Criminal Defense Case Results in Rutherford, TN

Charge

Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Rutherford County

Allegations

After a traffic stop for alleged swerving, officers said a baggie was in plain view and searched the vehicle, logging a straw as drug paraphernalia. The client later needed medical care, and some items were recovered by medical staff, not police. We reviewed bodycam, reports, and medical records and found conflicting accounts of where items were found and who collected them, plus chain of custody gaps. We challenged the search and prepared a suppression motion. Confronted with these issues, the State dismissed the paraphernalia charge.

Charge

Possession of Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute (0.5 Grams or More)

Location

Rutherford County

Allegations

Following a traffic stop for alleged swerving, officers reported a baggie in plain view and later recovered fentanyl over the threshold after a passenger medical emergency. We scrutinized the stop and search, compared the paperwork, and highlighted inconsistencies in how the substance and weight were described. As the case sat awaiting indictment, we built mitigation, documented the client’s lack of felony history, and secured immediate placement in a residential treatment program with a direct transfer from custody. Leveraging that plan, we negotiated straight probation so the client could continue treatment under supervision.

Charge

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony

Location

Rutherford County

Allegations

After a traffic stop, officers reported finding a bag of suspected narcotics and a handgun in the vehicle, leading to a charge for possessing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. The case carried significant prison exposure. We scrutinized the basis for the stop and the search, pressed the prosecutor on proof issues, and built mitigation with documented treatment and a verified plan for immediate rehab from custody. We coordinated intake with a facility and secured a path forward. The state agreed to a plea to straight probation on the weapon count.

Charge

Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

After a traffic stop, officers extended the encounter for a K-9 sniff and searched the vehicle, reporting plastic vials with small spoons, baggies, and a scale. We scrutinized the justification for prolonging the stop and the dog deployment, and emphasized that the items were new and showed no drug residue. We pushed back against any claim that the materials suggested distribution, narrowing the focus to simple paraphernalia. Using those points in negotiation, we secured straight probation on the paraphernalia charge with no jail time.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

The client faced a motion to revoke probation after a later traffic stop led to new drug-related allegations. We pulled the prior probation file and new police reports, flagging issues with an extended roadside detention and K-9 deployment. To demonstrate rehabilitation, we assembled a series of clean drug screens and proof of recent substance-education coursework. In negotiations, we pushed back on jail as a sanction and argued for continued supervision. The result was straight probation.

Charge

Unlawful Possession of a Weapon

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

During a traffic stop for a minor equipment issue, officers called for a K-9 after the client declined consent to search, which led to a vehicle search. A handgun was discovered inside the vehicle, secured in a case and not on the client. We scrutinized the length of the detention before the dog arrived and highlighted how the firearm was stored, questioning whether the facts fit the charge. Leveraging those issues and mitigation we assembled, we pressed for a noncustodial resolution and negotiated probation.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

After a traffic stop for an equipment issue, officers asked to search the vehicle. The driver declined, a K-9 was called and, after a delay, alerted, leading to discovery of a few unprescribed pills and a trace amount of powder. We reviewed the reports and video to question the length of the detention and the basis for the canine deployment, and underscored the minimal quantity involved. The client began weekly drug testing and completed a drug education course, which we used in mitigation. The case was resolved to straight probation with no jail time.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

A nighttime equipment stop led officers to ask for a vehicle search, which the client declined; a K-9 was brought in and a small amount of a controlled substance was found. We scrutinized the length of the detention and the basis for the dog deployment, highlighting weaknesses in the search. At the same time, we built mitigation with clean drug screens and proof of completion of a drug education course. We presented the issues and mitigation to the state and pressed for a noncustodial outcome. The case was resolved as probation, keeping the client out of jail and limiting the impact of the charge.

Charge

Theft of Property ($1,000 or Less)

Location

Rutherford County, SMYRNA JUSTICE CENTER

Allegations

Loss prevention stopped the client at a self checkout over a small amount of merchandise, and police issued a citation instead of an arrest. We coordinated the required booking and fingerprints, secured a waiver of the initial court appearance, and kept the client informed throughout. In negotiations, we emphasized the clean record and the low alleged value and pressed for a non conviction resolution. The prosecutor agreed to deferred adjudication, avoiding a conviction and positioning the client for expungement upon successful completion.

Charge

Use of a Handheld Device While Driving

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Lisa Eischeid

Allegations

The stop began as a routine traffic issue. As the officer approached, he saw the client on a phone and added a charge for using a handheld device while driving. The client consistently said he placed the call only after pulling over with emergency lights behind him. We focused on the timing, challenged whether any use occurred while the vehicle was in motion, and pressed that gap with the prosecution. The matter was resolved with probation, avoiding incarceration and closing the case.

Charge

Driving Under the Influence

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Lisa Eischeid

Allegations

Stopped after a right turn at a signal, the officer reported classic signs of intoxication. Field sobriety tests were conducted, an open container was noted, and a later blood draw reportedly came back around .19. We obtained the body and dash videos and the lab paperwork, scrutinized the timing of the draw and the margin of error, and challenged how the roadside tests were administered. Faced with those issues, the prosecution agreed to a resolution avoiding extended custody and placing the client on probation.

Charge

DUI - First Offense

Location

Rutherford County, SMYRNA JUSTICE CENTER

Allegations

Stopped for a window tint violation, the client was questioned about alcohol use. After acknowledging a couple of drinks with dinner, they performed field sobriety tests and, under a warrant, later provided a blood sample. We pulled the dash and body camera footage, reports, and test paperwork. The video showed confusing instructions and performance that did not clearly indicate impairment, and there was a notable delay before the blood draw. We also documented a neurological condition and nonintoxicating prescription to explain observations. Faced with these problems, the state dismissed the case.