The American justice system can be complex and criminal trials are no exception. If you ever find yourself or a loved one facing a criminal trial, understanding the basics of the proceedings can help prepare you for what to expect. Pre-trial stage The process begins...
When a traffic stop leads to the discovery of illegal substances, it’s easy to overlook the issue of the legality of the vehicle search itself. Whether or not the vehicle search was a violation of your rights can have a significant impact on the outcome of your drug...
Finding police at your doorstep can invoke feelings of intimidation and confusion about the correct response. Understanding your rights enables you to appropriately and confidently handle situations when law enforcement shows up at your door. Do you have to open the...
Being pulled over and questioned by police can be an unnerving experience. You may wonder if officers can legally search your car without permission. The answer depends on the circumstances, but there are times when police can search your vehicle without a warrant or...
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation estimates that some type of drug use is a factor in as much as 80% of crimes in Tennessee. Drug charges can have serious consequences, and navigating the legal system can be confusing. While some drug offenses are misdemeanors,...
Nearly every U.S. state has some form of open container law. The basic principle behind the law is that it’s illegal for vehicle occupants to consume alcohol or have an open container of an alcoholic beverage while inside a vehicle. Some states only prohibit drivers...
Ja Morant is one of the best point guards in the NBA today. While he is notorious for getting into all sorts of trouble, he has not broken the law yet. In fact, just last year, Morant and another young basketball player, Joshua Holloway, got into a physical...
Shoplifting, also known as retail theft, is a crime in Tennessee. Depending on the total value of items stolen, a person can face misdemeanor charges for shoplifting items worth $1,000 or less, or as high as a Class A felony for theft worth $250,000 or more. However,...
A law enforcement officer arrested Maurice Vaughn a few years ago and charged him with felony gun possession. The problem was that the office obtained evidence by impounding and searching the car without probable cause. Because a federal judge ruled that the officer...
Statutes of limitations are an important element in criminal law. It serves as a time limit for legal actions against an individual accused of committing a crime. These legal provisions significantly impact the justice system and the rights of defendants and victims....