When someone calls a lawyer they’ve been watching:

• they trust the advice
• they understand the process
• they are more confident in their decision

That leads to:

• better client relationships
• stronger cases
• higher-quality engagements

What That Means for Lawyers

Lawyers who consistently post video gain:

1. Visibility

Your name shows up everywhere — not just in search results.

2. Authority

You become the lawyer people associate with a specific topic.

Example:

👉 Traffic stop rights

👉 DUI defense

👉 Police encounters

3. Inbound Clients

Instead of chasing clients, they come to you.

4. Differentiation

Most lawyers still don’t do this.

That means the ones who do stand out immediately.

The Compounding Effect

One video might not change everything.

But hundreds of videos?

That builds:

• recognition
• credibility
• authority

Over time, this compounds into something powerful:

👉 You become the obvious choice

The Biggest Mistake Lawyers Make

Waiting.

Many lawyers think:

• “I’ll start later”
• “I need better equipment”
• “I don’t know what to say”

Meanwhile, other lawyers are building audiences every day.

What to Post

If you’re a criminal defense lawyer, your content is already in front of you:

• “What should I say during a traffic stop?”
• “Can police search my car?”
• “Do I have to answer questions?”

These are the exact questions people are searching.

The Reality

The lawyers who win in the next decade will not just be:

• the most experienced
• or the most credentialed

They will be the ones who are:

👉 the most visible

👉 the most trusted

👉 the most understood

The Bottom Line

If you are not using video, you are invisible to a growing portion of your potential clients.

If you are using video consistently, you are building a pipeline that works for you 24/7.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.” While he has sold nearly 10,000 books in a years time, the more impressive statistic is that he has received over 100 MILLION VIEWS across all platforms in the same time.

Call to Action

If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney who not only understands the law — but knows how to communicate it clearly:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGEWhy Every Lawyer Should Be Posting Videos Online (And What Happens If You Don’t)

If you are listed as a victim in a domestic assault case in Nashville, you may receive a subpoena to appear in court.

That raises a lot of questions:

• Do I have to go?
• Will I get in trouble if I don’t show up?
• Can I refuse to prosecute the case?

These are real concerns — and the answers are not always as straightforward as people think.

What Is a Subpoena?

A subpoena is a court order requiring you to appear and testify.

In general, a subpoena is not optional.

Ignoring a subpoena can, in some cases, lead to:

• contempt of court
• fines
• or even being taken into custody

Do You Have to Appear in Court?

Technically, yes.

If you are subpoenaed, you are being ordered to appear.

But what actually happens in practice can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

How This Is Handled in Nashville (Davidson County)

In Davidson County, Tennessee — particularly in Nashville — domestic assault cases are extremely common, and the court system handles a very high volume of cases.

As a practical matter:

• Cases often depend heavily on the victim’s participation
• If a victim does not appear, the prosecution may have difficulty moving forward

In many situations:

👉 If the victim does not appear, the case may be dismissed against the defendant

Will You Get in Trouble for Not Showing Up?

This is where things become a gray area.

While a subpoena is a court order, in Nashville:

• It is uncommon for victims in domestic assault cases to be punished for not appearing
• The system is often focused on managing a high volume of cases rather than pursuing enforcement against non-appearing witnesses

However, that does not mean there is zero risk.

Important: This Is Different in Other Counties

This is critical.

In surrounding counties like:

• Wilson County, Tennessee
• Rutherford County, Tennessee
• Williamson County, Tennessee

Courts may take a much stricter approach.

Judges in those jurisdictions may:

• issue a material witness warrant
• require the witness to post bond
• send law enforcement to locate and bring the witness to court

In those counties, failing to appear can have real consequences.

Do Victims Have to “Prosecute” the Case?

No.

The case is brought by the State of Tennessee — not the victim.

That means:

• The prosecutor decides whether to move forward
• Not the victim

However, without a victim’s testimony, many domestic assault cases become difficult to prove.

Why This Situation Is Complicated

Many victims:

• no longer want to be involved
• want to move on
• or have reconciled

But the legal system does not always align with those personal decisions.

That’s why this issue comes up so often.

The Bottom Line

• A subpoena is a court order and should be taken seriously
• In Nashville, enforcement against non-appearing victims is uncommon
• In surrounding counties, enforcement may be much stricter
• Each situation is different and can carry risks

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you or someone you know is facing a domestic assault charge in Nashville:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

Understanding how these cases actually work can make all the difference.

Tennessee has made significant changes to its implied consent law — and if you’re facing a DUI investigation, these changes matter.

The penalties are now harsher, and a key legal loophole that once helped drivers has been closed by the legislature.

If you don’t understand these changes, you could make a costly mistake.

What Is Implied Consent in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law, by driving on public roads, you are deemed to have consented to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI.

This includes:

• Breath tests
• Blood tests

Refusing these tests can result in separate penalties — even if you are never convicted of DUI.

The Law Has Changed: Increased Penalties

One of the biggest changes is the increase in license revocation penalties.

In certain situations, refusal can now result in:

👉 Up to 18 months license revocation

That’s a significant increase and can impact your:

• ability to work
• daily life
• driving privileges

The Closed Loophole: Search Warrants and Prior Caselaw

Previously, there were legal arguments — based on case law — that could be used in certain situations to challenge implied consent violations when a driver ultimately submitted to a search warrant for a blood draw.

In plain terms, the argument was:

If the driver didn’t refuse and ultimately complied with a lawful search warrant, the implied consent violation might not apply.

That argument is no longer reliable.

The Legislature Has Closed That Gap

The Tennessee legislature has now clarified the law.

Even if:

• You initially refuse testing
• Officers obtain a search warrant
• You ultimately submit to a blood draw

👉 You can still face implied consent penalties.

This change eliminates a defense strategy that previously existed in some cases.

Why This Matters

This is a major shift in how DUI cases are handled.

Before:

• There were more opportunities to challenge implied consent violations

Now:

• The law is tighter
• The penalties are harsher
• The margin for error is smaller

What You Should Do During a DUI Investigation

Every situation is different, but one thing remains constant:

👉 Do not try to talk your way out of it

Say:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Then request a lawyer.

Do not:

• argue
• explain
• guess your way through legal decisions

The Reality of DUI Cases in Tennessee

DUI law is constantly evolving.

Changes like this show one thing clearly:

👉 You cannot rely on outdated advice or assumptions

What worked years ago may no longer protect you today.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney, former police officer, and former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience.

Known as “DrJudge,” he educates hundreds of thousands about their rights during police encounters and DUI investigations.

Call to Action

If you are facing a DUI charge or implied consent violation:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

The law has changed — make sure your defense strategy has too.

When news broke that Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI, millions of people watched the bodycam footage.

But most people missed the most important part.

This wasn’t just a celebrity arrest — it was a textbook example of what not to do when dealing with police.

And the same mistakes that hurt Tiger Woods can hurt anyone.

What Happened

In 2017, Tiger Woods was found asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle and later arrested for DUI.

The case ultimately involved prescription medications — not alcohol — but what stands out is how the interaction unfolded on camera.

He was:

• confused
• disoriented
• answering questions
• attempting to explain his situation

That’s where things went wrong.

The #1 Mistake: Talking to Police

Like most people, Tiger Woods tried to cooperate.

He answered questions.

He attempted to explain what was going on.

That’s a mistake.

Because once you start talking, you are giving law enforcement:

• statements to analyze
• inconsistencies to point out
• evidence to use against you

The Rule That Could Have Changed Everything

There is one phrase that protects you:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Then stop talking.

No explanations.

No guessing.

No trying to “help” the situation.

Why Talking Is So Dangerous

Even if you are:

• tired
• confused
• under medication
• completely innocent

What you say can still be used against you.

Police are trained to gather evidence — not to determine innocence on the roadside.

DUI Cases Are Built on Small Details

In many DUI cases, officers rely heavily on:

• statements
• demeanor
• responses to questions

Every word matters.

And those words are often what prosecutors rely on later.

What You Should Do Instead

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation:

1. Be respectful
2. Provide required documents
3. Say:
   “I don’t answer questions.”
4. Ask for a lawyer

Then stop talking.

The Bigger Lesson

This isn’t about Tiger Woods.

It’s about understanding that:

👉 Even highly successful, intelligent people make critical mistakes when interacting with police

Because they don’t know their rights — or don’t use them.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you are being investigated or charged with DUI:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

What you say today can decide your case tomorrow.

If you’re pulled over in Tennessee, one of the most important questions is this:

Can police search your car without your permission?

Most people get this wrong — and that mistake can cost them their freedom.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

The Short Answer

No — police generally cannot search your car without your consent.

But there are important exceptions that allow them to search anyway.

Understanding the difference could protect you from serious charges.

The Golden Rule

If an officer asks:

“Do you mind if I search your vehicle?”

Your answer should be:

“I do not consent to any searches.”

Say it clearly. Say it respectfully. Then stop talking.

Why Consent Is Dangerous

If you give permission, you just gave up one of your strongest legal protections.

That means:

• No warrant needed
• No probable cause required
• Whatever they find can be used against you

And once you consent, you can’t undo it.

When Police CAN Search Your Car Without Permission

There are several legal exceptions.

🚓 1. Probable Cause

If officers have probable cause to believe there is evidence of a crime in your car, they can search it.

This falls under what’s known as the

automobile exception.

Examples may include:

• Smell of marijuana
• Visible contraband
• Statements made by the driver

👮 2. Search Incident to Arrest

If you are arrested, officers may search parts of your vehicle related to that arrest.

🚨 3. Plain View Doctrine

If illegal items are clearly visible, officers can seize them — and that can lead to a broader search.

📝 4. Inventory Searches

If your vehicle is impounded, police may conduct an inventory search.

What You Should Do During a Traffic Stop

Keep it simple:

1. Provide:
   
   • License
   • Registration
   • Insurance
3. Say:
   “I do not consent to any searches.”
4. Do NOT:
   
   • Argue
   • Explain
   • Volunteer information

What NOT to Say

Avoid phrases like:

• “Go ahead, I have nothing to hide”
• “Sure, that’s fine”
• “I guess that’s okay”

Those statements can be used as consent.

Important Reality

Even if you refuse consent, officers may search anyway.

That does NOT mean the search is legal.

It means your lawyer may be able to challenge it later.

Why This Matters

Many criminal cases are built on evidence found during traffic stops.

If the search was illegal, that evidence may be suppressed.

But only if your rights were properly preserved.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney, former police officer, and former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience.

Known as “DrJudge,” he educates hundreds of thousands about their rights during police encounters.

Call to Action

If you’ve been stopped, searched, or charged:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

If a police officer starts asking you questions, your instinct may be to cooperate.

That’s a mistake.

In Tennessee, you have a constitutional right that could protect you from being charged with a crime — but most people talk themselves into trouble before they ever call a lawyer.

Let’s break this down clearly.

The Short Answer

No — you do NOT have to answer police questions.

You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

That right applies whether:

• You’re pulled over in a traffic stop
• Police are knocking on your door
• You’re being questioned in public
• You’re under investigation

What You SHOULD Say

There is one phrase that can protect you:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Then stop talking.

Do not explain.

Do not justify.

Do not try to “clear things up.”

Anything you say can — and will — be used against you.

Why Talking Hurts You (Even If You’re Innocent)

Here’s what most people don’t understand:

Police are trained to gather evidence — not to prove your innocence.

Even truthful statements can be used to:

• Place you at the scene
• Create inconsistencies
• Support probable cause
• Strengthen the case against you

You cannot “talk your way out” of a criminal investigation.

But you can absolutely talk your way into one.

Common Situations Where People Make This Mistake

🚓 Traffic Stops

You must provide:

• License
• Registration
• Insurance

But you do NOT have to answer questions like:

• “Where are you coming from?”
• “Have you had anything to drink?”

🚪 Police at Your Door

You are NOT required to:

• Open the door
• Answer questions
• Let officers inside without a warrant

🧍 “Just a Quick Question”

If an officer says:

“You’re not in trouble — we just want to talk”

That’s your signal to stop.

When You DO Need to Speak

There are limited situations where you must provide identifying information, but beyond that:

👉 You have the right to remain silent

👉 You have the right to ask for a lawyer

Use both.

The Smart Move

If you are being questioned or investigated:

1. Say: “I don’t answer questions.”
2. Ask for a lawyer
3. Call immediately

Why This Matters in Tennessee

Tennessee prosecutors use statements made during police encounters every single day in court.

Once you’ve said it — you can’t take it back.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney, former police officer, and former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience.

He is also known as “DrJudge,” educating hundreds of thousands of people online about their rights during police encounters.

Call to Action

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a crime:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

Every minute matters.

First, do NOT ignore it. It will not go away. We get clients with outstanding warrants against them all the time. Here, we handle it swiftly and efficeintly for all involved. You will need assistance in getting booked, and acquiring a bond by way of the magistrate. Finally, we will also coordinate the court appearances and put you in an automated communication system so you won’t miss a court date.

If the warrant is for a probation violation, you may already have a bond set, and in some extreme cases you may have an “open court bond” (which means you can’t bond out until you see a judge on the violation.)

Outstanding warrants are common, and not something you need to fear when you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you.

Do these things in order:

1. Contact an attorney (if you don’t know one, then interview at least three attorneys so you know what’s out there). Most criminal defense attorneys require payment in advance for criminal cases, so you need to work that out before you turn yourself in.
2. Contact a bondsman. We can help with this if you don’t know one, but like attorneys you should interview at least three bonding companies.
3. Have a family member or friend who knows about the situation that can work on the outside of jail if you get stuck in jail on an open court bond. The person on the outside can contact the bondsman and/or attorney when needed if you make sure to give them the contact information for both.
4. Relax and let the attorney work for you. These situations are stressful, we know that. But hiring the right criminal defense attorney will help alievate some of that stress.

For more information, visit: www.NashvilleCriminalAttorney.com.

Or you may call Attorney David Ridings directly at 615-394-7611

“I left the scene of an accident last night, and don’t know what to do.”

I get this call all the time. Usually because someone got scared and left the scene of an accident, either leaving their car on the scene because of damage, or driving away and going home or to a safe location. NOW WHAT?

Well, we handle these kinds of cases all the time. But there is no quesiton you need to hire an attorney IMMEDIATELY. This is not something you should even attempt to navigate yourself.

My advice to these callers depends on many factors. First, did they drive away, or run away? Is the car still on the scene, or impounded, or in your driveway? Do you have a criminal record? Was anyone hurt in the accident that you know of? Many more issues arise as well, but first things first. Let’s get in front of this by hiring the best criminal defense attorney that you can afford, and let him or her advise you.

Having been a former police officer, I know what polcies and proceedures they follow in one of these investigations. I quite literally have the detectives of the Hit and Run Division of Metro Nashville Police Department on speed dial. The fisrt thing I will do is contact them for you. They are reasonable people, but they have a job to do and it is NOT in your best interest to contact them yourself. You should NEVER talk to the police yourself. And any lawyer worth his salt will tell you that.

That doesn’t mean we should just wait on them to catch you. Not at all. We should (and we do) call them and get them involved so that we can ultimately get your car back, and/or resolve any potential charges that may be looming. In “many cases” we are able to resolve the issue without a conviction for any criminal offense (such as Leaving the Scene Of an Accident), and in some cases without even a “charge” for any offense. Yes! That is possible.

What NOT to do?

1. DO NOT REPORT THE CAR STOLEN. You can get in much more trouble if you try to hide your involvment by reporting the car stolen. Believe it or not this happens frequently. But it is the wrong thing to do. With that said, if you have already made this mistake, we can fix that too!
2. DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE about the case or your involvment until you have consulted with an attorney. We can help you avoid a conviction and/or even a criminal charge in some cases, but you can hurt your chances of that by speaking to the police, your insurance company, or others without consulting with us first.
3. DO NOT DO “NOTHING”. Simply doing nothing will always compound your problems. Time is not your friend here. Get in front of this immediately. You’ll be glad you did. You will always feel better when you have consulted someone with experience defending Hit and Run cases. There is so much that we can do to mitigate your punishment and/or liability in this matter. But we have to get started quickly, before warrants are taken, and before the police come to find you.

Remember this: there is NOTHING that you have done that we can not resolve. And usually quite favorably. But you have to get started down the right path. And hiring an experienced lawyer is the first step of that “right path”. For more detailed information, or a free consultation, call Nashville’s Criminal Attorney David Ridings today.

Mr. Ridings has prepared his entire life to fill the role of a judge. He has experience working on every side of the legal system. He has protected and served his community as a police officer for nearly a decade, working first for the Murfreesboro Police Department and then the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. During his last year of law school, Mr. Ridings practiced law in the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office. He has served also as an intern for the Board of Paroles and for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, literally making him the most experienced person to run for Judge (probably in the history of Nashville). In 1998, Ridings opened his own law firm, where he initially practiced general law but later narrowed his focus to criminal defense.

His experiences have prepared him for the role of General Sessions Judge like no other candidate in the running. As a police officer and prosecutor, he gained an in-depth understanding of the Tennessee criminal process and the methods and techniques used to investigate and prosecute cases. As a criminal defense attorney, he has learned over the years that the people he represents are generally “good people” many of whom have made mistakes or were in the “wrong place at the wrong time”. Some of them find themselves caught up in a justice system that can often be “unfair.” Ridings will serve to balance the scales of justice in a new way. He will be one of the most relatable judges to sit on the bench.

With his well-rounded understanding of the legal system, Mr. Ridings is equipped to be a fair and equitable judge. Being able to see the people involved in these cases for who they are and understanding the emotional challenges they’re facing is crucial for a judge. Because of his experience Ridings, having been there himself can relate to the citizens in General Sessions Court in a way others cannot. That’s something you don’t learn in a book.

Attorney David Ridings is more than ready to serve Davidson County as a General Sessions Judge. He has prepared his whole life for this position.

To learn more about or support his campaign, please click here.

If you need legal representation in Nashville, TN, contact Ridings Law Group, P.C. at (615) 394-7611.

Attorney David Ridings recently received advanced level training on how to use medical information from DUI cases in order to obtain successful results in court. This training was given by the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, a professional legal organization that specializes in providing its members with valuable resources and tools to greatly benefit their DUI defense practices.

Attorney Ridings learned how police departments and emergency medical staff interact and act when dealing with a suspected DUI offender. Since both have different priorities during such incidents, contradictions often occur, which could provide criminal defense lawyers evidence to show the court the inaccuracies and inconsistencies in DUI cases from law enforcement.

The American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys have gathered information from the following parties:

• Judges
• DUI Prosecutors
• Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutors (TSRPs)
• Current and former police officers
• DUI defense lawyers

With more than 20 years of legal experience and over a decade of law enforcement experience as a police officer in Tennessee, Attorney Ridings has a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system to provide our clients with knowledgeable and skilled legal representation. He strives to continuously educate himself to help those facing DUI charges get the best possible results.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Nashville, contact Ridings Law Group, P.C. today at (615) 394-7611 and schedule a free case evaluation.