Gatlinburg Criminal Defense Lawyers

There are many reasons why a person may face criminal charges. Some charges may seem minor, involving what may seem like low-level infractions, while others may involve serious offenses that could put someone's future at risk. However, all charges should be taken seriously, whether they are misdemeanors or felonies. A criminal conviction can affect a person's career, housing opportunities, their ability to work in certain jobs, and many other areas of their life, on top of the possibility of paying large fines, serving jail time, and other penalties that may be imposed by courts.

When you are dealing with criminal charges, securing legal representation from the start of a case will give you the best opportunity to protect your rights and your future. At The Baker Law Firm, our lawyers provide legal help for people in Gatlinburg who have been accused of crimes. We understand how scary it can be to deal with an arrest or a criminal investigation, and we will work closely with you to build a strong defense strategy. When your freedom is at stake, our team is ready to stand by your side and help you defend against a criminal conviction.

Assault Charges in Tennessee

If you have been accused of purposely harming someone else or acting in a way to make someone believe that you were going to harm them, you could be charged with assault. The specific charges in these cases may include:

Simple Assault

Charges of simple assault may be based on accusations that you intentionally injured someone, acted in a way that caused them to fear that they would be injured, or made physical contact that the other person found to be offensive. Simple assault is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

Aggravated Assault

If you engaged in actions that fall under the category of assault, and this led to a serious injury or a person's death, or if you used a deadly weapon during an assault, you could be charged with aggravated assault. Depending on the circumstances, aggravated assault may be charged as a Class C or Class D felony.

Domestic Violence

If you have been accused of committing assault against your current or former spouse, a current or former dating partners, or a member of your family or household, you may face the same penalties as would apply in other cases involving assault charges. However, you may also face an order of protection that could place restrictions on your family relationships or affect the custody of your children.

Other Violent Crimes

In addition to assault, our lawyers can defend against multiple types of other violent crime charges, including:

• Kidnapping: Multiple types of charges may apply if you are accused of holding someone against their will. These charges may range from false imprisonment to especially aggravated kidnapping. The most serious charges, which may involve the use of a deadly weapon, a victim younger than 13, or attempting to collect ransom, could result in Class A felony charges.
• Murder: First-degree murder is the most serious criminal charge in Tennessee, and a conviction can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. Other offenses involving the death of victims may include second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide.

Drug Charges in Tennessee

To control the distribution and sale of controlled substances in Tennessee, law enforcement officials may arrest people accused of drug crimes. The penalties for these offenses can be serious, but our attorneys can provide a defense while taking steps to protect your rights. We can address charges of:

Drug Possession

You could face criminal charges involving the possession of controlled substances if a search by police supposedly reveals that you were carrying or storing drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, or heroin. The possession of certain medications without a valid prescription could also lead to drug possession charges. The penalties you may face will typically be based on what substances police officers found and the amounts that you allegedly possessed. While some drug possession charges may be classified as misdemeanors, many cases involving Schedule I or Schedule II substances will involve felony charges.

Drug Manufacturing

Charges of manufacturing a controlled substance may apply if you are accused of operating a meth lab, preparing or processing drugs, or even dividing drugs into small packages with the intent of selling or distributing them. These offenses are usually charged as felonies, and more serious charges may apply if you allegedly committed a crime near a school or in the presence of children.

Drug Trafficking

Accusations involving the sale or distribution of controlled substances may lead to drug trafficking charges, which often carry severe penalties. If you were allegedly involved in trafficking large quantities of drugs, you may be facing decades in prison. Our attorneys will help you determine how to defend against these charges, and we can investigate your case to determine whether police officers violated your rights during a search or arrest.

Sex Crimes in Tennessee

Crimes involving sexual activity and violations of consent are treated seriously by prosecutors. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will not only face a prison sentence, but you may be classified as a sex offender, which will require you to register with law enforcement on a regular basis and place restrictions on where you can live and work. Our lawyers can provide you with a defense against charges such as:

Sexual Assault and Rape

If someone has accused you of touching them inappropriately, having sexual intercourse without consent, or engaging in other nonconsensual sex acts, you could be charged with sexual battery or rape. Our team can help you respond to these allegations. Our defense strategies may include showing that consent was given, showing that accusations are based on a mistaken identity, or demonstrating that you were not present at the time of the alleged offense.

Child Pornography

Offenses involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) are treated seriously by law enforcement, since they involve harm to children. If you have been accused of possessing child pornography, distributing CSAM to others, or creating child pornography by taking photos or videos, you are likely to face serious penalties after a conviction. Our attorneys can help you determine the best defense strategies against these charges.

Other Types of Criminal Cases

The Baker Law Firm also provides representation in many other types of criminal matters, including:

• White Collar Crimes: Charges of fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, money laundering, and other financial crimes may be based on extensive investigations, and convictions may result in large fines, prison time, and restitution orders.
• Traffic Crimes: Our team can provide a defense against charges of driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, aggravated speeding, or other criminal traffic offenses or traffic violations.
• Weapons Violations: You may face charges related to the unlawful possession of a firearm or another type of weapon, or you could be charged with a concealed carry violation or another offense related to carrying or using a weapon. Our lawyers can help you protect your 2nd Amendment rights and defend against a criminal conviction.
• Juvenile Crimes: When a minor is charged with a criminal offense, a juvenile court will usually address the case and determine what penalties may be appropriate. In cases involving serious offenses, a minor may be tried in adult court. Our attorneys work to protect the futures of young people and resolve these cases with minimal long-term penalties.

Contact Our Gatlinburg, TN Criminal Defense Attorneys

A criminal charge can be serious, but you can take steps to protect your rights and defend against a conviction with the help of an attorney. At The Baker Law Firm, we can provide the representation you need to resolve your case successfully. Contact our Gatlinburg criminal defense lawyers at 865-200-4117 to discuss your case with us in a free consultation.