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 […]
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 […]
7 Questions Police Ask In Tennessee Traffic Stops (And How to Answer)
Getting pulled over by the police can be a nerve-wracking experience, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been through it before. In Tennessee, traffic stops are a routine part of law enforcement’s effort to ensure road safety, but they can quickly escalate—especially if an officer suspects impaired driving or other criminal activity. Knowing what […]
DUI in Knox County: What to Expect in General Sessions Court
After a DUI charge in Knox County, it’s normal to feel anxious and unsure where to start. One moment you’re driving home, and the next you’re dealing with flashing lights, handcuffs, and a court date you never expected. For many people, the first stop in the legal process is Knox County General Sessions Court. If […]
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 […]
Tennessee Lowers BAC Thresholds for Felony Vehicular Assault and Homicide Charges
Tennessee’s drunk driving laws just got tougher—and the consequences more severe. Recent changes to the law make it easier for prosecutors to pursue felony charges in DUI cases involving injuries or fatalities. If you’re pulled over with a moderate blood alcohol level or if you’re involved in a crash, the stakes may now be far […]
Arrested for DUI? How Weather and Road Conditions Could Strengthen Your Defense
Have you been arrested for driving under the influence in Tennessee? Many individuals facing these charges assume their case is open and shut—especially if they failed a field sobriety test or showed signs of impairment. But what if your driving behavior was influenced not by alcohol or drugs, but by poor weather or hazardous road […]
