Posts by Web Administrator
Tennessee DUI Laws
In the state of Tennessee, there are laws regarding driving under the influence or DUI. It’s important to know these laws if you are ever driving within the state after you have been drinking. There are many aspects of DUI laws in Tennessee that can result in criminal sentences that include jail time, fines and…
Read This ArticleExploring the Warrior Gene: Scientific Insights and Legal Defense
At Knox Defense, we stay abreast of scientific developments that may help our clients. One such development is the exploration of the Warrior Gene, scientifically known as the MAOA gene. This gene, located on the X chromosome, has been linked to increased susceptibility to violent behavior, especially in individuals with a history of childhood abuse.…
Read This ArticleJuvenile Sentencing Relief
The United States Supreme Court has been developing a body of law to give relief to juveniles who were transferred, tried, and convicted in adult court and who were sentenced to a term of years of which they could not survive. This development started with the United States Supreme Court holding it was cruel and…
Read This ArticleMental Health and Capital Punishment
The United States Supreme Court held in 2002 that it was cruel and unusual punishment and, therefore, a violation of the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution to execute someone who is mentally retarded. Tennessee already had in place a statute which prohibited the execution of one who is mentally retarded. The Tennessee statute…
Read This ArticleCase Against Coaches Dismissed
Congratulations to one of our partners, Jeff Whitt, on his successful outcome of this case! Please see the article below by Troy Provost-Heron for more information about the case. “Hardin Valley Academy baseball coaches Joe Michalski and Zach Luther were advised by a Tennessee Department of Children’s Services employee that the pending investigation against both…
Read This ArticleCruel & Unusual
The United States has effectively created a punishment that the Founding Fathers never intended for us to have and, undoubtedly, would not have approved of. This makes this type of punishment unusual in the historical sense and arguably very cruel. That punishment is the new death penalty. When the death penalty was imposed at the…
Read This ArticleTennessee Supreme Court Adopts Limited Good Faith Exception to Illegal Searches
On December 19, 2016, the Tennessee Supreme Court adopted a limited good faith exception for illegal searches. In State v. Lemaricus Davidson, Justice Sharon Lee writing for a unanimous court held that a search which is illegal pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 41 can still yield admissible evidence if the officer serving the…
Read This ArticleDUI Fact Sheet
As a driver in the state of Tennessee, it is important to know your rights if you are pulled over and suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties for a DUI can be harsh, expensive, and inconvenient, so being prepared for this unfortunate situation and knowing what to do…
Read This Article6th and Subsequent Offenses
Jail Time Class C Felony; 3 to 6 years in jail. Mandatory sentence of 150 days. Fine $3,000 – $15,000 + $100 special assessment License Revocation 8 years; eligible for restricted license with ignition interlock device if all other qualifications are met. Ignition interlock device must be installed and maintained for 365 consecutive days with…
Read This ArticleNew Trial for Raynella Leath
Congratulations to WCTH partner, Joshua Hedrick, for his highly skilled efforts in obtaining a new trial for Raynella Dossett Leath. Previously convicted of murdering her husband in a high profile case out of Knox County, Josh effectively persuaded Senior Judge Paul Summers that Ms. Leath failed to receive a fair trial due to the structural…
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