Criminal Law

Being charged with a crime can be an extremely stressful and life-changing event. In today’s complex legal environment, it is easy to run afoul of federal or state criminal statutes. Whether a misdemeanor or a felony, there is a lot at stake when charged with a crime. We provide an aggressive defense that seeks to protect our clients’ futures.

Our attorneys will explain the charge, the proceedings, defenses and possible consequences. We stand with you to protect your rights and your freedom by being experienced and prepared to defend your case at trial.

Our attorneys also provide representation in cases involving administrative regulations or local ordinances. These can involve fines and loss of licenses. Our attorneys are prepared to help our clients to prevail at administrative hearings or in court.

Back to all Practice Areas

EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS

James E. Wagner

Attorney

Related Blogs

CHECKING EMAILS AND TEXTS AFTER HOURS MAY BE COMPENSABLE TIME

Not too long ago a client manager and I were reviewing workplace policies relating to employee use of the employer’s computer system. Employers often have a number of policies or handbook statements on this topic ranging from protection of the employer’s confidential information, to prohibitions on sexual and other forms of unlawful harassment. To complicate […]

Basing Hiring Decisions on an Applicant’s Workers Compensation History

The Tennessee Supreme Court very recently issued a decision addressing whether an employer that refuses to hire a job applicant because of her past workers’ compensation claims with another employer violates the Tennessee workers compensation statutes and can be sued for “retaliatory failure to hire.” In that case, the employer was contracted by a hospital […]

WHO OWES WHAT TO WHOM? – WHEN AN EMPLOYEE UNDER CONTRACT LEAVES EARLY

Most private sector employees in Tennessee are classified as “employees at will.” That means the employment relationship can be terminated by either the employer or employee at any time, without notice and for any reason that is not illegal or against public policy (i.e., not involving race, gender, disability or age discrimination, etc.). Thus, absent […]

Rich Scrugham Speaks at Everett Senior Center

Rich Scrugham spoke at the Everett Senior Center in Maryville, Tennessee on August 13, 2015 about the basics of estate planning and the different parts of an estate plan. He discussed the need and purpose for a will, powers of attorney, and an advanced care plan. The probate process and the bad results of failing […]

The US Department of Labor Provides More Warning of Crackdown on Worker Misclassification

Earlier this year I posted regarding an expanding collaboration between various state and federal agencies to combat misclassification of employees as independent contractors. This effort is being spearheaded by the US Department of Labor, which reports receiving numerous complaints of misclassification for the purposes of avoiding minimum wage and overtime compensation requirements, unemployment insurance and […]

No Contest—Let’s Avoid a Trip to Court…

A lot of clients have approached me after emotional battles in the various Probate Courts of Tennessee and asked how can they prevent their beneficiaries being subject to such Probate Court proceedings? As with most legal questions, there is no simple answer. My first recommendation is to always consider an “in terrorem” clause in their […]

OSHA Announces New Enforcement Emphasis on Healthcare Industry

On June 25, 2015 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a memorandum to its regional and state enforcement offices announcing a new inspection emphasis for inpatient healthcare providers such as hospitals and residential care facilities. The impetus for this initiative is the significantly higher rates of workplace injuries in these employment settings attributable […]

Contact us