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Decline in Capital Punishment: A Shift in Juror and Prosecutor Perspectives

Death Penalty Declines in the US

The landscape of capital punishment in the United States has significantly shifted over the past few decades. While there were once around 300 death sentences pronounced each year, this number dwindled to just 20 in 2023. Nineteen states have now outlawed capital punishment, and its imposition is decreasing in many others. Changing Juror and Prosecutor…

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Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits in Tennessee

BAC Limits in Tennessee

While on the surface BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limits seems like a simple enough topic – get a DUI conviction if you’re over the limit, scot-free if you’re under – it’s actually a little more complicated than that. Now, while the legal limit in Tennessee is cut and dry, your BAC as a determining factor…

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First Offense DUI in Tennessee

First Offense DUI | Knoxville Criminal Defense Lawyers | Knox Defense

A first-time DUI offense in Tennessee is no small matter. While technically a misdemeanor in Tennessee, a DUI charge can come with a plethora of consequences, including: jail time, suspension of license, court costs, fines, community service, higher insurance rates, and adverse effects on your career. And that’s just naming a few. Arming yourself with…

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Collateral Consequences

Criminal History | Knox Defense

Luke Heimlich was the ace pitcher for Oregon State, who entered 2017’s College World Series as the favorite with a 54-4 record the season. In 2012, Heimlich pleaded guilty to one felony count of sexually molesting a 6-year-old female relative in his home state of Washington. Heimlich registered as a sex offender in Oregon upon…

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Marital Privilege

Spousal and Marital Privilege - Will My Spouse Be Able to Testify? | Knox Defense

Can your spouse testify against you?. The answer is sometimes, yes. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (Tennessee’s circuit) has decided that one cannot invoke marital privilege as to confidential communications in child abuse cases. In recognizing that most states and federal circuits have created a child abuse exception, the Sixth…

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One phone callYour Right to a Phone Call After an Arrest in Tennessee

Phone Call Rights

In Tennessee, individuals who are arrested have a legal right to make one completed phone call to a person of their choice before being booked into jail. This right is designed to allow the arrested person to notify a loved one, contact an attorney, or seek help as soon as possible. According to Tennessee law,…

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Getting a DUI While on Prescribed Medication

DUI on Prescription Drugs | Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorneys | Knox Defense

Just because a doctor has issued a prescription for certain medications and it is legal to use and have possession of them does not necessarily mean it is legal to drive while the medications are effective in the system. This is still a gray area of law concerning the level of intoxication, but that does…

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I Just Received a DUI. Now What Do I Do?

I Just Got A DUI | Knoxville Criminal Defense Lawyers | Knox Defense

Have you recently been arrested for a DUI? If so, you might be wondering what is going to happen next. As you might already know, drinking and driving is considered to be a serious matter by the state of Tennessee, and you could be facing pretty serious consequences. You can help minimize the effects of…

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Post Conviction Relief

Post Conviction Relief | Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorneys | Knox Defense

If you or a loved one has been convicted in violation of the United States or the Tennessee Constitutions, we at Knox Defense may be able to help you. Courts are authorized to vacate or set aside convictions or sentences if there is a Constitutional violation. One may have had incompetent trial counsel or may…

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Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney 

Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney | Knox Defense

Facing criminal charges can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of a favorable outcome. Knowing the right questions to ask your attorney during your initial consultation can help you better understand your…

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