NASHVILLE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer Providing Experienced and Aggressive Representation

The Law Office of Bernie McEvoy is widely recognized for providing comprehensive defense representation to people who have been accused of crimes in Tennessee. With over 25 years of experience, Nashville attorney Bernie McEvoy has handled criminal cases from both sides of the aisle as a former prosecutor and a current defense lawyer. He uses his knowledge of opposing strategies to help defendants reach a fair outcome in cases involving drug crimes, domestic violence, DUI, sex crimes, and other charges. If you are concerned about a criminal matter, you should be assured that you will be treated with respect and compassion as we work to resolve your case.

Drug Crimes:

State and federal laws generally prohibit the possession, manufacture, delivery, or sale of controlled substances, as well as possession with the intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell controlled substances. In addition to illegal drugs, many medications are defined by law as controlled substances and are thus subject to state and federal laws. Most Tennessee drug crimes are felonies, which are punishable by incarceration and heavy fines. The schedule of the controlled substance, the specific offense charged, and the amount of the controlled substance involved

DUI

In Tennessee, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) may result in jail time and the loss of driving privileges, even for a first-time offender. Other consequences may include fines, restitution and court costs, an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, community service, and drug and alcohol treatment. These penalties increase in severity with subsequent DUIs. For individuals under the age of 21, driving while impaired or simply being in possession of alcohol will result in distinct penalties, including a potentially longer period of license revocation or suspension. With so much at stake, you should enlist the services of a Nashville criminal defense attorney to handle your DUI case.

Investigating the facts of a particular DUI case often helps in developing an appropriate defense. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher is sufficient to charge an adult with a DUI. However, the breathalyzer or chemical test that provided the BAC results may be challenged if certain protocols are not met. In addition, the police cannot just pull over a driver without probable cause or a reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed and request that they take a breathalyzer test. If you were not stopped lawfully, the judge may rule that any evidence obtained during the traffic stop may not be used in court. Without that evidence, the prosecution’s case could fall apart. A DUI lawyer can be important in identifying issues such as these that non-attorneys would likely not recognize.Domestic Violence

Assault or abuse between family members, past or present cohabitants, dating partners, spouses, or others in certain types of intimate relationships is treated as domestic violence. These accusations are taken seriously in Tennessee, and these charges may be prosecuted even if the alleged victim decides not to press them. Domestic assault can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor offense, depending on the circumstances. Some other domestic violence-related offenses include harassment, stalking, child endangerment, kidnapping, and rape.

The alleged victim may also seek an order of protection following an accusation of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or other conduct. It is generally in the best interest of the accused to retain a criminal defense lawyer in the Nashville area who can appear at the hearing and argue against the entry of the order. Although it is not considered a criminal proceeding, an order of protection will appear on a background check, and it also terminates the right to possess firearms. Violating the order constitutes a criminal offense and could subject you to further charges.Sex Crimes

Allegations of sex crimes can have a devastating effect on the people involved and lead to prosecution in a criminal court. Sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, child sexual abuse, child pornography, prostitution, solicitation, and lewd acts in public are a few of the crimes prohibited under Tennessee law. It is also illegal for an adult aged 18 or older to have sexual contact with a minor under Tennessee’s rape and sexual battery laws. Commonly known as statutory rape, the offense charged will primarily depend on the ages of the parties and the sexual acts alleged. There is, however, an exception for consensual sex if the parties are less than four years apart in age and at least 13 years of age. The exception serves to prevent some teenagers from being required to register as a sexual offender and mitigates some of the serious consequences that might otherwise follow. Some sex offenses are punishable by many years of incarceration, large fines, sex offender registration, and other penalties. Although the nature of sex crime accusations can be disturbing, a dedicated Nashville criminal defense lawyer can safeguard your right to fair and unbiased legal proceedings.Seek Compassionate Guidance and Vigorous Advocacy Against the Prosecution

Attorney Bernie McEvoy has dedicated his practice to advocating on behalf of defendants against the prosecution. He can assist individuals who are facing charges in Nashville, Franklin, and other areas of Davidson and Williamson Counties. Contact the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy by submitting our online form or calling (615) 255-9595 or (615) 804-8779 to schedule an appointment

Paractice Areas:

Dedicated Nashville Attorney Protecting the Rights of People Facing Charges

If you have been accused of a crime, seeking trustworthy legal advice is a critical step to take in building your defense. As a former assistant district attorney, Nashville criminal defense lawyer Bernie McEvoy has a first-hand knowledge of how the prosecution constructs a case against a defendant. His background allows him to advance forceful arguments in support of his clients as he works to resolve their charges in an efficient and stress-free manner. Bernie McEvoy represents people in areas throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties, handling cases involving drug crimes, sex offenses, DUI, and domestic violence, among many other charges.Defend Against Marijuana and Other Drug Charges

Most Tennessee drug-related charges fall into the categories of simple possession, possession with intent to sell, sale of a controlled substance, drug trafficking, or drug manufacturing. The charge is based on the quantity of the controlled substance, its classification under the federal Controlled Substances Act, any prior drug convictions on the defendant’s record, and the nature of the offense. Unlike some states, Tennessee has not legalized the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana, with a very limited exception. Thus, simple possession of up to half an ounce is a misdemeanor under the current state of the law.

Furthermore, with the exception of simple possession, drug crimes in Tennessee are generally felony offenses that carry severe punishments. The penalties upon a conviction can range from a fine, a drug abuse program, and probation to a long-term prison sentence. Since a felony drug conviction can have a serious effect on your future, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney in the Nashville area who can carefully explain the penalties and your options for resolving a charge.Advocacy for Tennessee Residents Charged with DUI

In Tennessee, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or higher is considered driving under the influence (DUI). In addition, Tennessee has a zero tolerance policy in effect for drivers younger than 21, which means that an underage driver with a BAC level of .02% or higher can be charged with DUI. Due to the significant consequences associated with DUIs, which can include jail time even for a first-time DUI, a suspended driver’s license, an ignition interlock device, fines, and community service, retaining an experienced DUI attorney can be crucial. Your defense attorney will likely examine the circumstances of your arrest and the reason why you were stopped, records regarding the equipment used to measure your BAC level, and other relevant facts in crafting a defense against the prosecution.Legal Representation for Sex Crime Charges

Sex offenses in Tennessee cover a broad range of illegal activities. Generally, the law distinguishes between crimes committed against an adult and those committed against a child, defined as someone under the age of 18. Sex crimes that involve a child are predominantly felony offenses, including the rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, statutory rape, solicitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, and other offenses.

Sex crimes are so stigmatized that people facing these accusations often feel as if they will not get a fair opportunity to defend themselves. However, Nashville criminal defense attorney Bernie McEvoy recognizes that every person has the right to unbiased legal proceedings, and he will listen to you with compassion and care. Mistaken identity, lack of criminal intent, and a dubious motive by the accuser are just a few of the possible defenses to a sex crime charge, depending on the context.Accusations of Domestic Violence and Other Charges

Domestic violence offenses often involve assault and battery, stalking, or restraining order violations when the victim is a current or former family or household member. Specifically, domestic assault is committed against current or ex-spouses or romantic partners, relatives by marriage or blood, and other people living within a shared home. Domestic violence charges often lead to an order of protection against the defendant, prohibiting the defendant from contacting the alleged victim. This may affect the defendant’s ability to spend time with their loved ones, such as children from current or past relationships, until the charges are resolved.

In addition to the offenses discussed above, Attorney Bernie McEvoy handles many other types of Tennessee felony and misdemeanor cases. He can provide additional information after learning about the facts surrounding your arrest.Seek Advice from a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Nashville or Surrounding Areas

Bernie McEvoy has the dedication and experience to fight back against the prosecution in cases involving alleged drug crimes, sex crimes, drunk driving, and other offenses. If you have been arrested in Nashville, Franklin, or elsewhere in Davidson or Williamson Counties, call the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy at (615) 255-9595 during the day or (615) 804-8779 after hours to schedule an appointment. You can also submit our contact form online to request a free consultation.