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

Recent Changes in National Firearms Act Regulations

The federal National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates such items as machine guns, short-barrel rifles and shotguns and suppressors. New regulations, effective July 13, 2016 affect so-called gun trusts and possession of items by the executor of the estate of the owner. For several reasons, gun trusts have become extremely popular in recent years. See Firearm […]

Supreme Court Rules Second Amendment Protects Stun Guns

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued an opinion applying the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms to stun guns. The case is Caetano v. Massachusetts. It involved a woman who was carrying a stun gun as protection against a former boyfriend. On one occasion, she had to display and threaten to use the […]

Firearm Transfers Between Residents of Different States

It comes as a surprise to many that federal law strictly regulates transfers of firearms between residents of different states. This is not something new. It is part of the Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S. Code §922. In particular, under 18 U.S. Code §922(a)(3), it is illegal for a person who does not […]

Guns in Parks

Possession of weapons in parks is governed by Tenn. Code 39-17-1311. Generally, it is an offense for a person to carry certain weapons in or on the grounds of any public park owned by the state, counties, cities or towns. There are exceptions for law enforcement officers, security guards and others. This article concerns the […]

RESTORATION OF FIREARM RIGHTS AFTER JUDICIAL COMMITMENT

A person who has been “adjudicated as a mental defective” or who has been committed to a mental institution may not lawfully possess firearms or ammunition under federal and Tennessee law. 18 U.S. Code §922 and Tenn. Code. Ann. §39-17-(f)(1)(C). There is a procedure in the U.S. Code for relief of the disabilities under federal […]

Riding Around with Guns in Cars

Perhaps the biggest, and least noticed, change in Tennessee firearms law is Tenn. Code §39-17-1307(e). This provision allows anyone who can legally possess a “firearm” (handgun, rifle or shotgun) to possess or carry a firearm and ammunition in a motor vehicle of which they lawfully possess. (An armed car thief gets no benefit from this […]

What Do You Do With Grandpa’s Machine Gun?

Duties of the personal representative or executor of an estate (I’ll use ‘executor’ for both) include gathering, protecting and distributing assets that belonged to the deceased. In this part of the country, firearms are frequently part of the estate. After the firearms are safely unloaded and securely stored, it’s time to decide what you have. […]

Big Change In the Law Affecting Guns in Employer Parking Lots

In 2013, Tennessee enacted the so-called “guns in trunks law”, Tenn. Code §39-17-1313. This provided a defense to a criminal prosecution for a handgun carry permit holder, if parked on property where the owner prohibited firearm possession. However, the statute did not specifically prohibit an employer from firing an employee for violating a “no guns” […]

Firearm Trusts in Tennessee

The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates such items as machine guns, short-barrel rifles and shotguns and suppressors. Some persons choose to have a trust own the NFA-regulated item, rather than own them as an individual. A trust is a legal entity that is separate from the individuals, much like a corporation or LLC, to hold […]

Contact us