Franklin Tennessee Criminal Defense Law Blog

Void arrest warrant can be a criminal defense to the charges

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Criminal Law on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

A police department in the western part of Tennessee has become embroiled in a constitutional challenge with respect to hundreds or more criminal arrests that appear to have been carried out improperly over the past 15 years. Lawyers for several former criminal defendants who were arrested and prosecuted in the city of Jackson have filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against the city and others. They allege that the arrests were void because the affiants making out the arrest warrants were not put under oath by the City Court Clerk. The error can give an accused a criminal defense that may succeed in having an arrest, prosecution or conviction dismissed.

Arrest and search warrants must be prepared and executed according to detailed legal specifications. In general, most arrests must be supported by an arrest warrant unless one of the recognized exceptions to a warrant exists. Where a warrant is necessary, an affidavit is executed by the arresting officer stating the probable cause grounds for the arrest. Where the affiant is not put under oath, it destroys the legal nature of the document and makes the arrest warrant invalid.

Traffic stop leaves 2 facing felony drug charges in Tennessee

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drug Charges on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful and daunting experiences a person may ever encounter. When the evidence against a person appears overwhelming, one may feel as though the options are limited. Two individuals are facing numerous drug charges after police allegedly uncovered the presence of methamphetamine during a recent traffic stop in Tennessee.

Authorities assert the incident began when officers claim to have witnessed a driver run through a red light. This prompted a routine traffic stop, and during the stop, they claim that both the driver and a passenger appeared to be exhibiting suspicious behavior. After investigating the matter further, police say they found out the driver was operating on a suspended license, and a search of the vehicle ensued.

Early morning crash leaves 1 facing drunk driving, drug charges

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drunk Driving on Monday, January 28, 2019.

A 23-year-old woman is facing multiple charges following a recent accident involving a state trooper in Tennessee. In addition to being accused of drunk driving, she also faces charges for drug possession. Since a conviction for similar charges carries serious consequences, those who stand accused of such acts may benefit from seeking legal counsel for advice on how to prepare for what comes next.

Law enforcement agents assert the incident began on a recent Thursday morning when the driver of a vehicle suddenly veered off course and struck a parked patrol car. According to reports, the officer sitting in the car suffered injuries in the process. While speaking with the driver about the incident, authorities assert that she admitted to drinking one beer prior to driving.

3 face drug charges after search of hotel room in Tennessee

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drug Charges on Monday, January 14, 2019.

When law enforcement agents receive reports of the possible presence of drug activity, they are obligated to further investigate the matter. Those who become involved in such an investigation may be uncertain how best to respond to the situation, and they could be unaware of their legal rights should allegations of involvement ensue. Three individuals have been arrested and each is facing multiple drug charges following a recent incident at a hotel in Tennessee.

According to reports, the incident began when authorities received complaints of the presence of drug activity at a local hotel. Upon arriving at the scene, police claim that one of the occupants in the room in question attempted to provide a false name. After allegedly uncovering her identity and learning of an active warrant for her arrest, a search ensued.

Crash injures 3, leaves 1 facing drunk driving charges

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drunk Driving on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Stopping a vehicle on the side of the road can be dangerous, especially at night or in places where vision may be obscured. Should the driver be unable to park a safe distance from the road, everyone inside could be placed in harm's way, as other drivers might have insufficient time to react and avoid collision upon approaching the area. A recent accident that sent three individuals to the hospital has left a 45-year-old man facing drunk driving charges in Tennessee.

The accident reportedly took place on a recent Sunday after the driver of a car decided to pull off the road to help a passenger. The driver reportedly claims that one of his friends became sick. While parked by the road, the vehicle was suddenly struck by a nearby car, and all three occupants in the first vehicle were taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries shortly thereafter.

2 face multiple drug charges after recent investigation

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drug Charges on Friday, December 14, 2018.

An investigation into the possible presence of a large-scale drug operation can go on for extended periods. Being the subject of such an investigation can be a harrowing experience and those who face drug charges under similar circumstances may be uncertain how best to approach the situation. A recent investigation into the possible presence of drug activity in Tennessee has left two men facing multiple drug charges.

Law enforcement agents assert that the incident stems from a three-month investigation regarding drug activity in the area. They claim to have received information indicating that a drug operation in another state was sending dealers to the area to sell a variety of illegal narcotics. While many of the details pertaining to the investigation remain unclear, it reportedly led to the recent search of two apartments.

Report of suspicious activity leads to drug charges for 3

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drug Charges on Monday, December 3, 2018.

During the holidays, the parking lots of various stores and outlets may see high amounts of traffic each day. While out shopping for gifts, it might not be uncommon for consumers to take a short break by their vehicles before moving on to the next location, but such an action might seem suspicious to some. Unfortunately, allegations of suspicious activity at a shopping center in Tennessee have left three individuals facing drug charges.

The incident reportedly took place in the parking lot of a local Walmart on a recent Sunday when police claim to have received information about the possible presence of drug activity. Upon arriving at the location, authorities claim to have found two individuals standing next to the vehicle while a third allegedly stood outside the store begging for money. They reportedly informed police they had ran out of gas while out shopping.

Off-duty police officer accused of drunk driving in Tennessee

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drunk Driving on Monday, November 19, 2018.

When a motor vehicle accident takes place, law enforcement agents may be tasked with investigating the incident to determine the contributing factors. Should the accident involve a single vehicle, police may be more inclined to suspect the presence of wrongdoing on the part of the driver. An off-duty police officer was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving following a recent single car collision in Tennessee.

Authorities say the incident began after they received reports of a driver who was exhibiting erratic behavior on a local interstate on a recent Saturday morning. Upon arriving at the scene, police claim to have found the truck had run off the side of the road and rolled over. While investigating the incident, they also claim to have caught a strong scent of alcohol emanating from the driver.

Tennessee woman faces multiple drug charges

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drug Charges on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Being the subject of an ongoing investigation into the possible presence of drug activity can be a harrowing experience. Those who encounter a similar situation may feel their every move is constantly under surveillance. Unfortunately, a woman who police claim was under investigation for involvement in drug activity is facing multiple drug charges after a recent traffic stop in Tennessee.

According to reports, the incident began when the woman took a trip to a local correctional facility to visit another party. Police say she was under investigation for possible distribution of narcotics at the time and claim they were aware that she was driving on a suspended license. They advised that upon watching her drive away from the facility, a traffic stop was initiated.

Investigation into stolen vehicle leads to drug charges for 2

On behalf of Larsen Law PLLC posted in Drug Charges on Friday, October 19, 2018.

Being accused of involvement in drug activity can be a harrowing process. Without the necessary legal knowledge, those who encounter allegations of unlawful behavior might be unaware of their options and legal rights. Two individuals could be in search of guidance after the recent search of a home and vehicle in Tennessee left them both facing drug charges.

The search reportedly stemmed from an investigation into the alleged theft of a motor vehicle. Police claim to have located the vehicle in the driveway of a local residence and say that the driver was spotted standing just inside the home. While authorities were placing the man under arrest, they also claim to have caught a strong scent of marijuana coming from within the home.