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 […]
How Long Can Police Detain You in Tennessee?
Being stopped by the police can be a nerve-wracking experience. When you see those blue lights flashing behind you, your first thought might be, “how long is this going to take?” But a more important question is: how long are the police legally allowed to keep me? Most people don’t realize that the U.S. Constitution […]
When Can Police Pull You Over in Tennessee?
Getting pulled over by the police can be a stressful and confusing experience—especially if you’re not sure why it happened in the first place. Many drivers wonder: Can police stop me for no reason? Do they need to see a traffic violation first? Understanding when a stop is legal—and when it isn’t—is important when driving […]
Domestic Assault vs. Simple Assault in Tennessee: What’s the Difference?
In Tennessee, assault charges are taken seriously by both law enforcement and the courts. However, not all assault charges are treated the same under the law. Two of the most commonly charged offenses—simple assault and domestic assault—may involve similar conduct, but they carry distinct legal definitions and consequences. The key difference often lies in the […]
Facing Prescription Drug Charges in Tennessee? Here’s What To Do Next
Prescription drugs are legally prescribed for a variety of legitimate medical reasons—but when they’re used improperly or possessed without a valid prescription, they can quickly lead to serious criminal charges in Tennessee. In recent years, law enforcement across the state, including in Knoxville and surrounding areas, has ramped up efforts to combat prescription drug abuse […]
When Does Suspicious Behavior Justify a DUI or Drug Investigation in Tennessee?
Getting pulled over can be nerve-wracking, even if you’ve done nothing wrong. But in Tennessee, that nervous behavior might be exactly what an officer uses to escalate a routine traffic stop into a full-blown DUI or drug investigation. Can your fidgeting, shaky hands, or awkward answers really justify a search of your car? What about […]
New Tennessee Law Now Makes All Child Abuse Charges Felonies (Effective July 1, 2025)
Tennessee is imposing tougher criminal penalties for certain cases of child abuse—a change that will greatly impact how these cases are charged, prosecuted, and punished. A new law has passed that eliminates misdemeanor treatment for child abuse involving injury to older children. As of July 1, 2025, anyone accused of causing injury to a child […]
New Implied Consent Law in Tennessee: Big Changes in 2026
Big changes are coming to Tennessee’s DUI laws on January 1, 2026—and anyone who drives in our state needs to know about them. For years, Tennessee’s implied consent law has been a critical part of how DUI cases are prosecuted. In many situations, if law enforcement obtained a blood sample through a search warrant, prosecutors […]
