Criminal Defense Cases

Criminal charges can be serious, even life-altering. Don’t go into this process without someone to advocate on your behalf. You want someone to represent you who understands how the system works, and who will fight for the best possible results for your case.

Before you plead guilty, before you make choices, speak to a qualified Tennessee criminal defense lawyer. Bryan is a member of the Nashville Bar Association, Williamson County Bar Association, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association.

The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson has helped many clients. Please call Bryan today for a free consultation to see how he can help you.

With Bryan’s criminal defense experience and expertise, he can ably defend you on the following types of cases:

• Alcohol-related Crimes (public intoxication, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct)
• Criminal Defense (state, federal, and juvenile courts)
• Domestic Violence
• Drug Crimes (possession w/ intent, sales, delivery, simple possession)
• DUI Offenses
• Expungements
• Felony Offenses
• Misdemeanor Offenses
• Probation Violations
• Violent Crimes (robbery, burglary, kidnapping, assault, vandalism, harassment)
• Weapons (concealed, unlawful possession)
• White Collar Crimes (embezzlement, theft, fraud)

Click here to read more about Bryan and case results.

Criminal Charges Can Have Lasting Consequences

A criminal case can affect more than the immediate possibility of fines, probation, or incarceration. Depending on the allegation and outcome, it may also affect employment, housing, professional licensing, education, driving privileges, immigration status, and the right to possess a firearm. These concerns make it important to understand the full effect of any proposed resolution before entering a plea.

What Happens After an Arrest

After an arrest, a person may be booked, processed, and brought before a judge or judicial commissioner. The court may address bail, release conditions, and the date of the next hearing. A person released while the case is pending must follow all court orders and attend every scheduled appearance unless waived.

The next steps depend on the charge and the court handling the case. Proceedings may include an arraignment, preliminary hearing, grand jury review, motion hearings, negotiations, or trial. Some cases are resolved early, while others require additional investigation and several court appearances.

Local procedures can vary between courts in Nashville, Davidson County, Williamson County, and surrounding parts of Middle Tennessee. Understanding where the case is pending and what that court requires can help a defendant prepare for deadlines, hearings, and other obligations.

Examining the Prosecution’s Evidence

An arrest report reflects the allegations made by law enforcement, but it does not necessarily provide a complete account of what happened. A criminal defense lawyer may review body-camera footage, surveillance recordings, photographs, witness statements, laboratory reports, dispatch records, phone data, and other available evidence.

This review may reveal inconsistencies, missing information, unreliable testimony, or facts that support a different account of the incident. The defense may also examine whether officers had a lawful basis for a traffic stop, detention, search, interrogation, or arrest. Evidence obtained in violation of constitutional requirements may be subject to a motion to suppress.

The issues differ from one case to another. A drug case may depend on whether a search was lawful or whether the accused person possessed the substance. An assault allegation may involve self-defense, conflicting witness accounts, or insufficient proof of intent. Theft and fraud cases may turn on ownership, authorization, identity, or the meaning of financial records and communications.

Developing a Defense for the Individual Case

A defense should be based on the facts rather than a standard formula. The first step may involve reviewing the charging documents, listening to the client’s account, identifying witnesses, and preserving records that could become unavailable. Receipts, text messages, location information, videos, and photographs can sometimes provide important context.

Depending on the evidence, a defense may challenge whether the prosecution can prove identity, possession, intent, knowledge, or another required element. Other cases may involve mistaken accusations, self-defense, an unlawful search, an unreliable identification, or a witness whose statements changed over time.

Not every case proceeds to trial. The criminal defense strategy may include seeking dismissal, filing pretrial motions, negotiating a reduction, or presenting the case to a judge or jury. The appropriate course depends on the evidence, the available options, and the client’s priorities. No particular result can be guaranteed.

Decisions About Plea Offers and Trial

A plea offer should not be accepted only because it appears to end the case quickly. The terms may include probation, jail, fines, treatment, restrictions, or conditions that last beyond the court date. A conviction may also create consequences that are not stated in the plea paperwork.

Before deciding, the accused person should understand the charge, the evidence, possible defenses, sentencing exposure, and how the proposed agreement compares with proceeding to trial. A criminal defense attorney can explain these considerations, but the final choice belongs to the client.

Trial may be appropriate when the prosecution will not offer a reasonable resolution or when the client wants to contest the accusation.

Steps to Take While a Case Is Pending

A person facing criminal charges should avoid discussing the case on social media or with anyone other than legal counsel. Posts, messages, photographs, and recorded calls may be obtained and used by the prosecution. Attempts to explain the incident publicly can create statements that are difficult to correct later.

Defendants should preserve relevant information and provide it to their lawyer. They should not delete messages, alter records, ask witnesses to change their accounts, or attempt to obtain evidence through unlawful means. They must also comply with bond conditions, no-contact orders, travel restrictions, testing requirements, and other directions issued by the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Speak to the Police If I Have Not Been Arrested?

You are not required to answer investigative questions simply because an officer asks to speak with you. Statements made during a voluntary interview may still be used in a criminal case. You can decline to answer questions and request legal advice before agreeing to an interview.

Can a Criminal Charge Be Dismissed?

Dismissal may be possible when the evidence is insufficient, a witness is unavailable, constitutional violations affect critical evidence, or the prosecution cannot prove a required element. Whether dismissal is realistic depends on the facts and procedural status of the case.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Many criminal cases are resolved before trial through dismissal, negotiation, or another court-approved outcome. Some cases proceed to trial because material facts remain disputed or an acceptable agreement cannot be reached. Counsel can discuss the risks and possible benefits of each course.

What Should I Bring to a Consultation?

Bring any citation, warrant, bond paperwork, charging document, release conditions, and notice listing a court date. Relevant photographs, videos, messages, receipts, and witness information may also be helpful. Be prepared to give an honest account so the lawyer can identify important issues.

Can a Conviction Be Removed From My Record?

Some Tennessee records may qualify for expungement, but eligibility depends on the charge, the outcome, and other legal requirements. Not every conviction can be cleared. Potential record consequences should be discussed before a pending case is resolved.

Discuss Your Criminal Case With Bryan Stephenson

Every allegation requires a careful review of the evidence, the applicable law, and the client’s circumstances. If you are under investigation or facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.