Is “Verbal Assault” Illegal?

At work, home, or at school, harassment or verbal assault can be grounds for discipline or a civil lawsuit. However, “verbal assault” is not a formal criminal charge, although physical assault is. The threat of physical assault, however, could be. A verbal threat can appear to qualify as an assault, even if you don’t physically harm the…

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Common Issues in Many Criminal Cases

We believe that no innocent person should be convicted or forced to plead to charges when he or she is innocent, or the State or federal government tries to punish a person too harshly. We believe that too many innocent men and women are jailed and that too often, the punishment does not fit the…

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Alcohol Breathalyzer Machines Are Defective

Anyone arrested for a DUI knows the police may ask you to submit to a few field sobriety tasks, not tests. If you fail these tasks or the officer has other reasons to think you’re intoxicated, the officer will ask you to submit to a breath test. The test requires you to breathe into a…

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Tennessee Court Rules Opioid Makers Can Be Sued as Drug Dealers

A Tennessee Court has ruled that Tennessee district attorneys generals could use the Drug Dealer Liability Act (DDLA) to file claims against opioid makers. The Court ruled the law applies to Endo Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Pharma, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals – all opioid makers. The lawsuit was filed by 14 prosecutors representing 47 Middle and…

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What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

Parole and probation are both part of the criminal justice process. They are both terms that apply to defendants after they have been found guilty of a criminal offense. Defendants who seek probation or parole, or who have been charged with a violation of parole, can both benefit by having an experienced criminal defense lawyer…

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Your Rights When You File a Whistleblower Claim on Your Company

The federal government enacted the False Claims Act (FCA) during the Civil War. The law encourages citizens to step forward and disclose fraud involving government contracts. Originally, the FCA just applied to contracts with the US Department of Defense. Now, whistleblowers can also disclose fraud involving Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE (the medical insurance agency for retired…

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What Drivers Should Know about DUI Field Sobriety Tests

Before police officers give anyone they suspect of driving under the influence a breath test, most often they first give the suspect several field sobriety tests. The tests are not random. The tests must be done according to specific rules. If the police don’t give the tests in the correct way, that failure can be…

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How Is the Value of a Business Determined?

How much a business is worth is critical for several reasons. Anyone wishing to buy or sell a business needs to understand its value. The value of business is instrumental not just when buying or selling it, or a part of it, but also in obtaining loans, expanding the business, merging the business with another…

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The Continuous Residence Requirement for Becoming a Naturalized Citizen

Applicants for citizenship must meet several including residency requirements. Applicants usually must live in the US for five continuous years before they can apply for citizenship. Qualified spouses must live in the US for at least three continuous years. Continuous residence means that the applicant stayed in the country. Applicants who leave the country during…

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How Can I Recover Stolen or Seized Personal Property?

Your personal property is not always safe or secure; it can be stolen or seized. Fortunately, in the state of Tennessee and elsewhere in the United States, the law allows you to reclaim or recover your personal property. Under the law, personal property is physical, transferable, tangible items, such as vehicles, shirts, computers, and toys.…

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