Arrested for Marijuana Possession in a College Dorm: Legal Options for Students
Date: July 28, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
When a college student is arrested for marijuana possession in a dorm in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the impact goes far beyond a single infraction. Tennessee law prohibits possession of any amount of marijuana—including small quantities—and those arrested are subject to criminal penalties and university discipline.
What Are the Different Types of Theft Charges?
Date: July 8th, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Theft charges in Tennessee encompass a broad spectrum of offenses, from minor shoplifting incidents to significant embezzlement cases. Understanding the various classifications and their associated penalties is crucial for anyone facing such allegations.
Steps for Bringing an Adopted Child Into Your Family
Date: June 6, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Adoption is a life-changing legal process that allows individuals and couples to grow their families by providing a permanent home for a child. Whether the journey begins through a private agency, foster care system, or international placement, every adoption must follow a series of legal steps designed to protect both the child and the adoptive family.
Defending Against Drug Charges: Key Legal Strategies
Date: May 12th, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Facing drug charges in Tennessee can be one of the most stressful and frightening experiences of your life. A conviction can carry serious consequences, including jail time, steep fines, a criminal record, and long-term damage to your reputation.
Drug Schedules and What They Mean for Your Case
Date: April 8th, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Understanding drug schedules is critical when facing drug-related charges in Tennessee. The classification of a substance can impact everything from the severity of the charge to the potential penalties upon conviction.
Youth and Criminal Defense: Special Considerations for Minors
Date: March 26th, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Youthful offenses require a delicate approach because minors are still developing both mentally and emotionally. This is why it's crucial to understand how criminal defense law applies to minors, especially when the potential outcomes of a case can significantly impact a young person's future.
Grandparents’ Rights: Legal Considerations for Extended Family
Date: March 3rd, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
As families grow, relationships between grandparents and grandchildren often become an important aspect of family life. However, in certain situations, grandparents may face challenges in maintaining a relationship with their grandchildren due to divorce, custody disputes, or other family issues.
The Importance of Evidence in Criminal Defense
Date: Jan 27th, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
When it comes to criminal defense, evidence plays a pivotal role. Whether the goal is to achieve an acquittal, negotiate a favorable plea deal, or minimize penalties, the proper handling and presentation of evidence can make all the difference.
Understanding Prenuptial Agreements: Are They Right for You?
Date: Jan 6th, 2025
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
When two people decide to marry, they’re making a commitment to each other that goes beyond emotional bonds—it also includes financial responsibilities. As part of that commitment, some couples may choose to create a prenuptial agreement, commonly referred to as a "prenup."
Appeals in Criminal Cases: When and How to Challenge a Conviction
Date: Nov 21st, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
In Tennessee, the criminal justice system is designed to be fair, protect constitutional rights, and uphold justice. When an individual is convicted of a crime, whether they're guilty or not, there are legal mechanisms in place to challenge a conviction.
Can You Divorce Without Splitting Assets in Tennessee?
Date: Oct 23rd, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Divorce is always a messy process unless you are one of those lucky couples that go down the amicable route. The vast majority of couples cannot end things on good terms, which is why the dissolution process can be distressing and emotionally draining.
How Does the Law Determine Splitting Time With Divorced Parents?
Date: Oct 14th, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
When parents divorce, determining how time is split between them becomes a critical concern. This decision impacts not just the parents but also the children who are at the heart of the separation. Family law in Tennessee provides guidelines and frameworks to address this issue, aiming to create arrangements that serve the best interests of the children.
How to Leave an Abusive Marriage in Tennessee
Date: Aug. 26, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Leaving an abusive marriage is one of the most challenging decisions a person can make, especially when it involves navigating complicated legal processes. In Tennessee, the path to safety and freedom is not easy
Can I Forbid My Ex From Bringing Their New Partner Around Our Child?
Date: April 17, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
In the case of divorce or separation, co-parenting can sometimes become a contentious issue. While most couples can sort things out amicably, disputes can arise when one parent introduces a new partner to the children.
How Do the Courts Decide Whether a Parent Is Unfit for Custody?
Date: April 17, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Determining parental fitness is a crucial and sensitive aspect of custody battles in family court. The pinnacle concern is the well-being and safety of the child, but the path to such determinations is fraught with complexity and requires careful attention.
Who Is Going to Pay the Kids’ College Tuition? Considerations in Divorce
Date: Feb. 2, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
To put it bluntly, college education isn't cheap. But if you can make it possible, it's an investment that can reap substantial rewards for your children. A degree can open doors to life-changing connections, robust career opportunities, and endless facets of personal growth.
What Can I Do if My Ex Isn’t Paying Their Child Support?
Date: Feb. 2, 2024
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
According to the Administration for Children and Families, the United States child support program served 13.2 million children in the country in 2021. That's 1 in 5 children. 20% of children rely on child support. So what happens when one parent isn't keeping up with their payments?
Considerations in a High-Net-Worth Divorce
Date: Nov. 27, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
According to the CDC, the divorce rate in Tennessee in 2021 was 3.3 per 1,000 inhabitants of the state. Divorce can be complicated at the best of times, but the process can become even more complex if one or both spouses in a divorcing couple has a high net worth.
Understanding the Pros and Cons of a Prenuptial Agreement
Date: Oct. 17, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
No one wants to think about their marriage breaking down before it’s begun. However, divorce is a real possibility any rational adult should consider to avoid potential issues and surprises down the road.
How Does Remarriage Affect Your Divorce?
Date: Sept. 22, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Even after you end your marriage, it may still be possible to find love and happiness again. However, those considering remarriage after divorce need to understand how remarrying could affect their divorce matters and post-divorce obligations related to alimony, child support, or even child custody.
Understanding Search and Seizure Laws in Tennessee
Date: July 4, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Being charged with a crime can be a terrifying event, and trying to figure out your rights and options can be a daunting task on your own. If you’ve been charged with a crime following a search and seizure in Tennessee and need a skilled criminal defense attorney, call me, Fisher Wise and Associates, at the Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates in Chattanooga.
The Validity of Eyewitness Testimony
Date: May 16, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
According to statistics from the Crime in Tennessee annual report, there were 502,706 total reported crimes statewide in 2021. In Tennessee, a person arrested and charged with an offense may need to go through the criminal trial process to determine whether they’re innocent or guilty.
Mental Health and Criminal Defense
Date: April 11, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
A mental health disorder or illness – such as anxiety, trauma, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder – can make a person aggressive, unable to control their emotions, or prompt them to commit a crime. Surprisingly, many alleged offenders facing criminal charges in Tennessee might have committed the crime due to their mental health issues. In order to find the defendant guilty of the charges, the prosecutor must be able to establish action and intent.
Are There Alternatives to Going to Jail?
Date: March 20, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
If you’ve been arrested for a crime, you're likely nervous about the penalties you’ll face if convicted. And, one of the biggest questions you may have is whether you’ll go to jail—and you’d be right to worry. Tennessee has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, and in 2022, there were nearly 25,000 people in jail, per a report by the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Are Parent's Responsible for Their Child's Crimes?
Date: Feb. 21, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Being charged with a crime is a serious matter. When a minor is charged with a crime, parental liability can further complicate matters. That is why understanding parental responsibility in Tennessee is a crucial part of protecting a minor’s right to a fair defense.
Motions to Suppress: Getting Evidence Excluded
Date: Jan. 26, 2023
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
If you’ve been charged with a crime, police and prosecutors have assembled – in their minds – enough evidence to convict you, but not all evidence is necessarily admissible. If your Constitutional rights were violated in obtaining the evidence, your defense attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence before the trial even begins.
Understanding DUI Tests
Date: Dec. 29, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Facing DUI charges in Tennessee can be a difficult and confusing experience. No one deserves to go through this frustrating situation alone, especially if they feel their rights were not protected. Reaching out to skilled and compassionate legal counsel can make the entire process much easier to handle, for both you and your loved ones.
What are the Rules on Self Defense in Tennessee?
Date: Dec. 7, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
When someone threatens your life with deadly force, you have a right to stand your ground and defend yourself. In some cases, however, if you take someone’s life while defending your own, you could be charged with a crime.
Understanding Evidence in a Criminal Trial
Date: Oct. 27, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
During a trial, the judge or jury will evaluate the available evidence, establish the facts of the case, and reach a verdict. However, the defendant's fate depends on the facts, strengths, and admissibility of the evidence presented at trial.
Should I Still Hire an Attorney if I Think I’m Guilty?
Date: Sept. 2, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
If you are facing criminal charges and think you are guilty, you may be wondering if it still makes sense to hire an attorney. The short answer is, “Yes, it does.” Remember that you are presumed to be “innocent until proven guilty,” which means an experienced attorney may still be able to fight the allegations against you.
What Qualifies as Solicitation of a Minor?
Date: Aug. 31, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Solicitation of a minor in Tennessee encompasses many separate laws that prohibit those 18 or older from communicating with anyone younger than 18 about a sex act. The penalties are harsh, and almost all of the applicable laws are considered felonies. Worse, each communication with a minor constitutes a separate crime, so an offender who preys on one child might face multiple charges for what amounts to an ongoing series of communications.
Ineffective Legal Counsel Can Have Costly Consequences
Date: July 20, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there were over 127,000 people arrested in the state in 2020 alone. All of those people arrested deserve to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer representing their interests and protecting their rights, but all too often, people overlook how truly important it is to retain effective legal counsel.
Divorcing Later in Life
Date: June 21, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Divorce is very common these days—but when it happens to you, it’s easy to feel like you’re going through it alone and it can be hard to see a better future ahead.
Does Infidelity Affect My Divorce Case?
Date: May 30, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
One of the more common reasons for the breakdown of a marriage is distrust. This usually manifests itself in infidelity. In terms of the law, adultery is recognized as legal grounds for divorce.
Preparing for Divorce
Date: April 14, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
The divorce rate for married couples in Tennessee stands at 12 percent. Maine tops the list at 14 percent, and California has the lowest rate at 9 percent. If you and your spouse are weighing your future options, including the possibility of divorce, there are several practical steps you need to take.
Your Rights to Retirement Assets
Date: March 10, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
During the property division in a Tennessee divorce, the divorcing couples must distribute their retirement assets, including pension plans and 401(k), between both parties equitably and fairly. However, evaluating and dividing retirement assets can pose different complexities due to the tax and legal implications.
Finding Hidden Income & Assets
Date: Feb. 11, 2022
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Let’s face it—going through a divorce is hard, even if you’re on relatively good terms with your now ex-spouse. But what happens when you don’t trust them to be honest about their finances? When going through a divorce, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of each other’s financial history for an equitable division of assets.
Is it Worth it to Fight My DUI Charge?
Date: Dec. 21, 2021
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
As a DUI defense attorney in Chattanooga, I often hear people ask, “Should I fight my DUI?” People ask this question when they are not aware of the criminal penalties for DUI and other severe consequences that may adversely affect their personal and professional lives for years to come.
Should I Appeal My Criminal Case?
Date: Nov. 30, 2021
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Filing an appeal could be your last chance to clear your name and avoid a conviction. That is why you might want to consider speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you present your case to the appellate court in the most convincing manner possible to fight for a favorable resolution.
The Costly Consequences of a Domestic Violence Charge
Date: Oct. 13, 2021
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
The pandemic, which forced people to shelter at home from the coronavirus, also led to increased domestic violence. In Chattanooga, during March of 2020, calls reporting domestic violence increased by 24 percent.
Can I Be Arrested for Getting Into a Fight?
Date: Sept. 29, 2021
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
The pandemic, which forced people to shelter at home from the coronavirus, also led to increased domestic violence. In Chattanooga, during March of 2020, calls reporting domestic violence increased by 24 percent.
Common Misconceptions About DUIs
Date: Aug. 23, 2021
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
An accusation of drunk driving can change your life instantly. If you are convicted of DUI in Tennessee, you could be facing heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, or even jail time. With such lasting consequences for you and those you love, it’s important to sort out fact from fiction when it comes to DUI charges.
How is Tennessee alimony determined?
Date: Aug. 28, 2019
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
The courts in Tennessee are directed by two primary sources of law. The first is statutory law created by the Tennessee Legislature. These are the statutes that define the four types of alimony, which help direct courts as to...
What Does the Court Mean by Dependent and Neglected Child in Tennessee?
Date: March 16, 2019
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Allegations that a child is "dependent and neglected" abound in the juvenile courts of Tennessee, but what does that mean? The statutory definition gives us some guidance, but in close cases it's going to be up to the judge's discretion.
My Ex Just Took My Child with A Court Order! What Do I Do?
Date: March 9, 2019
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
The only way your Ex obtained complete custody of your child without a hearing, is with an Ex Parte Order from a court. This article explains how to deal with those situations.
Case Update: Not. Guilty.
Date: March 2, 2019
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
NOT. GUILTY. Hearing these words from a jury foreman is a surreal experience. I can't imagine what Reggie and his family felt like. I know they were overcome with emotion. We could not be happier for them.
If I’m Not Guilty, Should I Talk to Police without An Attorney?
Date: Feb. 27, 2019
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Steven Moore and I are defending Reggie Woods against the charge of Second Degree Murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison. The only thing Reggie is guilty of is talking to police without an attorney. Never talk to police without an attorney.
5 Ways to Get Custody of Your Children in A Divorce
Date: Feb. 14, 2019
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise and Associates
Here are 5 areas to focus on so that you can try to insure that you get custody of your children in the divorce.
First Degree Murder Charges Dismissed
Date: March 26, 2015
Author: Law Offices of Fisher Wise
Attempted First Degree Murder and Employing a Firearm During Commission of a Dangerous Felony. We are proud to report that we were able to get these charges dismissed. This was a great result for our client and he was very pleased.
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