In 2019, Attorney General William Barr announced a new initiative of the Department of Justice (DOJ) aimed at reducing gun violence by better enforcing the existing background check system. Known as Project Guardian, the effort aimed to better coordinate federal and state gun cases and ensure tha...
Taylor Law Group Blog
Traveling with CBD Oil
There is no doubt that cannabis laws in the United States are confusing. Many people do not know which products are legal and which products can send them to jail. While you might know that recreational marijuana is unlawful in Tennessee, do you know whether you can legally purchase CBD oil? Once...
Tennessee Outlaws Underage Hemp Vaping and Smoking
The legalization of hemp by the federal government and many different states has caused some legal confusion among consumers. It can be difficult to know what is legal and what is not regarding CBD and other hemp products from state to state. When Tennessee legalized hemp and sales began, there w...
Does Driving High Count as a DUI?
Tennessee takes driving under the influence (DUI) offenses very seriously, and the law allows for harsh penalties for even a first-time offender. DUI charges do not only apply to alcohol, but also to any intoxicating substances, including certain prescription medications. The fact that you have t...
What Are the Signs of Cyberbullying?
In today's society, our kids are constantly online - whether they have smartphones, video game systems, laptops, iPads, or access to school computers. No matter how hard you try, you still may not be able to control your child's online activity enough to protect them from the dangers that lurk on...
Do You Have to Go to Jail For a DUI?
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Tennessee, you may be wondering what punishments you may be facing if you are found guilty of this crime. The type of sentence you will receive if you are found guilty depends on several factors, but you should know that some jail time...
What Happens if You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test?
In order for an officer to arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI), they must have probable cause to believe you were impaired by alcohol. One way they try to obtain probable cause is by conducting roadside tests, which can include a breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests. Tennessee's...
Legal Immunity and Underage Drinking
21 is the legal drinking age in Tennessee and all 50 states. When underage individuals are caught purchasing, possessing, or drinking alcohol, they can face serious consequences under the law, including fines, probation, and even jail time. This is why some minors try to hide the fact that they h...
Are You Protected Across State Lines with a Medicinal Marijuana Card?
Earlier this year, Tennessee lawmakers abruptly pulled several proposals for a medical marijuana program off the table. The issue was never debated initially, and then the bill died in committee in 2020. We have yet to know what 2021 will bring and whether Tennessee will join the majority of stat...
Another DUI Can Mean Harsh Consequences
In Tennessee, the punishment for a repeat conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or a felony DUI is harsh and getting harsher. If charged, individuals face loss of freedom, access to family, and their driver's license in addition to incurring substantial monetary fines. If you or a love...
Medical Marijuana Still Not Legal in TN
For the past few years, people across the United States have been constantly reading headlines about changes in marijuana laws in different states. This is for good reason - even though marijuana remains illegal under federal law, many states have passed laws relaxing the policies regarding marij...
The Consequences of Violating Your Probation in Tennessee
While probation can help you avoid time in jail after a criminal conviction, it is not always a simple process. Probation comes with many costs and requirements, and the failure to adhere to all conditions of your probation can result in additional problems with the criminal court. You may even h...
Is it Possible to Withdraw a Guilty Plea?
When you face criminal charges in Tennessee, you have the option to plead guilty to a crime instead of fighting the allegations. Many people choose to plead guilty based on plea agreements reached with a prosecutor that involves a lesser sentence or reduced charges. Sometimes, defendants without ...
What Happens If You Decline a Breathalyzer or a Blood Test in Tennessee?
If you are pulled over and asked to take a breathalyzer or blood test to check for potential impairment, you can face serious consequences if you decline this test. It is important to understand Tennessee's implied consent law, the potential consequences for refusing to take a breathalyzer or a b...
Interlock Device Saves Lives
New research indicates that mandatory interlock device requirements for all offenders have helped save numerous lives in recent years. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, alcohol interlock devices reduce the number of impaired drivers in fatal accidents by 16 percent. If all ...
Can You be Arrested for Overdosing on Drugs in Tennessee?
As the opioid epidemic continues to sweep the nation, lawmakers are becoming more conscious of the risks of drugs and criminalizing drug activity. While it is possible to face drug charges after overdosing in Tennessee, there is a Good Samaritan law that may provide some relief for those seeking ...
Can a Teenager be Arrested for Texting Nude Photos?
Teens often communicate with each other via cell phones. Technology has advanced to the point where teens can send private text, picture and video messages via various social media platforms right from their cellular phone. Apps exist to immediately delete messages and hide the source of the send...
Can an Improper Miranda Warning Lead to a Reversal of a Criminal Conviction in Tennessee?
In certain situations, a person must be read their Miranda rights, which are important rights for a person to understand in a criminal case. Having a basic understanding of these rights can help you avoid making critical mistakes that could adversely affect your case. If you have any questions ab...
HB0039 DUI Offenses
Tennessee law enforcement officers are required to follow very specific rules before they can arrest someone for suspicion of drunk driving. Additionally, new rules require them to go through a special process when seeking a blood test from a suspect. If these laws are not properly followed, evid...
Can You Get Arrested if You Have a Drug Overdose?
Data from the Tennessee Department of Health shows that 1,631 people in Tennessee died from drug overdoses in 2016, an increase of 12 percent from 2015 to 2016. This number also represented the highest number of fatalities attributed to this cause in the state's history. Recognizing the seriousne...
How Can I Get a Bond Reduction?
If you have been charged with a crime in Tennessee, the court may set a bond amount that you must pay before you will be released from jail. In some instances, this bail amount may be too high based on the crime that you are charged with or that you cannot afford. To reduce the amount of bond, yo...
What Happens If You Refuse to Take a Blood Test in Tennessee?
If you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you may panic and wonder what to do. Do you have to take a blood test? What happens if you don't? Knowing your rights and understanding the penalties associated with refusing blood alcohol testing is important for all Te...
Classification of Marijuana and Hashish in Tennessee
Facing a drug charge in the state of Tennessee can be a frightening experience. Tennessee has stiff penalties for drug crimes and it is best to understand how various drugs are classified, the associated charges, and the penalties for each. Tennessee drug classifications Tennessee classifies drug...
College Underage Drinking and Disorderly Conduct
College students should know that the state of Tennessee has harsh penalties for those individuals under the age of 21 who are found driving under the influence (DUI), in possession of alcohol, or with false identification. Tennessee also enforces public safety laws that make it illegal to distur...
Why Do People Fail Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests have become the gold standard for law enforcement officers in determining whether an individual is impaired. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded these field sobriety tests are indeed reliable indicators of alcohol impairment. Then...