Criminal Defense
Any criminal charge can result in detrimental and long-term penalties for a convicted party. A criminal record may make it difficult for someone to find work, legally own a firearm, vote, run for office, or maintain visitation rights with their children.
Regardless of the type of charges that have been filed against you, you should challenge them at every step with a trusted attorney by your side. A dedicated and professional Columbia defense lawyer may provide the additional resources and resolve you need to overcome your criminal charges.
From misdemeanors to serious felony charges, our experienced defense attorneys provide skilled advocacy tailored to your unique situation.
Your Rights Matter
DUI Criminal Defense in Columbia
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-401, it is illegal for an adult driver to operate their vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that exceeds 0.08. If a person with a BAC exceeding the legal limit causes an accident while under the influence, the consequences can be life-altering.
While the state classifies most DUI charges for first-time offenders as misdemeanors, the harsh penalties mirror some felony charges in many ways. A person convicted of DUI may face jail time, fines, and lose their driver’s license. It is often essential to obtain legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney in Columbia quickly due to the fast-moving nature of DUI charges.
Your Rights Matter
Legal Defense for Drug Crimes
In addition to laws regulating alcohol, many drugs, including marijuana (even for medicinal purposes) are also outlawed. Drug charges can include:
- Possession of drugs
- Possession of paraphernalia
- Intent to distribute
- Drug manufacturing
Multiple charges can be assessed and charged to an accused party. Depending on the alleged crime and the drugs involved, crimes may carry severe penalties, including decades in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, drug crimes carry federal penalties such as a loss of and permanent inability to receive financial aid to obtain an education.
To learn more about a specific illegal substance crime and its penalties, reach out to a knowledgeable defense attorney in Columbia as soon as possible.
Theft and Fraud Crimes
Crimes involving stealing another person’s property fall under the category of theft. Theft crimes can range from larceny, burglary, and robbery to less overt theft crimes such as embezzlement, identity theft, and healthcare fraud. Any of the offenses mentioned above can ruin a person’s personal and professional reputation.
In offenses like this, the value of the stolen goods and whether violence is employed are often the most significant factors when determining the severity of the charges. Petty theft crimes involving relatively low-value stolen goods typically result in misdemeanors. Any crime involving violence or stolen goods valued over $1,000 results in felony charges.
A diligent Columbia attorney could defend someone against a felony or misdemeanor theft accusation.
Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence crimes can be particularly complicated due to the close nature of the parties involved. Domestic abuse charges are not considered crimes by themselves, rather, they are modifiers used to amplify the penalties of underlying crimes.
For example, if one party physically attacks another party, it is considered the crime of assault and battery. However, if that same crime occurs and the two parties are family or household members, then a domestic violence charge can attach to the underlying crime of assault.
Domestic violence charges often carry penalties outside the courtroom. These penalties include loss of second amendment rights and custody or visitation rights with a minor child. A qualified Columbia attorney could help someone lower the penalties for a domestic abuse criminal charge.
Protect Your Future Today
Schedule Your Criminal Defense Consultation
Contact Parks, Bryant & Snyder, PLLC for the legal support and advocacy you need in your criminal defense case.
