Prosecutors often offer plea deals to avoid the time, cost, and unpredictability of a trial. At first glance, a plea deal may feel like a way to regain some control. However, deciding whether to accept one shouldn't happen without fully understanding the consequences. As a criminal defense attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Attorney Zak Newman has worked with clients who have faced some of the most serious accusations imaginable. When someone is charged with a violent crime, such as murder, the consequences can often be life-altering.

Assault cases are often emotionally and mentally draining for those involved. Facing accusations or defending oneself in court usually leads to feelings of uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. However, witness testimony can play a pivotal role in the outcome of your case, making it essential to understand how it can be evaluated and, when necessary, challenged.

Theft is a serious criminal offense that can carry severe penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. However, not every situation involving lost or misappropriated property qualifies as a criminal act.

A felony theft conviction can have consequences that affect every area of your life, from your freedom to your finances and more. Whether the charge stems from shoplifting valuable merchandise, embezzling company funds, or stealing property worth more than a statutory threshold, a felony conviction is a serious matter requiring immediate legal attention.

Being charged with drug possession is a serious matter that can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines, incarceration, and a lasting criminal record.

Being charged with murder is a life-changing event. These cases are aggressively prosecuted, and a conviction can lead to decades in prison—or worse. A strategic defense is essential, with close attention to evidence, witness credibility, and how the law applies to the facts. A skilled murder defense attorney can help make sure every detail is considered.

A theft charge can have significant and lasting consequences, whether it involves petty theft, burglary, or grand larceny. The legal process can be overwhelming, and understanding each stage can help reduce uncertainty. It’s essential for anyone facing theft charges to understand the potential defenses and the impact a conviction can have on their future.

Drug offenses can carry life-altering consequences, particularly in a state like Tennessee, where laws can be strict and penalties harsh. From financial burdens to incarceration and mandated treatment, the legal system takes drug offenses seriously.

Facing a charge for aggravated assault is a serious matter. If that charge becomes a conviction, the consequences can last a lifetime. A conviction not only becomes part of your permanent criminal record, but it can also shape how others view you, from potential employers and landlords to law enforcement and society at large.

Being arrested for domestic violence is a serious and distressing experience, especially if you have no prior criminal record. In Tennessee, the law takes allegations of domestic violence very seriously, and an arrest can have significant consequences, regardless of your history.