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Can You Be Charged With DUI for Prescription Meds in Tennessee?

2026-03-23 00:00:00

Most people never imagine that a medication their doctor prescribed could lead to a DUI arrest. But in Tennessee, a lawful prescription is not a shield. If an officer believes a drug affected your ability to drive safely, you can be charged regardless of whether the medication was legally obtained.

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-401, it is illegal to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while impaired by any drug, including prescription medications. The law does not require that the drug be illegal. It only requires that the drug impaired your ability to drive safely. Our Anderson County, TN DUI defense lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help build a defense.

Can I Be Charged if Someone Else’s Drugs Are Found in My Apartment?

2026-03-13 00:00:00

Finding out you're being charged with drug possession for something that wasn't yours is a disorienting and frightening experience. You didn't buy the drugs, you didn't use them, and you may not have even known they were there. Yet, you may find yourself facing a charge that could follow you for years.

Keep in mind, a charge is not a conviction, and the state has a lot to prove before it can call you guilty. If you are facing this situation in 2026, our Union County, TN drug possession defense lawyer can help you understand exactly what the state has to prove and how to fight back.

What Is Constructive Possession Under Tennessee Law?

Tennessee law recognizes two types of drug possession. Actual possession means drugs were found directly on your person, in your pockets, or in a bag you were carrying.

Is Public Intoxication a Misdemeanor in Tennessee?

2026-02-24 00:00:00

Public intoxication is a misdemeanor in Tennessee. It is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which means it is a criminal charge that can carry penalties such as fines and, in some cases, jail time. Even though it is considered a lower-level offense, it can still create stress and uncertainty, especially when it comes to your job, housing, and future opportunities.

Public intoxication arrests are especially common in busy areas like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, where tourism and nightlife increase police presence. If you were charged in 2026, our Sevier County, TN criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.

What Is Considered Public Intoxication Under Tennessee Law?

Public intoxication is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-310. You can be charged if you are in a public place and an officer believes alcohol or drugs affected you in a way that creates a safety concern. Many people do not expect this to happen, and it can be upsetting to face a criminal charge.

Can Consent for Sex Be Withdrawn Under Tennessee Law? | TN Lawyer

2026-02-08 00:00:00

Consent can be withdrawn under Tennessee law. Even if someone initially agrees to sexual activity, they can change their mind at any time. When consent is withdrawn, continuing the activity may lead to serious criminal allegations.

Understanding how the law views consent is important because these cases are treated with great care by the legal system. According to FBI records, a rape is reported in the United States about every 4.1 minutes, and the laws that govern these cases often evolve.

Allegations involving consent can be emotionally overwhelming for everyone involved. If you are facing an accusation or are under investigation, speaking with a Campbell County, TN sex crimes defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps may help protect your future.

Is Marijuana Still Illegal in Tennessee?

2026-01-23 15:48:52

As of 2026, Tennessee does not allow marijuana for recreational use and does not have a full medical marijuana program, even though laws have changed in many other states. Only very limited low-THC products are allowed under narrow circumstances. This often surprises people who assume marijuana laws are the same everywhere.

If you are facing a drug charge related to marijuana, an Anderson County, TN drug crimes defense lawyer can help explain how strict Tennessee law still is and what that means for your case.

What Does Tennessee Law Say About Marijuana Possession?

Under Tennessee law, marijuana is classified as an illegal controlled substance. Possessing marijuana for personal use is still a crime, even in small amounts.

Where Can I Legally Carry My Gun in Tennessee?

2026-01-08 00:00:00

As of 2026, Tennessee still enforces location-based firearm restrictions, even though most adults no longer need a handgun carry permit. However, that does not mean you can carry a gun everywhere. Tennessee has strict rules about where firearms are allowed. Many people are charged because they did not realize a location was restricted.

In 2025, firearm ownership remained high across the state. According to research compiled by the RAND Corporation, more than 40 percent of Tennessee households report owning at least one firearm. As more people carry guns, confusion about location-based rules has led to more weapons charges.

If you carry a handgun or are facing a weapons violation, our Anderson County, TN weapons violations lawyer can help. He understands how these rules apply to everyday situations and can help you build a defense for the charges against you.

How Can I Get Out of a DUI in Knoxville?

2025-12-18 00:17:49

Drunk driving is punishable by significant penalties in Tennessee. Offenders face jail time, fines, and license penalties for a conviction, which makes a strong defense important. If you or a loved one were charged with drunk driving, contact a Blount County, TN DUI defense lawyer for help.

We can evaluate the circumstances of the alleged offense, help you gather evidence, and explore your legal options. Attorney Jeffrey Coller has over a decade of experience, making him a sound choice to tackle a DUI charge.

How Do Police Tell if a Driver Is Intoxicated?

In many cases, a person suspected of DUI is pulled over because they were driving erratically. In other cases, a driver may be stopped at a checkpoint, or they may have their blood alcohol tested after getting into an accident.

Is Stealing a Car a Felony in Tennessee?

2025-12-04 00:00:00

In Tennessee, the crime of theft is not treated lightly, especially for something as valuable as a car. Anyone accused of theft of a motor vehicle should know that, in many cases, prosecutors can pursue felony charges under state law. When felony prosecution becomes a real possibility, consider working with a Union County, TN theft defense attorney to protect your rights.

Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney has experience successfully representing clients accused of various property crimes, including theft and burglary. When you work with our firm, you can be sure that you will receive aggressive representation to safeguard your freedom.

How Is Joyriding Charged in Tennessee?

"Borrowing" another person’s car, even if only for a few hours, is still treated as a crime of theft. You can face joyriding charges if you take somebody else’s car without his or her consent. Simply returning the car later is not a valid defense against this charge (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-106).

What Factors Determine the Severity of a Homicide Charge?

2025-11-21 00:00:00

Homicide crimes refer to the broad area of charges related to the killing of another person, accidental or not. As you would likely expect, these charges carry serious penalties and are often prosecuted as felonies. However, there is a great difference between a charge like voluntary manslaughter and first-degree murder, and making that distinction in court could have a major impact on the outcome of a case.

When your freedom is at stake, a Knox County, TN criminal defense lawyer can fight to protect you. Since first being admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 2012, Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney has successfully defended many clients accused of felony crimes. You can trust our firm to walk you through the legal proceedings of a homicide charge, keeping you informed of your rights from start to finish.

Intent Matters in Homicide Charges

If you are accused of killing another person, the mental state behind the alleged act will determine what you are charged with. The most serious offense by this metric is first-degree murder, which involves premeditated intent (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-202). You can be charged with first-degree murder if you make a conscious choice to kill another person after "reflection and judgment," implying that you had time to consider the act before carrying it out.

These White Collar Crimes Come With Felony Penalties in Tennessee

2025-11-06 00:00:00

Some people tend to think that white collar crimes are not as serious as other criminal offenses, especially violent ones. However, many white collar crimes come with penalties that are just as strict or even stricter. If you have been accused of a financial crime or a fraud offense, reach out to a Blount County, TN criminal defense lawyer.

Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney can represent you in court to take on allegations of felony white collar crime offenses. With over a decade of legal experience, Attorney Coller can give you a clear idea of the charges you face and how to respond to prosecution.

What White Collar Crimes Can Be Prosecuted as Felony Crimes?

Embezzlement

In criminal law, embezzlement refers to misappropriating funds entrusted to you by another party, usually from your own employer. This could cover a wide variety of illegal conduct, like making personal purchases on a company credit card or falsifying overtime hours.