Online Identity Thieves Target Teens and Young Adults

Identity theft is happening far too often. Criminals have taken aim at the vulnerable and inexperienced.  In 2014, 1.3 million identity theft cases involved people under the age of 16, but there are protective steps youth and parents can take to avoid or minimize on-line harm. If you or your child is the victim of…

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Crimes Leading to Deportation: A Complex Equation

For non-citizen residents of the United States, committing a crime often results in serious financial, legal, and immigration-status consequences. The nature and circumstances of the specific crime, however, impacts the outcome and, perhaps more crucially, determines whether it results in deportation. There are three main categories of deportable offenses: those related to immigration and security…

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What is a “Disability” under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Tennessee Law?

Certain federal and state laws give rights and protections to individuals with disabilities.  School children with disabilities most often rely upon the federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, but state statutes also give rights and protections to individuals with disabilities.  The IDEA defines the meaning of the term “disability,” as…

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Tennessee is Cracking Down on Meth Distribution and Sales

It is no secret that our country is in the grip of an opioid epidemic. Stories about opioid-related overdoses are all over the news. In Tennessee, however, we are facing another battle – one against the use, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of methamphetamines. WKRN discussed this in a recent article, calling it the “madness of…

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How to Prepare for a Deposition

After a civil lawsuit is filed, the plaintiff and the defendant may require the other side and other witnesses to testify under oath, outside the courtroom, about the dispute or matter, or to testify in a deposition.  Though no judge is present, the answers are recorded and the party or witness testifying takes an oath…

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Witnesses

In the United States, we honor the rule of law.   The U.S. prides itself on its system of justice where laws apply to all and where a powerful elite’s whims do not control the outcome of controversies or disputes.  The law holds citizens accountable and defines their rights and responsibilities.  Controversies and disputes, however, invariably…

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Everyone Has the Right to a Competent Defense

Many people do not understand what “criminal defense” means or involves. They see lawyers portrayed in movies or TV and believe that every trial is “all or nothing:” the accused is either guilty or innocent of the charges. However, in this area of law, the outcome often depends upon what facts can be shown, and…

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Immigration Plans and Bans Continue to Change: Know Your Rights

The last few months have been turbulent. Many immigrants have expressed fear, sadness and anger over the proposed immigration plans coming out of the White House, and over the executive orders and travel bans. Now, more than ever, it is important to know your rights You have the right to remain silent. You do not…

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Assault Conviction May Get You Deported

There are two main categories of assault charges in Tennessee: simple assault and aggravated assault. A person who is convicted of either charge may be subject to time in jail or prison, as well as hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines, depending on the specific charges. For example, you could be charged with: Aggravated…

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