No-Contact Orders and GPS Monitoring in Tennessee Domestic Assault Cases Explained
If you’ve been arrested for domestic assault in Tennessee, one of the first legal challenges you’ll face is a no-contact order. Many people assume it only applies if both parties agree, or that it’s temporary until the first court date. Unfortunately, that misunderstanding can have serious consequences for the accused—even a single response to a […]
Do You Need an Attorney for a Misdemeanor in Tennessee?
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Tennessee, you might be wondering whether it’s serious enough to hire an attorney. After all, misdemeanors are considered “lesser” offenses compared to felonies, so do you really need legal representation? Charges like simple assault, theft, public intoxication, or disorderly conduct are often regarded as minor offenses, but […]
Can I Travel While Facing Criminal Charges in Tennessee?
When you’re facing criminal charges, life doesn’t pause. You may still have to go to work, care for your family, or attend events outside your local area. One of the most common questions we hear from clients is: “Can I still travel while my case is pending?” In Tennessee, the answer isn’t always straightforward. This […]
When Police Can Enter Your Home Without a Warrant in Tennessee?
Most people assume that police can’t just walk into your home without a warrant—and in most cases, that’s true. Both the U.S. Constitution and the Tennessee Constitution strongly protect your right to privacy in your own home. But like many areas of law, there are important exceptions. Whether it’s a knock at the door during […]
DUI Per Se: Should I Plead Guilty If My BAC Is Above .08%?
No, you should not plead guilty simply because your BAC is above a .08% BAC without a skilled DUI defense attorney fully evaluating your case, your circumstances, and advising you as to the potential benefits and risks of proceeding forward with your case. There are countless factors in DUI cases that can impact the accuracy […]
Juvenile Diversion in Tennessee: A Guide for Parents of First-Time Offenders
Discovering that your child has been accused of a crime is one of the most distressing moments a parent can face. In Tennessee, the juvenile justice system is designed to focus more on rehabilitation than punishment—especially for first-time offenders. If this is your family’s first encounter with the legal system, you’re not alone, and there […]
Can You Go To Jail At An Arraignment?
Facing a criminal charge in Tennessee? One of your first steps through the legal system will likely be an arraignment—a brief but important court appearance where the judge informs you of the charges filed against you. But many people wonder: Can I be taken to jail at my arraignment, even if I’m already out on […]
How To Help a Friend or Family Member Arrested In Knoxville
Getting a phone call that a loved one has been arrested in Knoxville is one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. Whether it’s a friend, child, spouse, or sibling, many questions could be racing through your mind–what should you do first? How can you help? And how serious are the charges? Our […]
Police Body Cam and Dash Cam Footage: How It Could Help Your Case
If you’ve been arrested in Tennessee—especially for DUI or a criminal charge—there’s a good chance your case was recorded on a police body cam or dash cam. But what that footage actually shows (and what it doesn’t) can have a major impact on your defense. At Barnes & Fersten, our attorneys don’t just watch the […]
When Does Theft Become a Felony in Tennessee?
Theft is one of the most commonly charged crimes in Tennessee, but many people don’t realize how easily a seemingly minor theft can escalate into a felony offense. Whether it involves shoplifting, taking property from an employer, or being accused of financial fraud, the stakes are high—and a felony conviction can carry lifelong consequences. Under […]
