Criminal Charges
Are Prison Sentences Too Long and Too Harsh?
In America, individuals caught breaking the law are arrested, charged, and then prosecuted. If they are convicted or if they plead guilty, lawbreakers are subject to fines and incarceration, or spending time in jail or prison. The rationale for sending those convicted of crimes to jail or prison is to deter them and others from…
Read MoreMiranda Rights: The Reality
In the United States, citizens and non-citizens alike have rights guaranteed and protected by the United States Constitution. In the criminal justice system, one set of Constitutionally-protected rights is known as “Miranda rights.” Miranda rights were announced by the United States Supreme Court fifty years ago in the case of Ernesto Miranda versus the State…
Read MoreHate Crimes
A hate crime is a crime where the perpetrator targets an individual whom society traditionally oppressed or disfavored, usually due to race, sex, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Federal law and laws of many states increase the punishment for hate crimes. While any crime that affects citizens and non-citizens alike is illegal, supporters of hate crime…
Read MoreWhat are the Special Consequences of a DUI Charge for Immigrants?
In Tennessee, driving under the influence of an intoxicant is a crime referred to as a “DUI.” A DUI in Tennessee carries significant penalties for citizens of the United States, but for foreign nationals who are in the process of applying for citizenship, a DUI can make the process far more complicated. Depending on the…
Read MoreDomestic Violence
In America, the courts treat domestic violence very seriously. Domestic violence is abusive behavior and tactics one individual uses in order to maintain power and control over his or her spouse or significant other. Exact tactics vary among abusers; however, victims are subjected to and endure verbal, physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse. How often…
Read MoreNashville Attorney Perry A. Craft’s Upcoming Seminar on the U.S. Supreme Court
Attorneys keep current on changes and developments in law. To that end, attorneys attend continuing legal education seminars and spend time reading court decisions, amended or new laws, or regulations and analysis of these developments. By staying abreast of changes in the law, attorneys can better counsel and represent their clients. For the last 10…
Read MoreBail Revocation
In the United States, the law presumes that a person charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. However, too many people believe that the police would not arrest an innocent person. When charged with a crime and in accord with the presumption of innocence, most defendants are eligible to post a bail bond. …
Read MoreCampus Crime
Crime in America is not limited to streets and alleys; it may occur anywhere, including on and near campuses of schools, colleges, and universities. Students may be victims or perpetrators. Being a student is no defense to being charged with a crime. Typically, students are charged with underage drinking, shoplifting, casual drug use, or vandalism;…
Read MoreIs the New State Secrecy Law in Arkansas Constitutional?
In America, citizens have rights. Even those convicted of terrible murders and sentenced to death have rights under federal laws and state constitutions. The States must adhere to constitutional rights even when a murderer on death row faces execution. Eight state prisoners on death row in Arkansas are challenging a new state secrecy law that…
Read MoreChanges in Guidelines and Penalties for White Collar Offenses
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) wears many hats. One hat is prosecuting white collar criminals. The DOJ seeks and imposes penalties on companies or individuals who violate the laws and regulations of the United States. The DOJ’s policies and the penalties for white collar criminal offenses are changing. White collar crimes differ from…
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