Brentwood Criminal Defense

With hundreds of acres of parklands and rolling hills, Brentwood, Tennessee is an elegant, residential suburb south of Nashville. Pervasive law enforcement in this area has led to frequent arrests for drunk driving and drug offenses, among other crimes. Many people who have been arrested or accused of crimes are understandably confused about the legal procedures and uncertain about their future. The Brentwood criminal defense lawyers at Freeman & Fuson have successfully defended many people against criminal charges and understand the nuances of the local court system. Our knowledgeable legal team can provide supportive guidance and a vigorous defense if you are facing prosecution for a wide range of crimes. Many of these relate to DUI or marijuana possession.

Tennessee law prohibits a person from driving or controlling any motor-driven vehicle in a public area while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination thereof that impairs their ability to drive safely by depriving them of the clearness of mind and control that they would otherwise possess. In addition, it is illegal per se to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. One drunk driving conviction can seriously disrupt your life. The penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) may include jail time, fines and other costs, a restricted or revoked driver’s license, participation in an alcohol or drug treatment program, an ignition interlock device installed at your expense, and restitution to any victims. These penalties become increasingly severe for each DUI conviction.

In Tennessee, simple marijuana possession is considered a half-ounce or less of marijuana to be consumed personally, rather than to be used for the purpose of sale. Marijuana possession is classified as a misdemeanor offense in Tennessee. Despite a national movement to decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use, attempts by a few local governments in Tennessee to decriminalize this offense have been precluded by state legislation. Furthermore, the current state of Tennessee’s medical marijuana law is extremely limited and not fully developed. Punishments associated with marijuana and other drug offenses, therefore, remain a real possibility.

Another common charge in Brentwood and throughout Williamson County involves drug paraphernalia, which is broadly defined under the law. It includes objects such as metal and glass hash pipes, bongs, and isomerization devices, as well as any ordinarily legal item that is used, or is intended to be used, in any way that relates to the production, storage, or ingestion of a controlled substance. Unlawful use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia is a class A misdemeanor offense in Tennessee.

A conviction involving possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia can carry penalties such as a fine, a jail sentence, probation, or drug treatment counseling. In a low-crime city like Brentwood, non-violent drug offenses are prosecuted more seriously than in major metropolitan areas. In Williamson County, arrests made by the Brentwood Police Department and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department are prosecuted aggressively by the District Attorney’s Office. To succeed in your case, you should seek representation from a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Brentwood who will thoroughly review the details of your arrest and develop a strategy specific to your circumstances.

If you have been accused of breaking the law, you are entitled to fair and unbiased criminal proceedings to challenge the allegations against you. At Freeman & Fuson, we are fiercely committed to safeguarding the rights of our clients in Brentwood and elsewhere in Williamson County. We also represent people in Franklin, Thompson Station, College Grove, Spring Hill, Nolensville, Arrington, Fairview, and many other communities. Contact Freeman & Fuson at 615.298.7272 or online to discuss your situation with a Brentwood criminal defense attorney. We can investigate the circumstances giving rise to your charge and help you avoid or minimize the consequences so that you can move on with your life.