DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tennessee
The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Stephen A. Burroughs realize that not everyone charged with a crime is guilty of the offense. We also realize that in some situations, even if an offense was technically committed, there are mitigating factors involved that should be considered – factors that would make the typical punishment for the offense too severe for the circumstances in your case. If you have been accused of a crime, promptly seeking competent legal advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the critical first step to ensure that your rights are protected, and you get the best possible result in your case. Members of our firm have successfully defended citizens against more than a thousand criminal allegations in both state and federal courts over the years. Our background in successfully resolving so many of these cases by agreement, when combined with our success at defending citizens at trial allows us to be fully prepared to do whatever is required to obtain the best result in your case. Our attorneys represent citizens in every county across East Tennessee handling cases involving drug crimes, DUI, sex offenses, domestic violence, and a variety of other charges.
Drug Charges
In Tennessee, drug charges fall into one of several different categories, with different facts required to prove each and different punishments that apply to each. Most Tennessee drug-related charges fall into the categories of simple possession, possession with intent to sell, sale of a controlled substance, drug trafficking, or drug manufacturing. Often, the decision on what charge to bring is based on the quantity of the controlled substance, its classification under the federal Controlled Substances Act, any prior drug convictions on the defendant’s record, and the nature of the offense.
At this point in time, Tennessee has not legalized the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana, with a very limited exception. Thus, simple possession of up to half an ounce is a misdemeanor under the current state of the law. However, with the exception of simple possession, drug crimes in Tennessee are generally felony offenses that carry severe punishments. Since a felony drug conviction can have very serious consequences on your future beyond just the potential jail time, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can carefully explain the penalties and work with you to mount a defense to the charges.
DUI
For many years now, law enforcement in Tennessee and across the nation has been under constant and ever-growing pressure to identify and arrest intoxicated drivers. However, in their zealous efforts to identify and charge intoxicated drivers, law enforcement erroneously charges many people with DUI in Tennessee every year. The criminal defense lawyers at our firm work to ensure that our clients are given every opportunity to contest these charges, in order to avoid the severe consequences that can come from being unfairly accused of DUI.
For many people, a DUI charge is the first experience they have within Tennessee’s criminal justice system. Whether a DUI is your first criminal offense, or you have prior criminal history, the consequences can impact your life today and for many years to come. You may incur jail time, heavy fines, court costs, and increased auto insurance rates. If your current or future job requires you to drive as part of your employment or to have a clean criminal history – the DUI charge could end a career.
Many people charged with DUI automatically plead guilty because they failed a blood, breath or field sobriety test. To avoid potentially life-altering penalties, you should never assume that you were properly stopped, tested or charged. Instead you should immediately consult an experienced East Tennessee DUI attorney with the Law Office of Stephen A. Burroughs. Our lawyers will aggressively investigate your incident and DUI charge to determine: the real facts related to your alleged consumption of alcohol or drugs; whether the police stop was proper under Tennessee law; whether the blood, breath and/or field sobriety testing were allowed and/or conducted properly. Only after a full investigation can you know whether it is in your best interest to enter a plea or to mount an aggressive defense. If you decide to defend the charge at trial, the East Tennessee DUI lawyers with the Law Office of Stephen A. Burroughs have the litigation skills and experience needed to try your case to a jury.
Sex Crimes
Sex offenses in Tennessee cover a broad range of illegal activities. Generally, the law distinguishes between crimes committed against an adult and those committed against a child, defined as someone under the age of 18. Sex crimes that involve a child are predominantly felony offenses, including the rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, statutory rape, solicitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, and other offenses.
Sex crimes are so stigmatized that people facing these accusations often feel as if they will not get a fair opportunity to defend themselves. However, the criminal defense attorneys at Law Office of Stephen A. Burroughs know from experience that not all sex crime allegations are true, and many times people will bring such allegations to simply hurt the accused or as an attempt to gain some other advantage over them. Although many such allegations are unfortunately true, there are also many cases in which mistaken identity, lack of criminal intent, a dubious motive by the accuser or some other factor is involved. We recognize that regardless of the facts surrounding your case, every person has the right to the presumption of innocence and to have their case considered in an unbiased legal proceeding, so we will listen to you with an open mind and work diligently to ensure that you are treated fairly at every stage of your case.
Domestic Violence and Other Charges
Domestic violence offenses often involve assault and battery, stalking, or restraining order violations when the victim is a current or former family or household member. Specifically, domestic assault is committed against current or ex-spouses or romantic partners, relatives by marriage or blood, and other people living within a shared home. Domestic violence charges often lead to an order of protection against the defendant, prohibiting the defendant from contacting the alleged victim. This may affect the defendant’s ability to spend time with their loved ones, such as children from current or past relationships, until the charges are resolved.
Call Today For A Free Consultation On Your Pending Charges
In addition to the above offenses, the criminal defense attorneys at Law Office of Stephen A. Burroughs handle many other types of Tennessee felony and misdemeanor charges. Our attorneys have the dedication and experience to defend you against prosecution in cases involving alleged drug crimes, sex crimes, drunk driving, and other offenses. If you have been arrested in any county in East Tennessee, call the Law Office of Stephen A. Burroughs at 865-525-3773 for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment.