Criminal Defense Attorney in Murfreesboro, TN

Protecting Your Rights Against Criminal Charges in Murfreesboro

If you have been charged with a crime in Murfreesboro, TN, or believe you are under investigation for one, it is vital that you find a skilled criminal defense lawyer with experience right away. At Santel | Garner, our legal team is comprised of former prosecutors who are experienced in all matters of criminal defense. Our Murfreesboro criminal defense attorneys can help you fight criminal charges.

Call Santel | Garner at (615) 987-0268 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a criminal attorney today.

Trusted Criminal Lawyers in Murfreesboro

Whether you or a loved one have been charged with a DUI, assault, theft, drug possession, or another misdemeanor or felony, Santel | Garner's criminal defense attorneys possess the experience, knowledge, and work ethic your case will need in order to provide the utmost in client representation. We understand the profound impact of criminal charges on your life and are committed to developing defense strategies that take into account every aspect of your case, including local legal precedents and Murfreesboro's unique judicial landscape.

When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. In a perfect world, it would be great to have an attorney at the moment you are arrested. However, since this is not practical, you should attempt to speak to an attorney as soon as you are released from being arrested. Early engagement of a skilled attorney can significantly impact the resolution of your case, preserving crucial evidence and protecting your rights during the initial phase of the legal process.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services We Offer

At Santel | Garner, our defense law firm in Murfreesboro, TN provides legal representation for a broad range of charges. Our attorneys can provide the legal representation you need in any case, including drug-related criminal cases. We tailor our defense strategies to the specific needs and circumstances of each client, handling every case with utmost diligence and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Proving Your Innocence in Criminal Charges

A dedicated Murfreesboro criminal lawyer is your best option if you want to prove that you were wrongfully accused or to minimize your sentencing if you made a mistake and broke Tennessee's laws. Our legal team has the experience and help you need to approach your case with tremendous confidence. Leveraging our substantial local insight and legal acumen, we scrutinize every detail of the state's case against you, seeking weaknesses or procedural errors that we can use to your advantage.

Select one of our key areas of criminal defense to learn more:

• Bonnaroo arrests
• Domestic violence & harassment
• Drug crimes
• DUIs
• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Sex crimes
• Theft & burglary
• Violations of probation
• Violent crimes
• Weapons crimes
• White collar crimes

Essential Steps to Take If You've Been Accused of a Crime

Facing criminal charges is a terrifying and stressful experience. Regardless of guilt, an accusation can instantly overturn your life, leading to serious, long-term consequences. It is essential to act thoughtfully and promptly, seeking legal counsel immediately to understand your rights and potential defenses. Remember, the actions you take immediately following an accusation can significantly shape your case's trajectory.

If you or a loved one has recently been arrested, accused, or is under investigation for an offense, it is vitally important you know your rights and how to handle this situation. Our legal team can guide you through the complexities of the justice system, ensuring you are equipped to respond effectively to any developments in your case.

First, it helps to understand the different types of accusations and their consequences:

• Being charged with a crime means that you have been formally accused by the state. However, a person facing charges with a crime is still considered innocent in the eyes of the law. A trial or other proceedings must be held in order to determine whether the charged individual is guilty or not.
• Being convicted of an offense means that either the alleged criminal has pled guilty or has been proven to be the perpetrator by the prosecution. A person convicted of a criminal offense is guilty in the eyes of the law. After conviction, the guilty party will be sentenced to pay a fine, spend time in jail, and/or another type of punishment such as house arrest or community service throughout TN.

If you’ve been charged, don’t panic! While easier said than done, remember that you have rights under the law and have yet to be proven guilty. There is still time for you to take charge of this situation. Seek immediate legal counsel to discuss potential defense strategies that align with Tennessee laws and your specific circumstances.

To learn about how a Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney can help you stand up for your rights, call (615) 987-0268 or contact us online for your free case evaluation.

Your Right to a Fair Trial in Tennessee

The U.S. Constitution recognizes that all citizens have a right to a trial and are innocent until proven guilty. Though the criminal justice system and law enforcement unfortunately don’t always act as if this is the case, the law is on your side. At Santel | Garner, we are committed to upholding your right to a fair trial, advocating vigorously to ensure every legal safeguard is applied in your defense.

If you have been arrested, you also have the rights to remain silent and to hire an attorney. Tell the police you would like to speak to a criminal defense lawyer and don’t say anything else until they comply (remember, anything you say can be used against you). Exercising these rights from the outset can be crucial in building a strong defense strategy moving forward.

From there, your criminal defense lawyer will advise you on what to do and will start building your defense. They will meticulously evaluate all evidence, examining every facet of the prosecution's case for potential weaknesses or rights violations.

Proven Results from Our Criminal Defense Lawyers

Fortunately, it’s not as easy to be convicted of charges. Our track record speaks volumes about our ability to effectively challenge prosecutors' attempts to secure a conviction. We approach every case with the aim of not only avoiding a guilty verdict but also seeking to illuminate any mishandling of your rights during the arrest and investigative process.

The prosecution must use evidence and a sound argument to convince the judge and/or jury that you are guilty of the criminal charges. If they cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you or your loved one is responsible for the alleged charges, they will not be able to achieve a conviction without a guilty plea. We explore every legal avenue to dismantle the prosecution's case, working tirelessly to preserve your freedom and reputation.

Our job, as criminal defense lawyers, is to protect those charged with crimes from being convicted; in the event our clients are convicted, we will do everything in our power to ensure they receive the lightest possible sentence. This involves negotiating plea bargains, presenting compelling evidence, and ensuring all administrative procedures are confidently addressed in court.

75+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience in Murfreesboro

Santel | Garner’s criminal defense and DUI attorney, Tommy Santel, has years of criminal and DUI defense experience, including representation at all levels of criminal proceedings as prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer. Our firm's extensive background means we are not just familiar with Murfreesboro's court systems, but also respected by the legal community, often providing us strategic leverage in negotiations and court proceedings.

Choose Our Committed Criminal Defense Attorneys in Murfreesboro, TN

Our Murfreesboro criminal defense attorneys understand the complex issues that arise in a criminal defense case and what is at stake. As former prosecutors, the criminal defense lawyerss at Santel | Garner have the benefit of looking at your case from the perspective of the State, and with this knowledge can provide quality representation to ensure your rights are protected. We use our deep knowledge of Tennessee's legal statutes and personalized service to develop strategies that address the nuances of your case, ensuring every client receives the attention and advocacy they deserve.

Call Santel | Garner (615) 987-0268 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense 

How Does Bail Work in Murfreesboro, TN?

Bail is an essential aspect of the criminal justice process in Murfreesboro, TN, as it allows the accused to remain free while awaiting trial. The amount is typically determined by the judge during the arraignment, based on factors like the severity of the offense, prior criminal record, and flight risk. Having a dedicated attorney present during your bail hearing can be instrumental, as they can argue for reduced bail or secure release on recognizance, which means no money is paid upfront. Santel | Garner's attorneys understand the nuances of local bail procedures and can offer valuable assistance in ensuring a fair bail setting that facilitates your ability to continue daily obligations while preparing your defense.

What are My Rights During a Police Investigation?

During a police investigation in Murfreesboro, you retain several fundamental rights to protect yourself legally. You have the right to remain silent, ensuring that any statements you make cannot inadvertently be used against you. Requesting an attorney is another critical right, allowing legal counsel to guide your communication with law enforcement effectively. Understanding and invoking these rights can significantly influence the trajectory of an investigation. At Santel | Garner, we stand ready to provide guidance on exercising your rights, protecting your interests from the outset of any legal proceedings.

What is the Role of the Grand Jury in Murfreesboro?

In the Murfreesboro legal system, a grand jury plays a key role in determining whether there is enough evidence to indict an individual and proceed to trial. This process can occur for felonies and more complex cases, involving a secretive proceeding where the prosecutor presents evidence to jurors, but the defense does not participate. Understanding the strategy and implications of a grand jury decision is crucial, as it sets the stage for how the subsequent legal processes unfold. With extensive experience navigating such proceedings, our team at Santel | Garner can offer strategic advice to prepare for potential outcomes and craft a rigorous pre-indictment defense.