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Zak Newman Attorney at Law

Can a DUI Conviction in Tennessee Ruin Your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Nursing Credentials?

A DUI conviction in Tennessee can put both your commercial driver's license and a nursing license at risk, although the consequences differ depending on your credentials. CDL holders can face mandatory disqualification, while nurses may face disciplinary action from the Tennessee Board of Nursing. If your livelihood depends on either credential, a DUI can create serious concerns about your job, professional reputation, and financial security.
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Zak Newman Attorney at Law

Defending Against Robbery Charges When You Truly Believed the Taken Property Belonged to You

If you're facing a robbery charge but honestly believed the property you took was yours, that belief may be relevant to the required mental state and the defenses available in your case. Tennessee defines robbery as the intentional or knowing theft of property from another person by violence or by putting that person in fear. Because theft is an element of robbery, the state must also prove the required elements of theft.
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Zak Newman Attorney at Law

Caught with Edibles from Out of State: Navigating Tennessee's Extremely Strict Marijuana Laws

Buying marijuana edibles in a state where they're legal doesn't make them legal once you cross into Tennessee. That's a hard truth many travelers learn only after a traffic stop turns into a drug charge. A licensed dispensary receipt or an out-of-state medical marijuana card doesn't offer protection. Tennessee does not recognize medical marijuana cards issued by other states, and it treats these products the same as any other illegal controlled substance.
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Zak Newman Attorney at Law

Falsely Accused of Employee Theft? Immediate Steps to Protect Your Career and Professional Reputation

An accusation of employee theft doesn't need to be true to cost you your job, your reputation, and potentially your freedom. Employers often move fast once theft is suspected, placing you on leave, calling the police, or handing over an internal investigation file before you've had any chance to tell your side of the story. What you do in the first hours and days after an accusation matters far more than most people realize.
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Zak Newman Attorney at Law

Tennessee's "Stand Your Ground" Law: How to Successfully Argue Self-Defense in a Violent Crime Charge

Being charged with a violent crime after defending yourself is a terrifying ordeal. When your survival instincts kick in, the last thing on your mind is the legal aftermath. You fought to protect your life, and now you face prosecutors who want to put you behind bars. The emotional toll of reliving the trauma while facing legal consequences is heavy.
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Zak Newman Attorney at Law,

What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Tennessee?

Seeing red and blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror is a terrifying experience that naturally makes your heart race. When an officer approaches your window and asks you to blow into a machine, panic sets in, and you might wonder if refusing will only make things worse.
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Zak Newman Attorney at Law

Drug-Induced Homicide Charges After an Overdose: Defending the Friend Who Shared the Last Dose

Drug-related overdose cases have led to a growing number of serious criminal charges in Tennessee, especially when law enforcement believes one person supplied or shared the substance that caused a fatal outcome. When someone is accused of contributing to a fatal overdose, prosecutors often pursue charges tied to homicide by overdose, treating the conduct as criminal liability for another person’s death. These cases often arise between friends, acquaintances, or partners where intent isn’t clear, but the legal consequences are severe.
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Zak Newman Attorney at Law

DUI With Controlled Substances: Proving Prescription Medications Were Taken Exactly as Directed

In some cases, you can be charged with a DUI involving prescription medication charges even if the medication was legally prescribed and taken for a valid medical condition. In Tennessee, law enforcement evaluates impairment based on behavior, test results, and driving patterns, which can lead to DUI charges even when prescription directions are followed correctly.
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