DUI

Tennessee state laws have made drunk driving punishable by severe penalties and consequences. A DUI conviction can have a serious impact on your life — with sentences that include large fines, jail time, probation and the loss of driving privileges. If you have been arrested for DUI, contact Clark and Cox PLLC right away to ensure your future is protected. We will advocate for your rights in criminal court and Department of Motor Vehicles proceedings.

DRUG CRIMES

Instead of protecting the public from property and violent crimes, the war on drugs in the United States has resulted in unjust, harsh penalties for nonviolent, victimless crimes. Mental illness or addiction can land a person in prison for years, even somebody who never hurt anyone or damaged property.

If you have a drug related charge the best plan of defense will depend on whether you are charged with simple possession of drugs or whether you are charged with possession for sale or sales of narcotics. Many times in our representation of our clients over the past decades, we have been able to get charges of possession of sales reduced to charges of simple possession. If you have been charged with a drug related offense, please call us as soon as possible.

VIOLENT CRIMES

At Clark & Cox PLLC, we understand that our clients can go to jail for years and spare no effort in their defense. We are dedicated to assisting you when charged with violent crimes. We fully investigate the incident and interview witnesses. We are alert to all possible defenses particularly including self-defense. We develop defenses fully for forceful presentation at trial. You are urged to contact us for serious defense against these charges.

FELONIES

A felony conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. When facing felony charges, you need a vigorous criminal defense strategy. Our experienced lawyers determine the best course of action based on the evidence against you. We are committed to helping you avoid the hardships that result from a felony conviction.

TRAFFIC OFFENSES

Traffic offenses can have serious consequences. For some offenses such as DUI, you may have to spend time in jail, pay heavy fines and lose your driving privileges. Even if your charge is less serious, you may have to pay a stiff fine and have a charge on your record affecting insurance rates. If your charge is combined with a few others, you may run up enough points for the DMV to suspend your driver's license.

To improve your chances of a favorable outcome, it is important to have an attorney defending you. Arrayed against you is an experienced prosecutor and police officers skilled as professional witnesses. With an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you have a chance for a more favorable outcome. Your attorney may cross-examine police officers to shake their story and point to inconsistencies and omissions in their evidence and violations of procedure.

THEFT AND ROBBERIES

Theft, simply defined as someone taking another’s property without that person’s consent, covers a broad range of charges.

Automobile theft

The theft of a motor vehicle is one of the most serious forms of theft. Also referred to as grand theft auto, this could include the permanent stealing of a car as well as the temporary theft known as joyriding. Both, however, carry stiff penalties.

Burglary and robbery

Burglary and robbery are two separate offenses under Tennessee laws. Burglary, also known as breaking and entering, is entering a building with the intention of committing theft or another felony offense. Robbery is the taking of an item off the owner's person or from her or his presence. The use of a weapon during the commission of a robbery is armed robbery, which carries enhanced penalties.

Employee theft

Criminal statutes prohibit employees from stealing items or money from work. This theft from an employer can also be referred to as embezzlement. Penalties depend in part on the value of the item stolen.

Misdemeanor theft

Tennessee defines misdemeanor theft as the taking of an item that is valued at less than $500. Misdemeanor theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but prior offenses may cause an upgrade to a felony charge.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is the criminal act of taking items from a retail store without paying for them. Several defenses can be used to challenge this common crime. For example, if you accidently took an item during a moment of absent-mindedness, our firm can step up to protect you.

If you have been charged with theft, it is in your best interest to seek help from an experienced lawyer you can trust. We understand how the prosecution will try to prove its case against you, which gives you an advantage from the start. We understand what is on the line. From felonies to misdemeanors, we have the experience necessary to provide you with the assistance you deserve.

JUVENILE CRIMES

Children often lack the ability to fully understand the consequences of their actions. For this reason, the Tennessee court system treats children differently than adults. Most minors who are charged with crimes are processed through the juvenile court system and are subject to special rules and procedures. If your child has been arrested, it is important to take the matter seriously. Juvenile charges do not automatically get sealed at age 18 as many believe. A charge can stay there to haunt the child in later years making it more difficult to successfully apply for college, win a scholarship, get a good job or apply for loans.

We understand how important your involvement in your child’s case is to its successful outcome and we advise you on the steps you should take during the judicial process. Our priorities are to reach the best immediate outcome and to protect your child’s future.

WHITE COLLAR CRIME

We have obtained favorable results in a wide range of criminal defense matters at both a state and federal level. Our hard work and dedication to clients has helped their success, including dismissals of federal charges ranging from conspiracy, to theft, to wire fraud involving government issued tax refunds.

DIVORCE

We not only understand the law, but we understand human psychology and the emotions and sadness often associated with divorce matters. An experienced divorce attorney will help you maintain your dignity throughout the divorce process. We have over two decades of experience in all aspects of divorce such as alimony and property division.

We also will help you with post divorce issues including child custody, child support, and visitation. At Clark and Cox PLLC, we understand the process from start to finish; we will get you the result you deserve.

PATERNITY

Because visitation rights and support obligations are based on the biological relationship between parent and child, establishing paternity is often a necessary first step for mothers seeking child support and fathers seeking custody or visitation. The legal presumptions in place make establishing paternity unnecessary in most situations involving married parents. However it can be a fairly common issue between unwed parents, especially those who had only a brief relationship. We fully understand the procedures in place for establishing or contesting paternity and have assisted parents in West Tennessee on both sides of the issue. We can advise you if paternity proceedings are necessary to obtain child support, custody or visitation and can guide you through every step of the process.

DEPEENDENCY AND NEGLECT / DCS

Occasionally, children need to be removed from their parents’ home. When this happens, a parent’s rights may be terminated or suspended. These actions can be brought by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) or by a private party. For example, a concerned family member or close friend might file a petition with the court, requesting that the children be removed from the home and that the petitioner be granted temporary custody.

We have represented parents who were fighting to keep custody of their children as well as concerned family members who were requesting custody of a neglected or abused child. If you are concerned that your children might be removed from your care or you are seeking to protect children you believe to be in danger, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

GRANDPARENT RIGHTS

In Tennessee, grandparent’s rights are also recognized by the court. Being denied time with your grandchildren is something that no grandparent should have to go through. Grandparents are often put in this tough situation after the death of one of the child’s parents (the grandparents’ child), divorce of the parents or when the parents have never married. Without court-ordered visitation, the surviving parent can refuse to allow you any time with your grandchildren.

Many states have established visitation rights for grandparents, though they are limited. If you are being denied time with your grandchildren, contact me today to discuss whether you qualify under Tennessee law to have a court establish a visitation schedule.

Here are common examples of when grandparent visitation may be established in Tennessee:

One of the child’s parents is deceased

The parents are divorced or legally separated

A parent has been missing for at least 6 months

Another state has granted you visitation

The child lived in the grandparent’s home for at least 12 months

The grandparent shared a significant relationship with the grandchild for at least 12 months

GUARDIANSHIP

Guardianships are a method of obtaining legal custody of, or decision-making authority over, another person. There are many types of guardianship actions. We can help you seek guardianship of a minor, a disabled adult child, an elderly person or a mentally ill person.

ADOPTION

The adoption process can be a lengthy, complex and often frustrating experience. Legal procedures, dense paperwork and strictly enforced requirements can further complicate adoptions. Having qualified legal assistance can quickly resolve any discrepancies and help make your adoption a success.

CAR, TRUCK, AND MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Each year, over three million people are injured in car accidents. An estimated 1% of the U.S. Population affected by car accidents annually, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident, you need an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, property damages, medical bills and pain and suffering.

At Clark and Cox PLLC, we understand the process from start to finish; we will get you the result you deserve.

SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS AND PREMISES LIABILITY ACCIDENTS

Daily living is filled with dangers and hazards. Slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of injury in the United States, second only to motor vehicle accidents. Over a million people each year will sustain an injury from a fall caused by a slip or a trip.

In most situations, the injured person and the property owner share varying degrees of responsibility for the fall. Was the property owner aware of a hazardous condition and did he take the appropriate actions to correct it? Was the hazard open and obvious or was it unavoidable? The merits of every set of facts must be carefully evaluated by an experienced premises liability attorney before a determination can be made as to whether a legal action is warranted.

We understand the complex legal and medical issues involved in a slip and fall (or trip and fall ) accident. We have successfully helped our clients receive compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills and loss of wages resulting from their injuries.