An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to take you into custody. A judge or magistrate issues it after finding probable cause that you committed a crime, or that you failed to comply with a court order (such as appearing in court or paying fines). Bench warrants are frequently issued when someone misses a court date, even for minor traffic or misdemeanor matters.
View PostGun charges in Tennessee frequently stem from possession violations, brandishing weapons, or public discharges. When self-defense enters the equation, these cases turn into intense disputes over imminent threats, reasonable force, and legal protections.
View PostWhen a loved one dies due to another’s negligence or wrongful act, Tennessee law provides surviving family members a pathway to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. This legal action holds responsible parties accountable and helps secure financial stability for those left behind. At Hagar & Phillips Law Firm in Lebanon, Tennessee, we guide families through Tennessee’s specific wrongful death statutes with compassion.
View PostBeing arrested in Tennessee is stressful, and the process that follows can feel confusing, especially when it comes to bond, bail, and what happens before your case is resolved. At Hagar & Phillips Law Firm in Lebanon, we help clients and their families understand these steps so they can make smart decisions and protect their rights.
View PostPolice cannot search every car they stop in Tennessee; when a search is legal depends on specific rules under the Fourth Amendment and Tennessee law. Understanding these basics can help you protect your rights and know when to call a lawyer.
View PostA criminal record can cast a long shadow over job opportunities, housing, and personal goals, even years after a case is resolved. Fortunately, Tennessee law allows many people to petition for expungement, which destroys or seals public records of certain offenses. At Hagar & Phillips in Lebanon, TN, we guide clients through this process to help them move forward with a cleaner slate
View PostTheft and burglary charges in Tennessee can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the value of stolen property and the circumstances of entry. Understanding the legal process helps defendants in Lebanon and Wilson County make informed decisions. Hagar & Phillips regularly guide clients through these cases from arrest to resolution.
View PostCatalytic converter theft has exploded across the country in recent years, and Tennessee has been no exception. In response, lawmakers have strengthened state law so that many catalytic converter theft cases are now treated much more seriously, including as felonies in a growing number of situations. For vehicle owners and for anyone who may face charges, understanding what the law does and how it works in practice is important.
View PostDrug charges in Tennessee represent some of the most serious criminal allegations residents face, with penalties that can range from months in jail to decades in prison. Whether stemming from a traffic stop on I-40, a workplace search, or a domestic incident, these cases carry immediate and long-term consequences far beyond the courtroom. For Middle Tennessee families, understanding the scope of these charges proves essential when legal trouble arises.
View PostInvestigative reports centered in the Nashville media market uncovered that “sober DUI” arrests are not rare one‑off mistakes but part of a broader pattern across Tennessee. Check out FOX 17 News' detailed report on 419 'sober DUI' arrests in 2024, which shows a nine-fold jump from the previous year.
View Post
