Nashville Criminal Attorney Blog

Introduction In March 2025, I made a decision that completely changed the trajectory of my career, my practice, and how millions of Americans understand their constitutional rights. I’ve been in the criminal justice system for nearly four decades. I’ve worked as a police officer on the streets, evaluated cases as a prosecutor, sat as a…

Introduction You’re sitting in a small, windowless room at the police precinct. The detective sits across from you, slides a thin file folder across the table, and says: “We found your DNA at the scene, and your buddy in the next room just signed a confession pointing the finger directly at you. If you come…

Introduction For years, thousands of Tennesseans walked into gas stations, vape shops, and smoke shops across the state to buy kratom. Whether used for energy, pain relief, or to manage anxiety, pure natural kratom was legally sold to adults 21 and older under state law. However, if you are still buying, selling, or carrying kratom…

Introduction You’ve been pulled over, put through a series of stressful roadside tests, and placed in handcuffs for suspicion of DUI. As the officer drives you to the police station or county jail, they hand you a laminated sheet of paper filled with dense legal fine print and say: “I need you to sign this…

Introduction You’ve had a few drinks at a restaurant or bar. Knowing you aren’t in shape to drive, you make what feels like the most responsible choice possible: you walk out to your car, climb into the seat, turn on the heater or radio, and decide to sleep it off until morning. An hour later,…

Introduction It is the absolute worst-case scenario. You were forced to draw your firearm and pull the trigger to save your life. The immediate threat is over, your heart is pounding out of your chest, and your adrenaline is surging. Now, you have to pick up the phone and dial 911. What you say in…

Introduction You’re pulled over on the side of the highway for a minor traffic violation. The officer asks to search your car, and you politely decline. But instead of letting you go, the officer pops your trunk, opens a locked duffel bag inside, and starts going through your private belongings. Panic sets in. You always…

Introduction You’ve had a few drinks with friends on Broadway in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis, or near Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. You know better than to drive, so you do the responsible thing: you call an Uber, walk, or sit quietly on a bench waiting for a ride. Suddenly, an officer approaches you, asks…

Introduction You’ve been pulled over late at night. After asking for your driver’s license and registration, the officer leans into your window, looks you in the eye, and says: “I need you to step out of the car and perform a few quick agility tests for me.” Your stomach drops. You know that performing acrobatic balance…

Introduction You’re riding in a car with two friends when an officer pulls you over for a broken taillight. During the stop, the officer decides to search the vehicle and discovers an illegal gun or a baggie of drugs hidden in the center console or under the back seat. Immediately, the officer looks at all…