Byron Pugh Legal exists to provide competent and compassionate legal representation throughout Middle Tennessee. As a former Nashville prosecutor, Mr. Pugh is no stranger to the courtroom. He will ensure that each client is treated with dignity and respect during this difficult time. Most importantly, he knows how to develop a winning strategy based on the strengths and weaknesses of each client’s individual case. If you are accused of a crime or contemplating separating from your spouse, you will need an experienced Nashville criminal lawyer who will both fight for your rights and guide you through the process.
Domestic Violence Domestic Violence offenses consist of physical abuse, threats, and unwanted contact between intimate partners, family members and roommates. Law enforcement, including the District Attorney’s Office, aggressively prosecute these cases. The nature of the offense and the defendant's prior criminal history will determine whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.
If convicted you may face jail time, supervised probation, domestic violence treatment, court fees and fines. If you are arrested and charged with a domestic related offense, then you should hire a former Nashville domestic violence prosecutor to represent your interests.
Criminal Citations In Tennessee, police officers can issue a written misdemeanor citation in lieu of a physical arrest. Only misdemeanors are eligible to be charged by citation. Even though the police will not place you in handcuffs, issuing a citation is an arrest. Penalties may include jail time, probation,, classes, fees and fines. You must take a written citation seriously. Do not come to court without hiring an aggressive Nashville criminal attorney.
Driving Under the Influence Driving under the influence (DUI) is a charge that can result in some very serious consequences. A first time offense carries mandatory jail time, supervised probation and alcohol/drug treatment. Furthermore, your driving privileges will be either restricted or revoked depending on whether you are charged with a first or subsequent offense. Police officers must have reasonable suspicion that you have committed or are committing a crime before they can stop your car and probable cause before they can arrest you. It is imperative that you hire an experienced Nashville DUI attorney to examine the facts of your case and protect your rights.
Drug Crimes Drug crimes consist of unlawfully possessing, delivering, selling, distributing and manufacturing a controlled substance. These crimes carry very harsh penalties, including but not limited to high fines and long periods of incarceration. Drug sales and trafficking are charged as felonies. Typically, only possessing a small amount of any single narcotic is charged as a misdemeanor. Both can become a permanent conviction on your record complicating your ability to find housing and maintain employment. The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police obtained the evidence against you while performing an unlawful search, then the evidence may be suppressed by a judge. Meaning they can not use the items collected or statements obtained against you. You should seek the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer in the Nashville area to thoroughly examine your case and make certain that your constitutional rights were not violated.
Divorce Filing for a divorce can be a heart-wrenching and complicated decision, especially when children are involved. Tennessee recognizes fifteen (15) separate and distinct legal grounds for divorce. Whether you are filing or your spouse, you will need to seek experienced and compassionate legal representation. The divorce process will determine the custody of your children, the amount of child support, potential alimony payments and the division of marital property. This process can be both long and costly, but you have rights and they need to be protected.
Child Custody When filing for divorce or legal separation the number one priority for any parent is the health and well-being of their children. A common misconception is that when deciding custody issues the courts are biased towards the mother. By law, the court and parties must focus on what is in the best interest of the child. While a divorce or legal separation is pending, parents must create and adopt a temporary parenting plan that maintains both emotional and financial stability for the children. The parenting plan lays out the living arrangements for each child, individual parental responsibilities and the child support award. A permanent parenting plan is required before the final divorce or legal separation order is entered.
Child Support Tennessee law requires that all parents provide financial support for their children. The exact amount of child support is determined by the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ child support guidelines. The amount owed is determined by calculating each parents’ adjusted gross income and the number of children being supported. The support award can be adjusted based on the non custodial parent providing extraordinary medical and educational expenses, above or below average parenting time and extreme financial hardship. A Nashville child support attorney can help navigate you through the process so that your interests are protected and your child’s well-being is secure.
Alimony Sometimes divorce can leave one spouse economically disadvantaged. A court can make this determination after all of the marital property has been divided. The financially disadvantaged spouse can ask the court for spousal support or alimony. The court will consider a set of factors when deciding whether the requesting spouse is entitled to alimony, how much to award and how it should be disbursed. A Nashville divorce attorney can help craft the best strategy to make sure that you get your fair share.
Orders of Protection Domestic violence victims have the right to seek a court order requiring an abuser to cease all contact with the victim and any children listed in the order. After a full hearing, a judge will decide whether to issue the order. If the petition is granted the court will enforce the order without hesitation. Violating the judicial order can result in criminal charges. Before attending the hearing you should consult an attorney with court room experience and domestic violence training.
Former prosecutor Byron Pugh is committed to providing exception legal representation to those individuals accused of crimes, seeking a divorce and fighting for their child’s best interest. He can help criminal defendants, spouses and parents across Middle Tennessee, including but not limited to Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Gallatin, Clarksville, Columbia, Davidson County, Sumner County, Rutherford County and Williamson County. Contact Byron Pugh Legal at (615) 255-9595, (615) 957-9178 (after hours and weekends) or online to setup a free consultation with a Nashville criminal lawyer or seek assistance with a family law matter.
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