Many motorists assume that a failed breath test means an automatic conviction for driving under the influence, so they do not even try to defend themselves. But even if your breath test reads over the legal limit, there are options for fighting the charges. The first...
larry.keltto@thomsonreuters.com
Rethinking the value of a controversial interview technique
Wrongful convictions occur for various reasons and can devastate the lives of many innocent people in Tennessee and other states. Inaccurate eyewitness or informant testimony and forensic evidence errors are often responsible for unjust results. Unfortunately, the...
Police lying to juveniles: Facts parents should know
It is perfectly legal for police to lie to you to get a confession. This is true in 48 states, including Tennessee. According to a 1969 Supreme Court ruling, the police may use false statements or deceptive means to gain a confession. As a parent, understanding the...
Understanding how Tennessee treats juvenile crimes
Juvenile crime consists of a wide range of offenses, and Tennessee judges sentence young offenders to some of the most severe penalties in the country. However, the court uses various factors when determining how to proceed after your child's violation. These factors...
How disorderly conduct charges impact college students
For many young adults, going away to college represents the first time they must rely on their own judgment. Poor decision-making may lead to a criminal conviction that impacts your child's college career and future employment prospects. Disorderly conduct is one of...
The significance of police decision making
Quick thinking is a necessary skill for police officers. However, police are only human and do not always make appropriate decisions. Hasty decisions can have consequences. All too often, a police officer's decisions reveal implicit biases. If you are facing criminal...
The deadly risks of trying to outrace trains
Countless movies of all genres depict car chases that see drivers racing across railroad tracks, escaping a crash with the oncoming train by a split second. The main characters look behind them, marveling that they survived the near-death experience. In the real...
Does speeding save time?
“I was running late” is probably the most common excuse drivers give when they are caught speeding. Someone has somewhere to be, they don’t think they’re going to make it, so they drive as fast as possible to try to save time. This is dangerous. If a rushing driver...
How serious is a shoplifting charge?
Shoplifting is one of the more common criminal charges we see. A store owner may think they observe something suspicious and call the police. This can lead to a big disruption for the person being accused of wrongdoing. Being charged with something does not mean you...
Open roads resulted in bad driving
Lockdowns to stem the spread of coronavirus brought a variety of reactions and responses. Some predicted an economic collapse. Others were steadfast in obeying every government-issued order. Those who lean more optimistic reveled in the idea that traffic jams...