Franklin, TN Criminal Defense Attorney
Being put through the criminal justice system is an intimidating, frightening experience. You face more than just steep fines. A criminal conviction may cause you to lose your job or professional license. It can also bring immeasurable damage to your reputation, or you can get jail time. Since the stakes are high, you need a trusted criminal defense attorney in Franklin, Tennessee, to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.
Our Wide Range of Criminal Defense Services in Franklin, TN
At Fort, Holloway & Saylor, we understand that even a minor charge can have a lasting impact on your life. Whether it’s keeping your record clean or evading the worst possible consequences, our criminal defense law attorneys in Franklin, TN, offer comprehensive representation for our clients facing:
- DUI
- Reckless driving, speeding or traffic offenses
- Theft, burglary
- Criminal simulation (fraud, forgery, felony theft)
- Vandalism
- Sale and possession of scheduled narcotics
- Possession and sale of marijuana
- Underage consumption
- Assaults and domestic assaults
- Homicide
- Orders of protection violations
Understanding the Local Legal Process
Adults accused of a crime will likely come into contact with both the General Sessions and Circuit Court in Williamson County. Below are the typical stages of a criminal case and how our Franklin criminal defense lawyers can assist you at every step of the legal process. We help you understand that being charged with a crime does not automatically make you a criminal.
Arrest
The police must have probable cause to believe you committed a crime before they arrest you. Unless they actually observed a crime in progress, they might need to have a valid warrant before they can make an arrest. If the police lack probable cause or commit procedural errors in making the arrest, like failure to read you your rights, excessive force or coerced confession, your attorney can fight to get the charges dropped or the case dismissed. Evidence that was obtained illegally or without a warrant can be suppressed and excluded from your case, which will help you in your defense or even get the charges dropped completely.
Arraignment and Initial Appearance
At your initial appearance, you’ll be informed of the charges against you and given the opportunity to enter a plea. Bail will also be set at this appearance. Your attorney can be present to advise you on how to plead — usually not guilty — and help get you released from pretrial detention with a reasonable bail or no bail required at all.
Preliminary Hearing
This hearing is held to determine whether the police have probable cause to detain you. It is possible to get the charges dropped at this stage.
Grand Jury
The prosecutor presents the case to a grand jury and asks for an indictment. The grand jury will indict if they believe probable cause exists to believe a crime was committed and you might have committed it.
Second Arraignment
If indicted, you will be brought into court to have the indictment read to you and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty or no contest) to the charges.
Plea Bargain
At this stage, your attorney might meet with the prosecutors to negotiate a guilty plea in exchange for a favorable outcome, such as probation, a reduction in the charges or recommendations of a favorable sentence. Your lawyer will go over these options with you and discuss whether a plea bargain is in your best interest or whether you should take your case to trial. The decision on how to plead lies with you. Our criminal defense attorneys in Franklin give you honest advice so you can make the best decision on how to proceed.
Pre-Trial Motions
Before trial, there is a period of discovery where the prosecution and defense seek information, evidence and subpoenas to help them build their case. We may file motions with the court during this time to challenge a defect in the indictment, suppress evidence or sever or consolidate charges. These motions can get your case dismissed or position you for a stronger defense at trial.
Trial
At trial, you have constitutional rights to confront and cross-examine the witnesses against you and compel witnesses to testify. You have the right to testify or refuse to testify on your own behalf. Your attorney will advise you on whether to take the stand and will present all available defenses while challenging the prosecution’s evidence and arguments at every turn.
Appeal
If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal the conviction or the sentence imposed. If mistakes were made during the trial by the judge or prosecutor, or if the wrong instructions were given to the jury or an improper sentence handed down, you might be able to get the conviction overturned or get a new trial.
Why Choose Fort, Holloway & Saylor?
With decades of experience and a dedicated criminal defense team, we make every step of the legal process more manageable. You can rely on us to fight for your rights and help you seek an optimal result, no matter what you are going through in life. We are your go-to law firm that advocates for you when your freedom is on the line.
Team of Experienced Professionals
Our criminal defense team includes a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense attorneys. Each member has successfully represented people charged with every kind of misdemeanor or felony offense in Tennessee, from traffic tickets to attempted murder.
Tailored Legal Strategies
We carefully review the facts in your case and explain the charges against you and the consequences you face. Our lawyers tailor strategies for a favorable result. Count on us to take a diligent approach throughout the legal process, helping you understand your rights and protecting your interests.
Dependable Court Representation
We’ve got experienced lawyers to support you in court when a trial is to your advantage. Our lawyers have a solid background in the Tennessee criminal system, representing various cases and working with a wide range of clients, from minors to adults. With a diverse background and extensive legal experience, we bring clarity to your case and purposeful actions for a successful outcome.
Types of Defenses Our Criminal Defense Attorney Can Assist
We can help clients with various defenses, including cases or instances when:
- Your constitutional rights were violated.
- You were entrapped.
- You have been arrested or are facing criminal charges.
- Prosecution cannot determine that you’ve violated a particular element of the law, or they cannot prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The total value of your items is less than the prosecution claims.
Request a Confidential Consultation With Us Today
Make sure your first call after an arrest is with us. We have comprehensive experience in various criminal law cases, protecting your rights and representing your best interests throughout the legal proceedings. Give us a call at 931-901-2300 to speak with our criminal defense law attorney in Franklin, TN. You can also schedule a confidential consultation online.
