Memphis Criminal Defense Lawyer Asserts Clients’ Rights

Experienced advocate fights for Tennesseans accused of serious crimes

A criminal conviction can devastate your life. At the Memphis criminal defense firm of Jack P. Sherman, Attorney at Law, I fight for the rights of people who have been arrested. My law firm takes on tough cases involving allegations of assault, drug crimes and other offenses. As an aggressive Tennessee lawyer with 20-plus years of experience defending clients in Shelby County and other locations, you can rely on me to give your case the focused attention that it deserves.

Arrested for a drug crime?

charges can involve accusations of simple possession, possession with intent, delivery, trafficking and manufacturing. Even for simple possession, which is a misdemeanor, you could face jail time of up to a year and a fine of up to $2,500. For more serious offenses, you could spend years in prison depending upon the specific charge and the amount and type of drug involved. Once I review the details of your case, I will seek to have your charges reduced or dismissed if warranted.

Being prosecuted for assault?

In basic terms, assault is intentionally causing injury to another person or making them fear imminent injury. Aggravated assault involves causing serious bodily injury, using or showing a deadly weapon, and in some cases, attempted strangulation. Penalties for assault crimes range from up to a year in jail to as much as 15 years in prison, as well as fines. If domestic violence was involved, you may pay an additional fine. I will examine the evidence against you and raise appropriate challenges to the prosecution’s case.

Accused of sexual offenses?

Some of the most serious sexual offenses in Tennessee include:

• Rape and aggravated rape
• Sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child

These offenses range from Class A to Class E felonies with sentences of one to 60 years in prison, as well as fines from $3,000 to $50,000. Being convicted of a sex crime can have lifelong consequences, including having to register as a sex offender. If you are accused of one of these crimes or another sexual offense, there are several defenses that could be raised in order to challenge the prosecution’s case, such as the defense that the act in question was consensual. I will fight hard to reach the best possible outcome in these cases.

Apprehended for robbery?

If found guilty of robbery or aggravated robbery, which involves the use or threat of a weapon, you could spend from three to 60 years in prison. I will advise you about possible defenses dependent on the details of your case and advocate for you throughout the justice process. 

Facing murder charges?

A first-degree murder conviction can result in life in prison or capital punishment. A second-degree murder conviction can get you up to 60 years behind bars. No matter what type of homicide charge you are facing, you need legal help right away. I will work to counter the evidence brought against you and pursue the most satisfactory resolution possible. 

Facing other types of criminal charges?

My firm handles a full range of misdemeanor and felony cases, including matters where DUI/DWI and gun crimes are alleged. Even a misdemeanor charge can lead to incarceration and a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment and other areas of your life. Felony counts carry much steeper sentences, even for white collar offenses where no violence occurred. You deserve a lawyer who is well versed not only in the relevant law, but in the practical considerations that are often pivotal in these cases.

Litigator represents defendants in all phases of criminal proceedings

Once you’ve been placed in custody, the police must advise you of your right to remain silent and your right to retain an attorney. My firm can step in at the police station, represent you in bail matters and advocate for you if a preliminary hearing is held. I make sure that you have a full grasp of all your options, including the option of a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. Should you choose to fight the charge in court, I am a seasoned trial litigator who will not be intimidated by the prosecutors or their tactics.

What should I expect from a good defense lawyer?

No attorney can guarantee results, but a good defense lawyer will look at the facts in your case with a trained, unbiased eye. From the moment your legal representation begins, your attorney should prevent authorities from overstepping their bounds and violating your fundamental rights. No matter what the particular charge entails or how formidable the case against you might seem, my firm will protect your rights, challenge the evidence brought against you and press for the most favorable resolution given the circumstances.

If I plan on pleading guilty, do I still need a lawyer?

Prosecutors frequently use overcharging and other tactics to get what they want from accused individuals. Even if you determine that pleading guilty is your best option, it is critical to retain a strong criminal defense lawyer. I know how prosecutors work and will press them to reduce their sentence in exchange for giving up your right to a trial. After I review your case, you might also realize that you have a better chance at a dismissal or acquittal than you thought. 

Contact an accomplished Memphis criminal defense lawyer to receive a free consultation  

Jack P. Sherman, Attorney At Law defends Tennessee clients in all types of felony and misdemeanor matters. Please call 901-233-3474 or contact me online for a free initial consultation at my Memphis office.