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Questions Answered by Lawrence James Arnkoff
2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can someone be charged with theft of equipment if they got the equipment back?
Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Mar 27, 2018

I am assuming when you say "they" you are referring to the rightful owners. The answer to your question

is absolutely yes you can be charged with the theft if you unlawfully deprived the owner of their property

for any length of time. Returning the property is not a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I get in legal trouble if my girlfriend and I continue talking after being contacted by an officer of the law?

Today I was consulted by an officer stating that my girlfriend (13) and I (18) are no longer allowed to have any form of contact. No messaging, no calling. The officer did not specify that there was a restraining order in place, he simply said I have to cease all contact with her. Can the law... View More

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Mar 19, 2018

The answer is YES they can. IF you were told that, then there must be a stay away order

in place. No contact means no contact. If she calls or texts you be sure to keep a record

of the transaction on your phone. You aren't liable if she violates the order by contacting you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: If my sister turns herself in for a felony warrant about how much will her bond be? We want to gather the money before

I believe the charge is Theft over 500 dollars but I am not sure because she used someone's debit card to wire herself money out of their bank for drugs. So I'm not sure what that falls under

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Mar 7, 2018

I would recommend you call the Sheriff's Department in the County where the warrant

originated. They should be able to tell you if there is a standard bond amount for the offense.

After surrendering, your sister might have to make an initial appearance before a magistrate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: Does Tennessee have a drug conspiracy offense
Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Mar 6, 2018

Tennessee has a conspiracy statute that would apply to all offenses not just drugs. I am attaching a copy for you.

2010 Tennessee Code

Title 39 - Criminal Offenses

Chapter 12 - General Offenses

Part 1 - Inchoate Offenses

39-12-103 - Criminal conspiracy....
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: What will happen to me? I was caught stealing merchandise at a store.

Earlier today I was walking around Belk with my mother and noticed a pair of earrings that I liked. I didn't even look at the price. I just took them off of the little tag they were on and put them in my ears because I didn't want to buy them and didn't want to ask my mother to buy... View More

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Feb 28, 2018

If u have no criminal history this does not need to be a nightmare. You

Should be eligible for a diversion or a retirement if your case is properly

Negotiated with the district attorney's office. That will leave u with a dismissal

And the opportunity to expunge your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a lawyer force you to plead out on a high class felony when you do not understand charge or what they changed it to

I was charged with conspiracy with intent to deliver methamphetamines I was charged with this charge due to phone calls to a young man who was them taken into custody by feds. Hired an attorney we went to court a couple of times I was getting ready to go to rehab trying to get into rehab I'm... View More

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Feb 21, 2018

The short answer is no. Nobody can force you to plead guilty. In federal court

The change of plea requirements are strict to protect defendants from involuntarily

Pleading guilty. Lawyers can advise you but they cannot force you to plead guilty.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a charge of theft for $500 with no prior record?

I am being wrongfully accused of theft by my mother who has Alzheimers or dementia in which she had me sell her property but now claims she didn't authorize it. I have never been in trouble with the law and I have durable power of attorney over her medically and her living will and will for... View More

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Feb 15, 2018

Absolutely, you need an experienced criminal attorney. You are facing a felony charge and you need a lawyer to help you put forth your defense. Having no criminal history

Is a positive but it helps you most at a sentencing hearing if you are convicted.

You don't want to be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: I plead guilty at in-jail arraignment can I change my plea at the next hearing?
Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Feb 3, 2018

Whenever you plead guilty to an offense it is meant to be final.

However if you have compelling reasons why you want to withdraw

your guilty plea often times judges will grant your request. You

need an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: My boyfriend violated federal probation for 2nd time for not reporting to color code drug test. When picked up by county

He had meth in his pocket and sentenced to 6 months. his release date is 2/7/18 and will be picked up by Marshalls

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Feb 3, 2018

I don't see a question here. If you meant to ask will he be picked up

by the U.S. Marshal when he is finished serving his six months in state custody

the answer is absolutely. He will be facing federal supervised release violations

and depending what his sentencing...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is there an altering price tags on clothing law in Tennessee
Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Jan 31, 2018

It would fall under the theft statute.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: What consequences can a person face if they intentionally lie to the police to have someone arrested?

As a result, the person lied on was booked on a 20,000 dollar bond for aggravated assault and vandalism under 1000, but has never been arrested before.

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Jan 23, 2018

A simple answer would be a person could be subjected to criminal prosecution and possible civil litigation

for obstructing justice leading to a false arrest. However in the real word it won't play out like that.

The individual who was arrested will have to go through the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: What is the statute of limitations on tampering with evidence in Tennessee? Thank you.
Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Jan 22, 2018

I believe the SOL on tampering with evidence which is a class C felony is 4 years.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it illegal for a registered nurse to sign a return to work/school note for a child when there was no record.....

Of medical treatment rendered to said child at the hospital where the doctors note came from. Keep in mind, this nurse is the girlfriend of child’s father.

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Jan 22, 2018

More facts are needed. If you are looking to score points in a

Custody related matter don't get overconfident. If the nurse testified

In a court hearing or submitted a sworn affidavit that is proven to be false

She could be subject to possible criminal prosecution....
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: I have custody of my two daughters and now i have to go to court for false allegations in Tennessee for contempt

The kids have seen they grand mother and sister every week since i had custody . UNTILL THE MOTHER MADE A DEATH THREAT TOWARDS ME AND MY FAMILY ON KILLING AND TRYING TO FIGHT ME IN FRONT OF THE GIRLS TWICE. WE CALLED LOTS OF TIMES BUT SHE WOULD NOT ANSWER OR WAS NEGATIVE . SHE COULD CALL AT THE... View More

Lawrence James Arnkoff
Lawrence James Arnkoff
answered on Jan 21, 2018

I want to preface my remarks by saying I do not practice family law. I am assuming there is a custody order

in some court in Tennessee and a divorce decree if you were married to the children's mother. I can only guess

what the custody requirements are. Even if you are the...
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