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 breakdown on the topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/how-drug-charges-get-pinned-on-the-wrong-person-in-tennessee/

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-in-tennessee-criminal-cases/

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-criminal-cases/

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 law make these cases more complex.Read the full breakdown in our companion blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-dui-first-offense-in-tennessee/

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 reasonable suspicion, how unlawful stops are challenged in court, and what happens when police violate your constitutional rights.

For a more in-depth breakdown, read our blog on the topic: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/what-is-reasonable-suspicion-in-tennessee-criminal-cases/

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 protected (or violated) during a DUI investigation.

For a more in-depth breakdown, read our blog on the topic: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/can-police-draw-blood-without-consent-in-tennessee-dui-cases/

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 Tennessee drivers better understand their rights and make informed decisions if they ever find themselves in a DUI stop.

For a more detailed breakdown on the subject, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/are-field-sobriety-tests-required-in-tennessee-dui-stops/

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 alternatives to ignition interlocks, including SCRAM alcohol monitoring, and why these options may make more sense for people who drive company vehicles, commercial vehicles, or cannot install an interlock for work-related reasons. You’ll learn how SCRAM works, how it differs from GPS monitoring, and how it can sometimes strengthen your case by demonstrating full sobriety rather than just sober driving.

If you or someone you care about is facing DUI charges, this episode explains what to expect after arrest, common misconceptions about driving restrictions, and how an experienced defense attorney can challenge unnecessary or overly restrictive bond conditions early in the case.

For a deeper legal breakdown and written analysis, read our full blog post here: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/can-i-still-drive-after-being-charged-with-a-dui-in-tennessee/

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 discuss how long a DUI stays on your background in Tennessee, why DUI convictions can’t be expunged, and how getting your charge reduced or dismissed can protect your record.

If you or someone you care about is facing DUI charges, this episode explains what to expect when it comes to background checks, what legal options may be available, and how an experienced defense attorney can help protect your future from the very beginning.

For a deeper legal breakdown and written analysis, read our full blog post here: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/does-a-dui-in-tennessee-show-up-on-a-background-check/

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 requiring GPS monitoring in certain domestic assault cases, including why ankle monitors are now appearing more frequently—even in misdemeanor cases. You’ll learn how GPS monitoring works, how it impacts defendants before trial, and what legal options may be available to challenge overly restrictive bond conditions.

If you or someone you care about is facing domestic assault charges, this episode explains what to expect after an arrest, common mistakes to avoid, and how an experienced defense attorney can help protect your rights early in the case.

For a deeper legal breakdown and written analysis, read our full blog post here: https://www.knoxcrimdefense.com/no-contact-orders-and-gps-monitoring-in-tennessee-domestic-assault-cases-explained/