Non-Jail Sentence
A non-jail sentence may also be imposed, such as a term of probation (for misdemeanors and certain felonies). Plea bargaining often takes place while a case is pending. Plea bargaining is not about the district attorney “chickening out” or the defendant “copping”. Instead, the plea bargain allows both the prosecution and the defense to mitigate the risk of going to trial but accepting a disposition of the case that is somewhat less favorable that their best case scenario. This option may be what is best for the defendant and sometimes his family and this option will be discussed between each of our clients and the attorney once the case is properly investigated.
Whether or not plea bargaining will be entertained by either party depends largely on the strengths and weakness of the case and the up- or down-side potential. From the district attorney’s point of view, there is no sense in offering a low plea if he has overwhelming evidence of a defendant’s guilt. In these cases, it is important to look for small pieces of evidence to help along with pointing out and highlighting the strengths of the defendant’s character.
Most cases that make it to trial have issues of fact and could go either way, so a defendant will have a difficult choice if offered a plea. Also, if you are factually innocent the decision to take a plea can be particularly hard, even if the plea is favorable, since it would require you admit guilt. In such cases, you may be permitted to take a Alford plea, which allows you to plea without admitting guilt. Clients often ask us “What can I do to help my case?”. Our general answer is always 1) stay out of trouble and have no new arrests 2) do not violate the terms or conditions of bail such as a positive drug screen 3) do your best to stay employed and 4) stay in touch with your lawyer and be available at all times to speak with your lawyer and answer questions.
We charge a flat fee for criminal cases. This fee is not just pulled from a standard fee schedule, but it is carefully thought through for your specific situation. We will conduct a full phone interview of each client to determine his employment situation, his family situation, previous record, specific facts of each case and which jurisdiction the case is in. Our attorneys take on each case knowing that being in traffic court, drug court, federal court or state court can be a traumatizing event not only for the accused but also their family. We are available to discuss the criminal charges as well as the specific court system you are in.
We represent people who are charged in state or federal court for illegal possession of drugs. Haywood County, Fayette County, Madison County and Henderson County Tennessee all lie on Interstate 40 or I-40 as it is known. This section of I-40 has scales for trucks and also is home to several drug interdiction officers with canine units for drug detection. This section of I-40 in Tennessee has a reputation as being a well used interstate path for alleged drug trafficking. If your vehicle is pulled over for investigation, a canine unit may appear and be walked around your car and your car searched. There are important constitutional rights that you have as an American citizen and you may discuss these rights with one of our attorneys if you are charged with a crime in one of these Interstate 40 counties by a Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer. You can typically expect a higher volume of these Tennessee Highway patrol or drug interdiction offices on Interstate 40 during peak travel periods such as the summer, holidays, or the Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester Tennessee.
If you have been accused of committing a crime contact us to discuss your options. We have represented clients who were charged with crimes in West Tennessee counties such as Haywood County, Shelby County, Tipton County, Madison County, Fayette County, Hardeman County, Crockett County, McNairy County, Weakley County, Henderson County, Chester County, Lauderdale County, Obion County and all Tennessee counties along the Interstate 40 corridor. We have represented clients in Middle Tennessee cities like Nashville Tennessee, Franklin Tennessee and Murfreesboro Tennessee.