Being charged with a crime is a serious matter that can have devastating consequences on your life. Whether you’re facing charges for a misdemeanor, a felony, a white collar crime or a violent crime, what happens after your arrest can have serious repercussions for a long time. If you’ve been arrested for a crime, you need strong, experienced representation from a tough lawyer with over 20 years of experience in Tennessee criminal law. Chattanooga felony and misdemeanor attorney Mary Sullivan Moore has tried thousands of criminal cases including juvenile court cases and hundreds of jury trials for a wide range of crimes, including: Theft Robbery Vandalism Drug crimes Simple possession and controlled substance Juvenile offenses Forgery Arson Assault Embezzlement DUI charges Homicide We at Mary Sullivan Moore, Attorney at Law, PLLP, are committed to providing a strong defense at affordable rates for clients facing criminal charges. A former prosecutor, Ms. Moore knows how to examine a criminal case from every perspective to detect weaknesses and anticipate problems. Our office also has a deep understanding of Chattanooga, and the social context within which arrests are often made. We fight hard to defend our clients against convictions that could potentially shatter their lives. The Burden Of Proof If you’ve been charged with a crime, the burden of proof lies with the prosecutor. It is his or her job to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime for which you were arrested. In other words, you are assumed innocent until proven guilty. A seasoned defense attorney can do a lot to raise doubts about the prosecution’s evidence, arguing that for example: You had an alibi. Police made an illegal arrest. Crime scene evidence was mishandled. Even if you plead guilty, an experienced defense attorney can help get your charges reduced, in some cases arguing that: You acted in self-defense. You suffered from insanity. You were the victim of an entrapment ploy. Whatever your particular situation, criminal defense attorney Mary Sullivan Moore has the experience and fortitude to fight hard for the best possible outcome.
Chattanooga DUI Defense Lawyer If you’ve been out drinking, the sight of flashing lights in the rear-view mirror is not a welcome one. Like most states, Tennessee has strict and well-established criminal consequences for people who drive under the influence. People convicted of DUI face a number of serious penalties that escalate in severity for habitual offenders who have been stopped for multiple DUIs. Consequences are also more severe for underage drinkers charged with DUI. Some of the consequences for a DUI conviction include: Jail time Driver’s license suspension Probation Volunteer work Required drug and alcohol treatment program Required ignition interlock device There can also be secondary ramifications to a DUI conviction, including: Increased car insurance rates Refused health/car/disability insurance Car rental restrictions Difficulty finding employment Restricted gun ownership Chattanooga DUI defense attorney Mary Sullivan Moore can help you avoid the serious and potentially far-reaching consequences of a DUI conviction. We are committed to doing everything we can to lessen the impact of your charge, so that you can look toward your future with optimism. Challenging Chemical Tests People who undergo a Breathalyzer test and then blow over the legal limit .08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) may feel that they have no grounds on which to challenge a DUI charge. However, chemical readings may be challenged on several points that could disqualify the readings as evidence. Mary Sullivan Moore is a lawyer who has the experience and knowledge of Tennessee DUI law to contest the results of a chemical test. Click on link to view the Summary of Tennessee DUI Penalties. Blood Test Controversy Tennessee is one of very few states that currently allow forced blood draws. This is a controversial measure wherein certain drivers can be forced to give blood instead. The forced blood draw law is being challenged in several states as unconstitutional, but still stands as legal in Tennessee. Whether through a blood or breath test, if your chemical test indicated impairment, you need to consult with a lawyer to discuss your rights.