West Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorneys

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Germantown Help Protect Your Rights and Future

At Snider & Horner, PLLC, we know how daunting criminal charges can be. We offer aggressive legal representation to clients in Germantown, Sommerville, and West Tennessee. No matter whether you face accusations for state or federal offenses, our team is here to fight for your rights and help you secure a positive outcome.

With decades of combined experience, we bring our detailed expertise and courtroom track of success to your case. Given the complexity of criminal law and how Tennessee prosecutors often aggressively seek a conviction, you need a reputable attorney by your side both out of court and during hearings.

Our attorneys have close ties with our community and tirelessly advocate for our client’s rights. We recommend you reach out to us as soon as you face charges so we can get started on your defense quickly and effectively.

If you face criminal charges in West Tennessee, contact Snider & Horner, PLLC, today at (901) 730-8880 to schedule a consultation at our Germantown or Sommerville office.

Criminal Defense Cases Our Attorneys Handle in Germantown

At Snider & Horner, PLLC, we can represent you in a wide range of criminal defense cases such as:

• DWI and DUI offenses including reckless or intoxicated driving,
• Domestic violence including battery, child abuse, and simple or aggravated assault
• Violent crimes including robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide
• Drug offenses including possession, selling, and trafficking of illegal or prescription drugs
• Theft offenses including burglary
• White collar crimes including fraud, embezzlement, counterfeiting, and identity theft

We can also assist you if you are facing juvenile criminal charges. Whether a court may treat a minor differently than an adult, you may risk the same penalties for certain criminal charges. Even in the case of lesser penalties, a juvenile conviction can negatively impact your academic, professional, and personal future.

Federal Criminal Charges in Tennessee

Depending on the severity of your alleged offense or whether you face multiple charges, the prosecution may seek conviction for a federal crime. This type of criminal offense is a violation of a federal law that can involve crimes that cross state lines or that use mail or telephone wires.

Other types of federal crimes include capital offenses, treason, and conspiracy. Working with a criminal defense attorney is vital if you face federal criminal charges because they can result in especially long jail sentences. Prosecutors can also benefit from greater resources to investigate an alleged federal crime.

What to Do When Facing Criminal Charges in West Tennessee

Most criminal accusations follow the following steps in Tennessee:

• Arrest
• Bail
• Indictment
• Arraignment
• Preliminary hearing

Law enforcement should read you your Miranda Rights when they arrest you for suspected criminal activity. Those rights include speaking with a Attorney and remaining silent. We always recommend you contact us right away so we can be present when you speak with police officers. While you should cooperate with the law, we recommend you do not answer questions until we are present.

The prosecution can use anything you say against you. Bail is your right as a defendant to request your release from jail after your arrest. We help you during this step and can speak with the judge to ensure that you can afford any payment or bond they require to authorize your release.

The indictment is when a court officially charges you with one or more criminal offenses, whether at the state and/or federal level. The prosecution presents the formal accusations during your arraignment and gives you the right to please guilty or not guilty. Afterward, you usually have a preliminary hearing as the defendant. However, we usually do not present evidence to the court at this time.

A criminal conviction can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony, the penalty for the latter being generally substantially greater in terms of jail time and fines. However, even a misdemeanor conviction results in a criminal record.

Possible penalties for a criminal conviction in Tennessee include:

• Fines
• Incarceration
• Probation
• Loss of professional licenses or permits
• Loss of parental rights
• Loss of driving privileges
• Inability to own a firearm

If someone else suffered from your crime, a judge may require that you pay restitution to them. They may also consider you liable for the victim’s medical expenses and other civil damages.

Even light penalties for a misdemeanor conviction can lead to a damaged reputation that negatively impacts your employment, insurance, and rental opportunities.

What is a Defense Attorney?

A defense attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals or entities accused of criminal offenses. They play a critical role in the justice system by providing legal counsel and advocacy for those facing criminal charges. Whether you're wrongly accused or seeking to minimize the consequences of your actions, a defense attorney is your advocate in navigating the complex world of criminal law.

How a Defense Attorney Can Help You

• Legal Expertise: One of the most significant advantages of hiring a defense attorney is their deep understanding of criminal law. They are well-versed in the intricacies of the legal system, including rules of evidence, case law, and procedural guidelines. This knowledge allows them to provide informed advice and construct strong legal strategies tailored to your specific case.
• Protecting Your Rights: A defense attorney is your safeguard against any violations of your legal rights. They ensure that law enforcement and the prosecution adhere to due process, protecting you from illegal searches, coerced confessions, or other abuses of power. This protection is especially crucial to maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system.
• Investigation and Case Analysis: Defense attorneys are skilled in investigating the details of a case. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the strength of the prosecution's case. This comprehensive analysis allows them to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies that can be used to your advantage during trial or in negotiations with the prosecution.
• Negotiation with Prosecutors: In many cases, a defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to secure a favorable outcome for their clients. This negotiation might involve reducing charges, minimizing penalties, or even pursuing alternative sentencing options such as probation or diversion programs. These negotiations can be critical in avoiding the harshest consequences of a conviction.
• Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, a defense attorney will be your advocate in the courtroom. They present your case, challenge the prosecution's evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and provide a compelling defense to the charges against you. Their experience and expertise in trial strategy are essential for achieving the best possible outcome.

Why Hire Snider & Horner, PLLC, as Your Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal prosecution is a complex system to navigate and when you trust us with building your defense strategy, our attorneys carefully review your situation and accompany you throughout the legal proceedings. We help you cooperate with law enforcement while making sure they respect your rights.

Our team also conducts a separate investigation to check the quality of evidence and witnesses that the prosecution plans to use to convict you. We understand how each case is unique and we always tailor our legal approach to our client’s specific needs.

Our priority is to help you avoid conviction and prove you did not commit the criminal offense the judge charged you with. If a dismissal of the charges is not an option, we can help you enter a plea deal and aim for a reduction of charges and sentencing.

Call Snider & Horner, PLLC, today at (901) 730-8880 or use our online form to schedule a criminal defense consultation in West Tennessee.