Author Archives: Thomas Bray

Since it is now March 2026, many of the significant legal changes that went into effect at the start of the year are beginning to hit the local courts in Rutherford County.

For your secondary website, lawyermurfreesboro.com, you want a post that feels timely, authoritative, and deeply local. Here is a high-impact blog post tailored for your site.

3 Big Legal Changes Affecting Murfreesboro Residents in 2026

If you’ve driven down Broad Street or walked through the Square lately, you know Murfreesboro is growing faster than ever. But as our city evolves, so do the laws that govern us.

As we move into the spring of 2026, several significant shifts in Tennessee law have officially taken hold. From stricter DUI enforcement to new protections for families, here is what every Rutherford County resident needs to know right now.

1. Stricter “Implied Consent” & DUI Refusal Penalties

One of the most impactful changes this year involves Tennessee’s Implied Consent laws. In the past, some drivers suspected of DUI believed that refusing a breath or blood test would help their case. As of January 1, 2026, the stakes for that decision have skyrocketed.

• Longer License Suspensions: For a first-time refusal, you now face an automatic 18-month license suspension (up from 12 months).
• No More “Warrant Shield”: Previously, if a police officer obtained a warrant for your blood after you refused, the refusal charge might have been dropped. Under the 2026 law, you can be charged with a refusal violation even if the police eventually get the blood sample via a warrant.
• Saliva Testing: Murfreesboro and Smyrna law enforcement have begun utilizing oral fluid (saliva) tests during sobriety checkpoints to detect substances like THC and opioids that breathalyzers miss.

2. “Savanna’s Law” and the Domestic Abuser Registry

Public safety in Middle Tennessee has taken a major step forward with the implementation of Savanna’s Law. Similar to the sex offender registry, Tennessee now maintains a public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders.

• How it Works: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) manages this database. Individuals with multiple domestic violence convictions may be added to the registry, providing a tool for residents to stay informed about their safety.
• Local Impact: Recent high-profile cases in Murfreesboro have highlighted the importance of domestic violence resources. This registry aims to provide transparency and deter repeat offenses within our community.

3. The Hemp & THCA “Crackdown”

If you’ve noticed changes at your local smoke shop or boutique on Medical Center Parkway, there’s a legal reason for it. New 2026 regulations have fundamentally shifted the “legal high” landscape in Tennessee.

• THCA Ban: The state has effectively outlawed products containing high levels of THCA, including many vapes and flower products that were previously available.
• TABC Oversight: Regulation has moved from the Department of Agriculture to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
• Age Limits: You must now be at least 21 to purchase any hemp-derived cannabinoid, and ID checks are stricter than ever.

Why Local Counsel Matters More Than Ever

With the laws changing so rapidly in 2026, “doing it yourself” or relying on outdated online advice can lead to permanent consequences for your record and your freedom. Whether you are facing a complex DUI charge or navigating a family law matter in the Rutherford County Chancery Court, you need an attorney who understands the local landscape.

Important Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on your case, always consult with a licensed Tennessee attorney.

Client charged with Aggravated assault with a handgun. Aggravated Assault is a C-Felony and punishable by 3-15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.00.

Result: Aggravated Assault charge was reduced from C-Felony to A-misdemeanor simple assault. No jail Time. A Conditional Diversion Plea was entered which gives client the ability to have the charge dismissed and expunged (erased) from his record after  11 months 29 days. Weapon will be returned upon expiration of 11/29. Client was allowed to keep his handgun carry permit.

Client charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault and Domestic Assault against two different victims. Aggravated Domestic Assault is a C-Felony and is punishable by 3-15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.  Domestic Assault is an A-Misdemeanor and carries a penalty of 11 months, 29 days and a fine of up to $2,500.

An assault charge is “aggravated” when there are allegations of  a deadly weapon being used during the assault or the victim suffered a serious bodily injury.

Result: Aggravated Assault charge reduced from C-felony to A-misdemeanor. No jail time on either charge. Mandatory counseling w/ anger management.

Client charged with DUI and Felony Reckless Endangerment as a result of having a minor child in the vehicle at the time of arrest for Driving Under the Influence. Client facing  2-12 years in jail and up to $10,000 fine for Felony Reckless Endangerment. Mandatory enhanced penalties for DUI. Also facing  11 months 29 days and maximum fine of $2,500 for charge of Theft under $500.

Result: Felony Reckless Endangerment charge dismissed. Guilty plea on minimum mandatory penalties for DUI.  Conditional plea entered utilizing judicial diversion on charge of Theft Under $500,  enabling  client to have the charge dismissed and expunged (erased) from their criminal record.  All jail time to be served at Workhouse instead of the the Jail. Client received an additional 45 days to report to the Workhouse.

Client charged with three criminal offenses in Rutherford County General Sessions Court.

(1) Evading Arrest, A-Misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to 11 Months 29 days jail time and  a maximum fine of $2500.

(2) Resisting Arrest, B-Misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to 6-Months in jail and maximum of fine of $500.

(3) Driving on Suspended License, B-Misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of 1 year loss of license and up to 6 months jail time with a maximum fine of $500.

Result: No jail time. Driving on Suspended dismissed. Client kept license. Telephonic Probation on remaining charges for 11/29.