Motion to Suppress DUI in Nashville, TN

DUI Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood & Mount Juliet, TN

Although the components involved in a motion can be extensive, most (although not all) contain the same three basic elements:

• First, notice of the fact that there will be a motion must be given.
• Second, there must be a hearing for the motion. The hearing is done by the judge and without a jury. This is usually the time when the judge will ask any questions or express any concerns he or she may have about the motion.
• And third, a judge will rule on the motion. A ruling can come right away or may take weeks.

At times an attorney may file motions as a strategic or urgent move, or for a trivial issue without their clients knowing that they have been done. Because lawyers have extensive experience with motions, this is usually not an issue, but a client may certainly ask to be involved in all details of their case.

If you have questions about defense motions and the way a Nashville DUI defense attorney may be able to protect your interests in the face of DUI or any criminal charges, call (615) 265-6383.

Fourth Amendment “Suppression” Motions

Numerous DUI cases are resolved on "suppression" issues. This ensures a defendant’s privacy rights, guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The remedy for such violations is the application of the exclusionary rule. This rule merely states that whatever evidence the police officers acquired as a result of the illegal privacy intrusion is "fruit of the poisonous tree" and cannot be used against defendants.

You Have the Right to Effective Legal Counsel

The Sixth Amendment provides a person the legal right to help from effective counsel. There are deadlines (as defined by Rule of Court) pertaining to most motions, and pretrial deadlines may exist but may not deny the defendant of the right to due process or the Sixth Amendment. Also, any Rule of Court must be published and submitted to the bar association as well as to all judges for that court, and it must be open for the public to view. This must be done even when the change is minor and will only take place within one area or courtroom. Rules that are approved must not clash with any other state law or policies (no matter how informal) already in place.

Contact May McKinney at (615) 265-6383 today to discuss your DUI charges with a seasoned team of professionals.