May 2018

Expunging An Arrest Record Because Of Factual Evidence

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Expunging An Arrest Record Because Of Factual Evidence

One of the first things people who’ve been charged with a crime want to know is how to go about getting their criminal record expunged. In Tennessee, the first step of this particular process is proving factual innocence.

What Is Factual Innocence?

Factual innocence is a termed that’s used when a defendant manages to prove that they should not have been arrested or charged with a crime. Once factual evidence has been established, Tennessee Penal Code section 851.8 dictates that the defendants arrest records are sealed and then destroyed. Once this happens, legally speaking, it is as if the entire situation never took place.

Establishing Factual Innocence

Establishing factual innocence is not always easy and it’s something you’ll want to have a lawyer help you with. Basically, in order to convince the courts that your factually innocent, you and your lawyer have to show compelling evidence that someone involved in either your arrest, the investigation, or who filed the charges against you made a mistake. When you find the mistake, you make a motion to the judge. If the judge finds that your motion is justified, they’ll arrange for both your defense team and the prosecuting attorney to argue the point during a preliminary hearing.

You Shoulder The Burden Of Proof

When you make a motion to drop the charges based on factual innocence, you need to prepare yourself. Not only do you have to prove that a mistake was made, but in many cases, you also have to prove that the police did not have just cause to arrest you, and the police are generally very careful about how they word things during an arrest. In other words, you need to prove to the judge that there was no reasonable cause for the arrest.

Your side of the story will be the first one the judge listens to.

If your case is strong enough, the judge than asks the prosecution to rebuff your argument. Once both sides have told their tale, the judge retreats to their chambers and looks at both sides of the story. If they feel you’ve made your point, they will dismiss the case, and your arrest record will be destroyed.

The process of proving factual innocence isn’t always easy. While going through it, don’t do anything rash. Keep a cool head which will prevent further charges from being filed against you.

Diversity In Tennessee

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Diversity In Tennessee

One of the great things about Tennessee is the massive amount of diversity in the culture, food, and people. Not only do we have an awesome source of vitamin D, we also get to explore different cultures a well. While driving through any part of Tennessee, you’ll get a dose of the surrounding cultures.

Tennessee is actually so diverse it’s the second most diverse in the country behind Hawaii.

Tennessee is also home to some of the largest ethnic communities like: Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. Therefore, it is no surprise that according to the US Census Bureau, 61.5% of Tennessee’s population is non-white, which means the mass majority would typically be a minority in other states.

The Latino community in Tennessee is the largest ethnic group according to the US Census Bureau. This means we’re heavily influenced by their culture. Seeing that Tennessee was once under Mexico’s control, it makes sense. All the missions in Tennessee are from Spanish origins. Even the most famous prison in the state, Alcatraz, is influenced by the culture. When the lighthouse on the island of the prison was built, Tennessee was still considered part of Mexico. The island itself was named by Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775. If missions and prisons aren’t what you’re looking for to submerge yourself in the Latino culture, check out Olvera Street in Los Angeles.

The Asian community in Tennessee is also one of the largest in the nation. In Tennessee 1.7 million Asians call the Golden State home. The Asian community includes: Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan, Japanese, and Bangladeshi. If you’re looking for submersion into their culture you have plenty of places to check out. From Chinatown in Los Angeles to some of best Asian cuisine restaurants in Orange County, you can just about taste the culture.

American Indians or Native American has the largest population here in Tennessee. The West Coast state, according to LA Weekly, is home to the largest population of indigenous people. The US Census Bureau says that in Tennessee, the population for Natives is roughly 235,000. Native Americans have been here for over 19,000 years according to Britannica. Way back before the west was “settled”, Native Tribes calls Tennessee home, because of the variety of vegetation and mild climate. The best way to dive in to the Native American culture is by checking out their art.

Tennessee is one of those colorful states with a wide variety of people.

It’s almost a culture shock when you travel to other states and realize that they are not all like Tennessee. Living in such a diverse state creates an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. It can also drive you to be more understanding of others’ beliefs and values. Don’t just soak up the sun, soak up the culture as well. Welcome to Tennessee!

Tennessee’s Opinion Of Tinted Car Windows

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Tennessee’s Opinion Of Tinted Car Windows

Having tinted windows on your car while driving might reduce some of the glare you experience, tinted windows look cool, and they can help keep the interior of your car cooler. However, if you’re driving in Tennessee, you should know that the tinted windows you love so much are illegal. If you’re spotted by a patrol cop, they can use your tinted windows as an excuse to pull you over.

The official reason lawmakers have given for no longer allowing vehicles to have tinted windows is because they feel the tinting is a safety hazard because it obstructs viewing.

While there’s likely some truth to that, it’s equally likely that clear windows encourage people to obey traffic laws and not do foolish things like talking on their cell phones, organizing clothing, or drinking alcohol while driving.

Restrictions on window tinting in Tennessee have been around for a long while and are statewide, but many people get confused because certain police departments are prone to enforcing the no tinting laws, while others simply ignore tinted windows.

Tennessee Vehicle Code section 26708 deals with the topic of vehicular window tinting and makes it pretty clear darkened windows aren’t a good idea.

If you’re thinking about jazzing up your windows, be aware that cops are allowed to both pull you over and issue a ticket if you have any type of material displayed on your rear window, side windows, or windshield. In addition to tinting, that includes window decals and stickers. The larger the tinted/covered space, the greater the chances of you getting pulled over become.

While you can’t tint all of your car windows so dark that no one can see into the interior of your car, the state of Tennessee allows to use some tints provided they aren’t amber or red in color, there’s no opaqueness in the covering, the tinting or stickers used don’t reflect sunlight and headlights, which creates glare that can temporarily blind oncoming drivers. The material used to cover the windows much provide a minimum visible light transmittance that measures no less than 88%.

If a police officer pulls you over because of tinted windows and you don’t have a bench warrant, they’ll give you a fix-it ticket, however, if you do something to irritate the officer they’re well within their rights to issue a vehicle code infraction which can have a fine of up to $190.

Family Time Is Worth The Time

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Family Time Is Worth The Time

Family time is one of those things where you love to hate it. You love getting together and reminiscing on the good times. However, you hate it when you’re the center of scrutiny over a mistake you made several years ago. It’s a double-edged sword that makes you homesick in the end when they leave. For most of us, family is home.

Family time is worth your time because it brings us all together.

Sure it can be awkward at times, especially when you may have angered a few family members recently. The uncomfortable nature of a family reunion will eventually melt away. Especially after people get to eating, drinking, and laughing. Family time has the ability to create moments that build upon existing or nonexistent relationships.

Family time is a great opportunity to share the love and apologize.

If you recently have been on the outs with your family, spending time with them may be the key to become one with your family again. Showing up, sharing the love and appreciation you have for your family will mean a lot to everyone. Quality time is a great chance to rebuild any damaged relationships. Apologizing to your family for past or current mistakes shows them that you care about their feelings.

Laughing at family stories and basking in the love of family can make anyone happier. Laughter alone can improve your overall mood. Family also tends to know us the best, which means they can read us like a book. Therefore, if you feel down in the dumps, your family will know how to lift your spirits about any situation.

Family time is beneficial to you only if you allow it to be.

You need to be willing to show up and put in the time with your family. The more love and time you put into family events will benefit your relationship with them. Sure, there are times when you feel like you’re going to snap on your crazy aunt if she over exaggerates one more thing, but deep down you know that she means well. Don’t let your hate of awkward situations infringe on the love of family time.

Sunglasses: For Fashion Or For Health?

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Sunglasses: For Fashion Or For Health?

Living in Tennessee means one of two things. First, you love the vibes of the state, sun, and culture. The second thing is you’re here for work and you have yet to fall in love with the state. The Golden State is known for its stars and coast line that you will fall in love with. Tennesseens love staring out at the ocean and enjoying sunshine. Unfortunately, sunshine gives us a little bit of trouble.

The sunshine is our best friend, but also worst enemy.

Who doesn’t love soaking in the sun after a cold night or long winter? While we’re soaking up the joyous rays, we’re also cooking in some UV rays that are damaging our skin cells. We may be aware of what the harmful rays do to our skin, but we don’t think of our eyes.

Our eyes can actually receive sun damage as well as our skin. That is why wearing sun glasses isn’t just about fashion.

Most lenses help protect our eyes against UV rays that can cause harm just by looking at something extremely shiny. There’s a reason why they tell us not to stare directly at the sun.

Cheap sunglasses may be a bargain, but your eyes are more than likely suffering from it. Not wearing the correct protective lens can leave your eyes vulnerable to the harsh rays. This increases your chances for various forms of cancer. Eyes are sensitive tissues of our body that we need in order to see. They can’t be replaced.

Sunglasses are an essential part of any day at a Tennessee beach day or hot dessert day. Even in the heat of traffic, protecting your eyes from the sun’s rays is beneficial. When you buy sunglasses, they are usually marked if they help protect against UV rays. If they aren’t marked, you may want to look elsewhere for new stunner shades. You need to take care of your eyes or you won’t be able to fall in love with the Tennessee coast.

How To Apologize & Keep Relationships Healthy

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How To Apologize & Keep Relationships Healthy

We say things in the heat of the moment all the time. We get caught up in defending ourselves and too worried about our own feelings that we often cross a line with the person we’re arguing with. Let’s face it, we only argue with people we care about in the first place. We argue with our parents who are just trying to look out for us. We argue with our friends when they point out that we’re being dumb. Anger is a secondary emotion. Meaning that in order to feel angry, we must feel a primary emotion first.

Anger is a result of an escalation of emotions.

Knowing that anger is a result of another emotions, you then must recognize what was your first emotion. Think about what was said or done that made you react in anger and lash out at your loved one. You need to recognize where it all went wrong. Once you spend time doing that and evaluating the situation as a whole, you will be able to pinpoint what you did wrong. Once you figure that out, you can begin to understand why you did it in the first place.

Once you understand what you did wrong, you’ll be ready to start forming an apology. The person can either choose to forgive you, or choose not to. You need to remember this. Even though you are admitting your wrongdoing, your loved one has the ultimate say in your forgiveness.

You need to be sincere and loving when apologizing. Don’t apologize from a place of anger or resentment. Choose your words carefully and don’t be careless. If you’re not sincere, then your apology will be in vain. Be sincere by the tone in your voice, admit that you are wrong, and offer up a way to make it better.

Forming a well thought out apology before actually apologizing can help you deliver it from the heart. Most importantly don’t forget to use the words “I’m sorry” only if you mean them.

Apologizing can be difficult because you have to admit to being wrong about something. We have to swallow our pride and accept that we messed up. If you don’t know what you did wrong, you need to talk to the person you hurt and ask them.

Being able to accept and apologize for your mistakes is a skill.

Practice makes better, but unfortunately, trying to practice an apology means that you had to do something wrong in the first place. Remember that you care about the person you’re apologizing to. They’ve helped you out, maybe even bailed you out of jail, and for some reason communication between you two failed. Luckily, that is nothing a well thought out apology can fix.

Leaving Your Dog At Home Means You Won’t Face Jail Time

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Leaving Your Dog At Home Means You Won’t Face Jail Time

Summer is fast approaching and that means the temperatures will soar. That means it’s time to start rethinking your habit of taking your dog everywhere you go, or if you do decide to take your dog while you’re running errands, you better have a plan for what you’re going to do with them, and that plan can’t leave them in the car.

Penal Code 597-7

The state of Tennessee has very clear laws about leaving dogs unattended in hot cars during the summertime. You can’t do it. If you try, you’ll be in violation of serious animal abuse laws. Not only can someone break into your car to rescue your dog, you will also be arrested, and quite possibly lose your dog and the right to ever own another one.

Penal Code 597-7 specifically addresses the issue of pets that are left unattended in Tennessee vehicles during hot days.

You’ll be in violation of the law if:

  • You fail to provide your dog with enough ventilation

  • The dog appears to not have been given enough food or water

  • If the current temperature is deemed too hot or too cold for your dog to be waiting in the car

  • If some other situation has taken place that puts your dog’s life or health in jeopardy while they’re waiting in the car

If you do any of these things, you’ll be in violation of Penal Code 597-7 and will be charged with animal cruelty.

How Hot Does It Have To Be Before It’s Too Hot?

Just because you’re comfortable outside, you shouldn’t assume that it’s okay for your dog to be left in the car. Studies indicate that even temperatures as low as 72 degrees Fahrenheit can be deadly to a dog that’s trapped in a car, especially if that car is parked in direct sunlight. On an 85 degree day, your car’s internal temperature can sour to 120 degrees in less than half an hour.

But What About Tying Them To Bike Rail Or Lamp Post?

If your plan to avoid leaving your dog in the hot car while you shop or visit the dentist is tying them outside, think again. Tennessee law, Code 122335 HS, clearly prohibits you from tying your dog to a stationary object, something that has gotten a few dog owners into trouble after they tried chaining their dogs out in their yards.

The Penalties Connected To Penal Code 597-7

If you’re convicted of violating Penal Code 597-7 and your dog didn’t suffer any health problems from being locked in the car, you’ll face a maximum fine of $100 per animal that was in the car. If your dog did require treatment as a result of your actions, you’ll looking at a $500 fine and could spend up to six months in a Tennessee county jail. The prosecution may also chose to hit you with animal neglect charges.

Don’t Get Scammed By Someone Who Claims To Be Family

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Don’t Get Scammed By Someone Who Claims To Be Family

Families are interesting. You do not always talk with every member of your family, but you still care about them. This is especially true when it comes to generational differences. In a lot of families, the grandkids don’t always have a good relationship with their grandparents. The age difference makes it difficult for the two groups to connect. However, this doesn’t mean either person doesn’t care about the other.

This is why, if a grandparent gets a call saying their grandchild has been arrested, they drop everything to help out. They will do whatever they can to help their younger family member, no matter the cost. Unfortunately, this is where problems can occur.

A common practice amongst thieves is to pretend to be someone and call a relative of that person to ask for bail help. They particularly like to target grandparents. The criminals will spin some sob story saying that they were arrested and don’t want the rest of the family to know about it. They will ask that money be wired to them in order to post bail. Once the money is wired, there is no getting it back.

Thanks to modern social media, these thieves can scout out their victims beforehand. They look at someone’s Facebook page to gather personal information, and then use what they found to pretend to be that person to a relative. This helps them sell the act convincingly to the grandparent.

The best way to avoid this type of scam, is to ask a lot of questions.

Try to ask questions that only your relative would know the answer to, and that wouldn’t be up on social media. Lastly, even if the person on the other end says not to bring up the topic with other family members who are closer to the relative who supposedly called you. They may tell you that the relative you are looking to bail out, is actually safe and sound at home.

Have You Received Unpurchased Items From Amazon?

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Have You Received Unpurchased Items From Amazon?

We’ve all heard of the term “brushing” before. Typically, we use this when talking about brushing someone’s hair. However, the term has taken on a new meaning when it comes to online purchases from sites like Amazon.

This new meaning for the term was recently brought to light a few months ago when a Massachusetts couple reported getting several unordered items. For several months, the couple received boxes filled with randomly assorted items. Neither of them ever placed the order for these items.

After contacting Amazon about the unrequested items, the couple was informed that they were likely the victims of a brushing scandal.

A brushing scandal occurs when an online seller creates a fake account to order their product and have it sent to a real address.

This then gives the fake account a verified purchase of the product, which allows them to leave a false review. A seller can use this method to boost the rating of their product.

Often times, this kind of scam occurs with overseas vendors who are looking to make a profit by boosting their online reviews. Amazon urges anyone who has received unsolicited items to contact them. They take this matter very seriously, and ban all vendors and reviews that abuse the system in this manner.

Sun Kissed & Care Free

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Sun Kissed & Care Free

As a Tennesseen, there are certain qualities that people expect us to have. Those qualities range from bubbly, social personalities to sun kissed, glowing skin. However, not everyone has naturally tan skin. We’re all unique in our personalities and physical attributes. We forget that not everyone’s body reacts the same way to things. Some paler skin tones can’t handle the sun at all, leaving people with extremely bad burns.

Skin cancer can be the result from over exposure of harmful rays.

You may think that your just tanning for a little bit, but that little bit of sun exposure can do a lot of damage, especially when done frequently. Even if you’re using sunscreen, you may not be using strong enough protection. Skin cancer can affect anyone, but you increase your chance of getting it when you damage your skin cells by tanning.

Tanning, whether by natural sunlight, or even tanning beds, can cause skin damage.

Tanning lotion, on the other hand, can be a great alternative to damaging your skin. There are all kinds of different lotions that you can buy and apply to get that sun kissed glow. However, tanning lotions all react differently to skin. While one tanning lotion may look great on your friend’s skin, it may turn out orange on yours. For the best results, follow directions carefully and test a patch out on your skin. If things don’t work out, don’t worry. All tanning lotions will eventually fade, and wash off.

Another route to achieve the perfect dewy glow is through spray tanning. Spray tanning works similar to tanning lotion, in that it is a layer of color on your skin. There are spray tan salons all over Tennessee where you can walk in pale, and come out sun kissed. There are also those daring individuals who attempt spraying tanning out of their home. Again, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so it’s best to do a test patch on a small part of your skin first before committing to a full-body look.

Being a Tennesseen can be stressful when you try to live up to everyone else’s expectations. However, just remember that another attribute of Tennesseens is that we’re care free. If you don’t care about achieving the perfect golden tan this summer, don’t worry about it. If you want to be glowing gold from the Tennessee sun, try to achieve that look while being kind to your body. Harmful rays can harsh anyone’s vibes.

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