Tennessee Criminal Minutes Podcast

Can police search your car after a DUI arrest in Tennessee? In this video, our attorneys break down when officers can legally search your vehicle, what an inventory search really means, and how your rights under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution can impact your case. For a more in-depth breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/can-police-search-your-vehicle-a...

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Tennessee, one of the most common questions is: how long will this take? In this video, our Knoxville DUI defense attorneys walk through the full timeline, from your first court date in General Sessions to what happens if your case goes to Criminal Court. Learn what to expect, what can cause delays, and why the first few months of your case matter most. For a mor...

Learn the differences between simple assault, aggravated assault, and domestic assault in Tennessee. This video breaks down how each charge is defined, the potential penalties, and what you should know if you are facing these allegations. For a more in-depth break down on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/assault-laws-in-tennessee/

Can police make you get out of your car during a traffic stop in Tennessee? In this video, our attorneys explain your rights during a traffic stop, when you must comply with police orders, and what happens if you refuse lawful demands. For a more in-depth breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/can-police-order-you-to-exit-your-vehicle-in-tennessee/

It starts with a night out and a decision to let someone else drive—then suddenly you’re facing a DUI charge. In this video, our attorneys explain how DUI by allowing works in Tennessee, the scenarios that lead to these charges, and how these cases aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. If you're facing a DUI by allowing charge in East Tennessee, click this link to see how our attorneys ca...

If you’re charged with DUI after a crash in Tennessee, the legal consequences can escalate quickly. This video explains how a crash investigation may result in felony charges like vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, and what the State must prove in order to obtain a conviction. Watch to learn how these cases and what legal defenses may apply. For a more in-depth breakdown on this topic, read...

Drug charges in Tennessee can escalate quickly. In this episode, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten explain how constructive possession works and how someone can be charged with drugs that weren’t actually on them. We also discuss how a simple possession case can be elevated to a felony charge for possession with intent to sell based on police observations at the scene. For a more detailed brea...

How should you respond when police ask you to agree to a search? In this episode, our attorneys explain what to do when an officer requests consent during a traffic stop or home encounter, why staying calm matters, and how a simple “yes” can affect a Tennessee criminal or DUI case. For a more detailed breakdown on the subject, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/how-police-get-a-yes-consent...

How much weight does a police report carry in a Tennessee criminal or DUI case? In this episode, our attorneys break down how police reports are used by prosecutors, the types of mistakes we commonly see, and why these documents are not the final word in your case. For a more detailed breakdown on the subject, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/how-police-report-errors-affect-tennessee-cri...

What actually happens after a first-time DUI arrest in Tennessee? In this episode, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten answer some of the most common questions from clients, including: will I lose my license? Can I go to jail? What if I wasn’t drunk—or wasn’t drinking at all? We also discuss whether DUI charges can be dismissed, how long cases usually take, and how recent changes in Tennessee la...

What does “reasonable suspicion” really mean in Tennessee criminal cases, and how often do police get it wrong? In this episode, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten break down when law enforcement can legally stop or detain someone, how reasonable suspicion differs from probable cause, and why this distinction matters in criminal cases. You’ll learn the most common reasons officers claim reasona...

Blood draws are becoming more common in DUI cases across Tennessee, but are they always legal? In this video, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten break down everything you need to know about DUI blood testing, Tennessee’s implied consent laws, and major changes that took effect in 2026. You'll learn when police need a warrant, what counts as voluntary consent, and how your rights can be prot...

Are field sobriety tests required during a DUI stop in Tennessee? In this episode, we break down one of the most common and misunderstood questions drivers have when facing a DUI investigation. Our attorneys explain what field sobriety tests are, whether you’re legally required to take them, and how refusing these tests can impact the outcome of a DUI case. This episode is designed to help Tenness...

Being arrested for DUI in Tennessee does not automatically mean you lose your right to drive. But in certain cases, judges can impose restrictions before you are ever convicted. In this episode, we explain when ignition interlock devices can be ordered as a bond condition, what the law actually requires, and why not every accident or arrest legally justifies an interlock. We also discuss alternati...

Being charged with DUI in Tennessee doesn’t just put your license at risk. It can also affect your job, your ability to buy a firearm, and your long-term record. In this video, we break down how DUI arrests and convictions appear on background checks, including the difference between an arrest and a conviction, and why that distinction matters when it comes to employment and gun rights. We also di...

Being arrested for domestic assault in Tennessee often comes with strict bond conditions—and violating them, even unintentionally, can send you straight back to jail. In this episode, we break down what no-contact orders really mean, why responding to the alleged victim is never allowed, and how even one text message can result in a serious bond violation. We also discuss the 2024 Tennessee law re...

Starting January 1, 2026, Tennessee’s implied consent law is changing in a big way—and many drivers don’t realize how high the stakes now are. In this episode, we break down the new 18-month license suspension for refusing a blood or breath test, how refusal can now carry a harsher penalty than a DUI itself, and the widespread misconceptions about losing your license “on the spot.” We explain what...