Tennessee Criminal Minutes Podcast

In this video, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten break down how blood draw evidence can be challenged in DUI cases. From rising BAC arguments to improper handling, storage, or testing of blood samples, they explain why lab results are not always as straightforward as they seem—and how these issues may impact a defense strategy. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https:...

Drug-based DUI cases are not just alcohol DUI cases with a different substance involved. In this video, we explain how Tennessee handles DUIs involving marijuana, prescription medications, illegal drugs, and other substances, and why these cases often require a closer look at toxicology, officer observations, timing, and proof of actual impairment. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read...

In this episode, we explain how assault charges can become felonies in Tennessee. We discuss aggravated assault, serious bodily injury, deadly weapons, strangulation allegations, domestic assault, special victims and locations, and the penalties a person may face if convicted. We also cover why the facts behind the charge matter and when someone accused of felony assault should speak with a crimin...

Robbery, burglary, and theft are often used interchangeably, but under Tennessee law, they are very different charges. In this episode, Barnes & Fersten breaks down what separates these offenses, why the differences matter, and how robbery or burglary allegations may be challenged in court. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/robbery-burglary...

What should you not do if you are pulled over for suspected DUI? In this video, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten discuss five common mistakes people make during a DUI traffic stop in Tennessee. They explain how statements and explanations can become evidence, important information regarding field sobriety tests, and what drivers should know before consenting to searches or arguing with police...

Are police always required to read Miranda rights? The answer may surprise you. In this video, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten explain when Miranda warnings matter, when they may not be required, and how statements can become an issue in a criminal case. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/do-police-have-to-read-miranda-rights/

A detective calls and says they just want to ask a few questions. Should you talk? In this video, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten explain why speaking with law enforcement without a lawyer can be risky, how your own words may be used against you, and what to do if a detective contacts you about a criminal investigation. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knox...

Facing a first DUI charge in Tennessee? Learn whether jail is mandatory, what factors can increase penalties, and how a DUI defense lawyer may be able to challenge the charge before there is a conviction. Barnes & Fersten represents people charged with DUI in Knoxville, Knox County, and throughout East Tennessee. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefen...

Charged with simple possession in Tennessee? In this video, our attorneys explain what happens after a simple possession arrest in Knoxville or East Tennessee, including how we challenge drug evidence and pursue outcomes that avoid a permanent conviction. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/how-to-beat-a-simple-possession-charge-in-tennessee/

Is marijuana legal in Tennessee in 2026? No. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, and Tennessee does not have a broad medical marijuana program. However, some hemp-derived products may be legal if they meet Tennessee’s THC limits and regulatory requirements. In this video, our attorneys explain Tennessee marijuana laws in 2026, the difference between legal hemp and illegal marijuana products, a...

Can police pull you over for no reason in Tennessee? In this video, our attorneys break down what the law actually says about traffic stops, including the concept of reasonable suspicion and when a stop may violate your rights. If you’ve been charged with a DUI or criminal offense, the legality of the stop can play a critical role in your defense. For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read...

Can Tennessee police officers search your car because they claim to smell marijuana? Not always. Tennessee cannabis laws have evolved over the years, and it is important to understand your rights in these situations. In this video, our attorneys explain what officers can and can't do during a traffic stop based on the odor of marijuana, and how this impacts criminal cases in Tennessee. For a more...

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...