DUI Charges

Understanding State vs. Federal Criminal Charges in Tennessee

Facing criminal charges in Tennessee is stressful enough without also having to figure out whether your case is in state court, federal court, or both. The difference is more than just which building you go to; it affects the investigators involved, the potential penalties, and the strategy you need to protect your rights and your future.

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Bond, Bail, and Release Conditions in Tennessee

Being arrested in Tennessee is stressful, and the process that follows can feel confusing, especially when it comes to bond, bail, and what happens before your case is resolved. At Hagar & Phillips Law Firm in Lebanon, we help clients and their families understand these steps so they can make smart decisions and protect their rights.

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Search and Seizure Basics: When Can Police Search Your Car in Tennessee?

Police cannot search every car they stop in Tennessee; when a search is legal depends on specific rules under the Fourth Amendment and Tennessee law. Understanding these basics can help you protect your rights and know when to call a lawyer.‍

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Understanding Drug Charges in Tennessee

Drug charges in Tennessee represent some of the most serious criminal allegations residents face, with penalties that can range from months in jail to decades in prison. Whether stemming from a traffic stop on I-40, a workplace search, or a domestic incident, these cases carry immediate and long-term consequences far beyond the courtroom. For Middle Tennessee families, understanding the scope of these charges proves essential when legal trouble arises.

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Middle Tennessee “Sober DUI” Arrests: What 2025 News Reports Mean for Drivers in Wilson County & Lebanon, TN​

Investigative reports centered in the Nashville media market uncovered that “sober DUI” arrests are not rare one‑off mistakes but part of a broader pattern across Tennessee. Check out FOX 17 News' detailed report on 419 'sober DUI' arrests in 2024, which shows a nine-fold jump from the previous year.​

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Hope Ford Newest Attorney and Expands DUI and Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Hagar & Phillips, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, is pleased to announce that Hope Ford has officially joined the firm as an attorney following her admission to the Tennessee Bar. Ford’s transition to attorney marks a significant expansion for the firm, which will now bolster its legal services in the areas of criminal defense and DUI representation for clients in Wilson County and surrounding areas.

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18 Wheeler Truck Accident and How to Protect Your Rights

Accidents involving 18-wheelers are often catastrophic due to the size and weight of these commercial vehicles. The aftermath of a crash involving a semi-truck can be overwhelming, especially when injuries are severe or fatalities occur. If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, it’s essential to know how to protect your rights.

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Understanding Implied Consent Violations in Tennessee

In Tennessee, when you obtain a driver’s license, you automatically agree to something called “implied consent.” This means that if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe you’re driving under the influence (DUI), you’re legally required to submit to a blood or breath test. Refusing that test can lead to serious legal consequences — even if you aren’t ultimately convicted of DUI.

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Does DUI Stay on Your Record in TN

Understanding the implications of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge can be complex. Here, we answer some of the most common questions about how long a DUI stays on your record and its impact on various aspects of life.

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Repeat DUI Offenses in TN

Today, we're exploring the consequences of repeat DUI offenses in Tennessee and how penalties increase with each offense.

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