Union, Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorneys

A criminal charge can completely upend your life. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the Tennessee criminal justice system moves quickly, and the consequences of a conviction can follow you for decades. If you have learned that you are under investigation for a crime, or if you have been arrested and formally charged, you will need to determine your legal options. Understanding the charges against you, your rights during your case, and the steps you can take during your defense will be essential to protect your future.

At The Baker Law Firm, our lawyers have the knowledge, dedication, and courtroom experience needed to build a strong defense on your behalf. We will analyze the facts of your case, challenge constitutional violations such as unlawful searches or improper interrogations, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for you in the courtroom. We are committed to helping you achieve positive results while keeping you informed and supported throughout the entire legal process.

DUI Charges in Union County

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common offenses that people may face in Tennessee, and a conviction can lead to multiple types of penalties. It is unlawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle while they are under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicant. If a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher, they may be charged with DUI. For commercial drivers, the legal limit drops to 0.04 percent, and for drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is 0.02 percent under the state's Zero Tolerance law.

Penalties for a DUI Conviction

A first-offense DUI in Tennessee is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail. The maximum sentence is 11 months and 29 days of incarceration, and a conviction may also result in fines between $350 and $1,500 and a one-year license suspension.

Subsequent DUI offenses will usually lead to more severe consequences. A second DUI conviction requires a minimum of 45 days in jail, while a third conviction requires a minimum of 120 days. A fourth or subsequent DUI will be charged as a felony. Aggravating factors, such as having a child passenger or causing an accident resulting in injuries, can also lead to enhanced penalties.

Defending Against DUI Charges

A DUI charge will not necessarily mean that a person will be convicted. There are several ways our lawyers can challenge the prosecution's case. The traffic stop itself must have been based on reasonable suspicion, but if we can show that an officer did not have a valid reason to pull someone over, evidence gathered during the stop may be suppressed.

We may also question an officer's observations during field sobriety tests or challenge the results of breathalyzer and blood tests on the basis of chain of custody errors or medical conditions such as diabetes or acid reflux that can produce false readings. We will examine every element of a traffic stop and arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Violent Crime Charges in Tennessee

Accusations of violent crimes can lead to serious consequences under Tennessee law. A conviction can mean years or even decades in prison and other severe penalties. Our law firm defends people facing a wide range of violent crime allegations, and we approach each case with the same level of careful analysis and committed advocacy.

Assault and Battery

Charges of assault may apply if a person is accused of intentionally causing an injury to another person, acting in a way that causes another person to fear that they will suffer a bodily injury, or intentionally causing physical contact that a person considered to be extremely offensive. Simple assault is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, but aggravated assault involving the use of a deadly weapon or resulting in a serious bodily injury may be classified as a Class C or Class D felony.

Defenses to assault charges may include showing that a person acted in self-defense or defense of others. Our attorneys will examine the evidence, review witness accounts, and take steps to build a defense that reflects what truly happened.

Domestic Violence Offenses

Domestic violence charges may arise when the alleged victim of assault is a person's current or former spouse, a co-parent, a dating partner, or a family member or someone living in the same home. In cases involving domestic assault, courts may issue orders of protection that could bar a person from their own homes and restrict contact with their children and other family members.

Domestic violence cases are often complicated by the fact that allegations can arise in the midst of contentious divorce or child custody proceedings. Our team takes these charges seriously, and we will investigate cases thoroughly, examining the history of the relationship, reviewing communications between the parties, and consulting with witnesses who may have relevant information. We work to ensure that our clients will receive fair treatment in these cases.

Murder and Homicide

Murder charges are some of the most serious criminal allegations in Tennessee. First-degree murder charges may apply in cases involving accusations of premeditated killing, and a conviction could result in a potential sentence of life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty. Second-degree murder charges may involve killing without premeditation, and a conviction could lead to a sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison.

Voluntary manslaughter involving an intentional killing in the heat of the moment may be charged as a Class C felony. Criminally negligent homicide and reckless homicide charges may apply in other situations, and they will also carry significant penalties.

When someone is charged with a homicide offense, the stakes could not be higher. Our team works with forensic experts, investigators, and medical professionals to review the evidence and present alternative explanations for the circumstances surrounding an alleged victim's death. We are prepared to take homicide cases to trial and fight for the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Sex Crime Allegations

Few criminal charges carry the same devastating social consequences as sex crimes. Even before a case reaches a courtroom, accusations of sex crimes can destroy a person's reputation and personal relationships while affecting their employment and other areas of their life.

A conviction for a sex crime may not only result in incarceration but also in mandatory registration as a sex offender. Registration will impose strict restrictions on where a person may live and work, create a public record that will be accessible to neighbors and employers, and affect a person's life in many ways. Our lawyers understand the urgency of mounting a strong defense against sex crimes from the moment charges are filed or an investigation begins.

Sexual Assault and Rape Charges

Charges of rape may apply if a person is accused of engaging in sexual acts without receiving consent, including through the use of force or coercion, or in situations where an alleged victim was intoxicated, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to give consent. Rape is generally charged as a Class B felony, with potential penalties including a sentence of eight to 30 years in prison. Aggravated rape involving a weapon, accomplices, or serious injuries is a Class A felony with a sentence range of 15 to 60 years. Sexual battery involving other types of unwanted sexual content is typically charged as a Class E felony.

Defenses in sexual assault cases may center on consent, the credibility of the alleged victim or other witnesses, and forensic evidence. Our lawyers will review DNA and other evidence carefully, examine the statements made by the alleged victim, and take steps to expose weaknesses in the prosecution's case as we defend against convictions.

Child Pornography and Internet Sex Crimes

Charges related to child pornography may involve the production, distribution, or possession of sexual material involving minors, and they can lead to serious penalties. Other internet sex crimes related to minors may include online solicitation, which may involve attempts to engage in illegal sex acts with someone who a person believed to be under the age of 18.

Our team handles these cases with discretion. We may challenge the validity of digital searches and seizures, examine whether law enforcement officials followed the proper procedures when obtaining warrants, review the chain of custody of digital evidence, and work to ensure that our clients are not convicted on the basis of flawed evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges in Tennessee

Contact Our Union, TN Criminal Defense Lawyers

A criminal charge is a serious matter, but it does not have to define your future. At The Baker Law Firm, we are prepared to stand by your side and build a successful defense on your behalf. We will provide you with clear guidance, compassionate support, and strong representation during every stage of the legal process. Do not wait to get legal help. Contact our Union criminal law attorneys at 865-200-4117 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and take the first steps toward protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future.