Pigeon Forge, TN Criminal Defense Lawyers

When you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the issues addressed in your case can quickly become overwhelming. You may face questioning by police officers, or they may perform searches to gather evidence. You may be unsure about how procedures will be handled in court or what steps you can take to defend yourself. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the decisions you make during your arrest and when responding to criminal charges can have a huge impact on your future. You will need to make sure you have an advocate on your side who will protect your rights.

The attorneys at The Baker Law Firm can help you defend against criminal charges after an arrest in Pigeon Forge or another part of Sevier County. We will closely examine the evidence, review the procedures used by law enforcement to determine whether your rights have been violated, and work with you to build a successful defense strategy. We will make sure you will be able to make informed decisions at every step, and we will advocate on your behalf to help you resolve your case successfully.

Sex Crime Charges

Crimes of a sexual nature carry especially severe penalties. In addition to the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence and large fines, a conviction for a sex crime may require you to register as a sex offender. This will place restrictions on where you will be allowed to live and work, as well as other restrictions that could affect your daily life and your future. These issues will continue to affect you long after your sentence has been served. We take these cases very seriously, and we will provide the representation you need to achieve positive results.

Sexual Assault and Rape

If you have been accused of engaging in sexual activity with someone without their consent, you could be charged with sexual assault or rape. Sexual battery, which involves sexual contact without consent, may be charged as a Class E or Class D felony depending on the circumstances. Rape charges may be based on accusations of sexual intercourse committed using force, coercion, or in a situation where the other party could not give consent. In these cases, you could be charged with a Class B felony and sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. Aggravated rape involving serious injuries or the use of a weapon is one of the most serious charges. As a Class A felony, a conviction could lead to a prison sentence as high as 60 years.

Because accusations of sexual assault may involve issues related to consent, the credibility of an alleged victim and other witnesses, and physical evidence, a careful, fact-based defense is essential. Our attorneys can review medical records, forensic reports, and witness statements in detail, and we will challenge evidence when possible and work to avoid a conviction.

Child Pornography and CSAM Offenses

Charges involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) are some of the most serious sex crime offenses in Tennessee. If you are facing charges involving the production, distribution, or possession of child pornography, the specific offenses may range from Class B to Class A felonies depending on the facts of the case.

These cases often hinge on complex digital evidence, including data gathered from computers, mobile devices, online accounts, cloud storage, or file-sharing networks. Our team will look at how digital evidence was obtained, whether officers acted under search warrants, how electronic devices were handled, and other facts to determine if any errors were made during a case. We will work to resolve these cases while minimizing the penalties that could affect our clients' lives.

White Collar Crime Defense

White collar crimes generally involve non-violent financial offenses. These cases may involve electronic documents and records, complex financial transactions, and other issues that will require a review and analysis from an experienced attorney. Our lawyers know how to analyze this evidence in detail, and we can determine the best defenses against charges such as:

• Fraud: Charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, or healthcare fraud may be based on accusations of providing falsified information, making false claims, or taking other actions to obtain money or property through dishonest behavior.
• Embezzlement: A person may be accused of taking money or property that was entrusted to them by their employer or another party. These accusations may lead to prosecution for theft.
• Identity Theft: A person may face criminal charges based on accusations that they have used of another person's identifying information for financial gain. The specific charges may be enhanced based on the amount of financial harm that was allegedly caused.
• Money Laundering: If a person is accused of participating in schemes where they concealed the source of money obtained through criminal activity, they may face serious criminal charges. Even if they did not directly participate in other criminal activity, money laundering can result in serious penalties.

Violent Crime Charges

Murder and Homicide

When a person is accused of murder, the specific charges they may face may be based on the circumstances of an alleged offense and their alleged mental state at the time. Charges of first-degree murder will require prosecutors to show that a person acted with premeditation. Second-degree murder charges may apply if a person allegedly killed someone intentionally, but their actions were not premeditated. Other homicide charges may include voluntary manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide.

Kidnapping

Allegations of holding another person against their will may lead to multiple types of charges related to kidnapping. False imprisonment charges may involve unlawfully restraining another person, and this is a misdemeanor offense. Kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, and especially aggravated kidnapping may involve additional factors such as the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of a bodily injury. These charges are more likely to be classified as felonies.

Assault and Aggravated Assault

Charges of assault may address a range of conduct, including causing someone to fear that they will suffer harm or intentionally causing an injury. Simple assault is typically a misdemeanor offense, but aggravated assault involving serious bodily injuries or the use of a deadly weapon may result in a felony charge.

Domestic Violence

When an assault or a related offense occurs between people in a domestic relationship, such as spouses, family members, or people who live in the same home, a person may be charged with domestic assault. Domestic violence cases are taken seriously, and in addition to potential criminal penalties, an order of protection may be issued that may place restrictions on where a person can go and who they can contact.

Other Criminal Offenses

The Baker Law Firm also provides representation in a wide variety of misdemeanor and felony cases, including:

Drug Offenses

Drug crimes may involve accusations of possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of controlled substances. Felony drug charges can result in lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.

DUI and Traffic Crimes

Driving under the influence is an offense that can result in criminal penalties, the loss of a driver's license, and a permanent record. In addition to defending against DUI charges, our attorneys can assist with other cases involving traffic violations, including reckless driving or hit-and-run.

Juvenile Offenses

When a minor is accused of violating the law, their case will typically be handled within the juvenile justice system. However, cases involving serious offenses may be transferred to adult court, exposing young people to adult penalties like prison sentences. Our team works to protect the rights and futures of juvenile clients while helping families resolve these cases successfully.

Contact Our Pigeon Forge Criminal Defense Attorneys

At The Baker Law Firm, we can provide you with the defense you need as you are facing criminal charges. Our team will take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and work to protect your rights as we help you defend against a conviction. Reach out to our Pigeon Forge, TN criminal defense lawyers at 865-200-4117 to schedule your free consultation.