Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

a href="http://www.joebakerlaw.com/html/meet.html">Tennessee criminal defense attorneys have successfully resolved criminal cases by getting criminal charges reduced, having cases dismissed, and negotiating plea bargains. The U.S. war on drugs has resulted in thousands of arrests, convictions, and incarcerations for drug crimes. People arrested for possession of small amounts of drugs are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and are subject to harsh penalties if convicted. It is more important then ever to vigorously defend yourself against any type of drug charge. A skilled Tennessee criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you avoid a conviction, get your drug charges reduced, escape harsh punishment, and stay out of jail.

If you or a family member has been arrested or charged with a drug crime in the East Tennessee area, contact a drug defense lawyer today to discuss your case. We help people who have been charged with drug crimes. We understand that there are difficult choices to make in life, and sometimes people make mistakes. Those mistakes shouldn't cost you your freedom or your future. We understand the difficulties of substance abuse, and that everyone’s background is different. Our criminal defense attorneys have helped clients whose charges stem from the following substances:

• Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Marijuana
• Ecstasy
• Nitrous Oxide
• Morphine and Opium
• Painkillers such as OxyContins, Vicodins, and Lortabs,
• Speed
• PCP
• LSD
• Heroin
• And Various Others

Whether you have been caught with a minor amount of marijuana or you are in jail on charges of sale of cocaine, we will fight to protect your rights in any drug crime prosecution. We handle drug charges in Tennessee including:

Manufacture of a controlled substance
• Delivery of a controlled substance
• Sell of a controlled substance
• Drug Possession
• Possession with Intent to Sell
• Possession with Intent to Manufacture
• Possession with Intent to Deliver

We have the skill and experience to effectively defend clients in drug cases, including those involving marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, heroin, illegal prescriptions, and other narcotics. In examining your case and forming a defense strategy, we'll look at every aspect of your case, especially your initial arrest and how the evidence was gathered. Our criminal defense lawyers help clients in Knoxville, Sevierville, Newport, Morristown, Maryville, Madisonville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Loudon, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Chattanooga.

Tennessee criminal defense lawyers hope that everyone who attended Bonnaroo this past weekend had a safe and enjoyable trip. Bonnaroo is a huge music and arts festival that brings top performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in styles such as jazz, Americana, and hip-hop. The 2008 Bonnaroo music festival included top contemporary musicians such as Pearl Jam, Widespread Panic, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and Metallica. The Bonnaroo festival was held June 12, 2008 through June 15, 2008 on a large farm in Manchester, Tennessee. Manchester is located about sixty miles southeast of Nashville.

Tennessee criminal law attorneys know that police attention elevates on Bonnaroo weekends, and this year was no different. People come to Bonnaroo from all parts of the country, and most drive to Bonnaroo. State, county, and local police charge many people with alcohol-related offenses like DUI and many drug offenses involving marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, mushrooms, and LSD from events surrounding Bonnaroo. Our criminal defense attorneys help adults and juveniles charged with:

DUI;
HMVO Violations;
Implied Consent;
Underage Consumption;
Underage Possession;
Underage Driving While Impaired;
Simple Possession;
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
Felony Drug Possession;
Felony Drug Sale; and
Felony Drug Delivery;

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact one of our criminal defense attorneys in Knoxville or Sevierville. Our criminal defense attorneys have helped people charged with a variety of criminal offenses, from traffic citations to complicated felonies like homicide. All initial consultations are free, Our criminal lawyers work throughout East Tennessee including Knoxville, Sevierville, Johnson City, Maryville, Newport, Jefferson City, and Gatlinburg.

Tennessee narcotic attorneys can help you understand the complex legal issues that surround your drug charges. Our criminal defense lawyers fully investigate the particular circumstances of each and every case. Our narcotic defense attorneys have dealt with many types of drug charges, including methamphetamine charges.

There are many street names for methamphetamine, such as “meth,” "speed,” and "chalk." Methamphetamine hydrochloride resembles ice and consists of clear chunky crystals that are inhaled by smoking. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass," and "tina."

Methamphetamine can be taken three different ways. It can be taken by snorting the powder, by needle injection, or by smoking. Abusers become addicted quickly, and there is a severe methamphetamine problem throughout the southern states. At this time, the most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction are behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral and contingency management interventions.

Methamphetamine is considered to be a Schedule II controlled substance under Tennessee law. In Tennessee, it is an offense for someone to knowingly:

Manufacture methamphetamine;

Deliver methamphetamine;

Sell methamphetamine; or

Possess methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell methamphetamine.

The penalties for methamphetamine violations are severe. The penalty depends upon the amount of methamphetamine involved in the offense. If you violate the above, and the amount of methamphetamine involved is point five (.5) grams or more of any substance containing methamphetamine, then the violation is a Class B felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417 (c)(1) (2007). Class B felonies are punishable between eight and thirty years incarceration. In addition, you could be fined up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

If you violate the above, and the amount of methamphetamine involved is point five (.5) grams or less of any substance containing methamphetamine, then the violation is a Class C felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417 (c)(2)(a) (2007). Class C felonies are punishable between three and fifteen years incarceration. The maximum fine remains at one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

If the offense involves less than point five (.5) grams of methamphetamine, but the defendant carried or employed a deadly weapon or the offense resulted in death or bodily injury to another person, the offense is a Class B felony. If you have been charges with the manufacture, delivery, selling, or possession of methamphetamine, contact a Tennessee narcotics attorney. Our lawyers handle drug cases in the East Tennessee area including Sevierville, Knoxville, Newport, Maryville, Loudon, Morristown, and Johnson City.

Tennessee drug and narcotic defense attorneys have experience working with individuals who have been charged with drug offenses in the East Tennessee area, including those charged with drug possession, selling drugs, drug trafficking, or illegally obtaining prescription drugs. Our criminal defense attorneys know that any type of drug offense is taken seriously, especially if the offense occurred on or near school grounds.

It is important to realize that not all drug offenses are created equally under Tennessee law. If the offender violates TCA § 39-17-417 within 1,000 feet of a school zone, then the punishment will be enhanced upon a conviction. Tennessee lawmakers want to provide young people a positive learning environment without the distractions and dangers that are incident to the occurrence of illegal drug activities. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-432 (a) (2008)

According to Tennessee law, a violation of § 39-17-417, or a conspiracy to violate the section, that occurs on the grounds or facilities of any school or within one thousand feet (1,000') of the real property that comprises a public or private elementary school, middle school, secondary school, preschool, child care agency, or public library, recreational center or park shall be punished one (1) classification higher than is provided in § 39-17-417(b)-(i) for such violation. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-432 (b)(1) (2008)

Besides longer incarceration times, the maximum fines are stiff as well. A person convicted of violating the drug free school zone statute shall be subject to the following:

• Upon conviction of a Class E felony, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000);
• Upon conviction of a Class D felony, a fine of not more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000);
• Upon conviction of a Class C felony, a fine of not more than forty thousand dollars ($40,000);
• Upon conviction of a Class B felony, a fine of not more than sixty thousand dollars ($60,000); and
• Upon conviction of a Class A felony, a fine of not more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-432 (b)(2) (2008)

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense in the East Tennessee area, contact a Tennessee narcotic defense attorney. Our lawyers handle these types of cases in Knoxville, Sevierville, Newport, Morristown, Maryville, Loudon, and Gatlinburg. All initial consultations are free.

Tennessee narcotic lawyers have the experience necessary to help you understand the complex legal issues that surround your drug case. Our criminal defense attorneys fully investigate the particular circumstances of each and every case. Our attorneys have dealt with many types of narcotics, including cocaine charges. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that negatively affects the brain. It is highly addictive and easily abused. Cocaine became extremely popular during the 1980s and '90s, and remains highly used today.

Cocaine is typically sold as a fine, white, crystalline powder. There are many street names for cocaine such as "coke," "C," "snow," "flake," or "blow." Often times, street dealers dilute cocaine with inert substances like cornstarch, talcum powder, sugar, and other drugs or stimulants.

Cocaine is considered to be a Schedule II controlled substance under Tennessee law. It is an offense for someone to knowingly:

(1) Manufacture cocaine;

(2) Deliver cocaine;

(3) Sell cocaine; or

(4) Possess cocaine with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell cocaine.

The penalties for cocaine violations are severe. The penalty depends upon the amount of cocaine involved in the offense. If you violate the above, and the amount of cocaine involved is point five (.5) grams or more of any substance containing cocaine, then the violation is a Class B felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417 (c)(1) (2007). Class B felonies are punishable between eight and thirty years incarceration. In addition, you could be fined up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

If you violate the above, and the amount of cocaine involved is point five (.5) grams or less of any substance containing cocaine, then the violation is a Class C felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417 (c)(2)(a) (2007). Class C felonies are punishable between three and fifteen years incarceration. The maximum fine remains at one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

If the offense involves less than point five (.5) grams of cocaine, but the defendant carried or employed a deadly weapon or the offense resulted in death or bodily injury to another person, the offense is a Class B felony. If you have been charges with the manufacture, delivery, selling, or possession of cocaine, contact a Tennessee narcotics attorney. Our lawyers handle drug cases in the East Tennessee area including Sevierville, Knoxville, Newport, Maryville, Loudon, Morristown, and Johnson City.

Tennessee drug attorneys focus on the intricate procedures and heavy burdens that the state must prove to vigorously defend against drug charges. Whenever an individual is cited with an offense involving klonopin, it is important to contact a Tennessee drug lawyer so that the Tennessee lawyer can explore all avenues to optimize one’s legal defense.

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a popular drug that is prescribed in East Tennessee. Clonazepam is primarily used to treat seizures and panic disorders within the medical community. Klonopin has a chemical structure similar to valium and xanax. All three drugs are from the class of drugs called the benzodiazepines. Klonopin has a much longer effect compared to both valium and xanax, which increases its recreational popularity.

Klonopin has heavy withdrawal complications which is why it must be medically prescribed. Convulsions, hallucinations, behavioral disorders, tremors, and abdominal and muscle cramps are known to occur following abrupt discontinuance of someone dependant upon clonazepam. These severe withdrawal symptoms encourage dependant behavior for illegal users.

Unless you have a prescription issued by a licensed physician, it is illegal in Tennessee to knowingly:

• Manufacture klonopin;
• Deliver klonopin;
• Sell klonopin; or
• Possess klonopin with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell klonopin.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417

Klonopin is considered to be a Schedule IV controlled substance under Tennessee law. The commissioner of mental health and developmental disabilities, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule IV upon finding that:

• The substance has a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III;
• The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
• Abuse of the substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in Schedule III. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-411 (2007).

If you are charged with possession, delivery, manufacture, or selling klonopin, it is important that you find an experienced Tennessee criminal attorney to protect your rights. Our Tennessee Criminal Attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of your case and actively pursue the best possible resolution for you.

Drug laws in Tennessee are very complex. If you are charged with an offense involving valium, it is important to contact a Tennessee Criminal Lawyer immediately. Our Tennessee Drug Attorneys have much experience handling valium offenses in the Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge area.

Every year, numerous people in Tennessee are charged with an offense involving valium. Often, these individuals become addicted to valium after physicians have prescribed it for some medical purpose. Diazepam, the chemical name for valium, is a core medicine in the World Health Organization's "Essential Drugs List", which is a list of minimum medical needs for a basic health care system. Diazepam is used to treat a wide range of conditions and has been one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world for the past 40 years.

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative drug. It possesses sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and amnestic properties. It is commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms. It may also be used before certain medical procedures to reduce tension and anxiety, and in some surgical procedures to induce amnesia.

The street names for Diazepam including the following: "baby blues", "mother's little helper", "drunk pills", "vals", "V", and occasionally "ludes", mistaken for quaaludes. As well as less specific street terms, "candy"(pills), "benzos" (benzodiazepines), Totem poles, or downers(depressants.) Sometimes valium is used by stimulant users to help "come down" in order to sleep.

Diazepam is considered to be a Schedule IV controlled substance under Tennessee law. The commissioner of mental health and developmental disabilities, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule IV upon finding that:

• The substance has a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III;
• The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
• Abuse of the substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in Schedule III. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-411.

Unless you have a prescription issued by a licensed physician, it is illegal in Tennessee to knowingly:

• Manufacture valium;
• Deliver valium;
• Sell valium; or
• Possess valium with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell valium.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417

If you are charged with an offense involving valium or any drug offense, it is important to do two things. First, you need to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney that will zealously protect your rights. Second, you need to remain silent until you have had the opportunity to speak with your criminal defense attorney.

Our Tennessee criminal attorneys understand that any drug charge associated with Xanax can have long-lasting effects on you and your family. It’s very important to find an experienced Tennessee criminal attorney to protect your rights. Our Tennessee criminal attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of your case and actively pursue the best possible resolution for you and your family.

Alprazolam, also known under the trade-names Xanax and Niravam, is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class used to treat severe anxiety disorders Xanax is often called Xanies or Zanies on the street. Although it is not manufactured illegally, it is often diverted to the black market and has potential for abuse. The state of relaxation and disinhibition induced by benzodiazepines is the main reason for its illicit use.

Xanax is the main and most commonly known brand name for alprazolam. There is a large variety of generic brand names for Alprazolam in use throughout the world. In English speaking countries alprazolam is sold under the following brand names: Alprax, Alprox, Alzam, Anxirid, Apo-Alpraz, Azor, Calmax, Gerax, Kalma, Novo-Alprazol, Nu-Alpraz, Xanax, Xanor, Zopax.
Unless you have a prescription issued by a licensed physician, it is illegal in Tennessee to knowingly:

• Manufacture Alprazolam;
• Deliver Alprazolam;
• Sell Alprazolam; or
• Possess Alprazolam with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell Alprazolam.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417

Improper injection of alprazolam is considered especially dangerous by medical professionals due to the fact that, when crushed in water it will not fully dissolve and potentially causing severe damage to arteries if not filtered properly. While it is somewhat soluble in alcohol, the combination of the two, particularly when injected, has the potential to cause a serious, and potentially fatal overdose.

Alprazolam is sometimes used with other recreational drugs to relieve the panic or distress of dysphoric reactions to psychedelics such as LSD and also to promote sleep in the "come-down" period following use of recreational drugs with stimulant or insomniac properties (such as LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, DXM, and MDMA along with the related amphetamines). It is also often used in conjunction with marijuana or heroin to potentiate the relaxing effect.

Alprazolam is considered to be a Schedule IV controlled substance under Tennessee law. The commissioner of mental health and developmental disabilities, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule IV upon finding that:

• The substance has a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III;
• The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
• Abuse of the substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in Schedule III. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-411

If you or someone you know is charged with a Xanax offense under Tennessee Law, contacting a Tennessee drug attorney will be a huge benefit. Tennessee drug lawyers have much experience handling these types of cases and understand the process that is required to vigorously defend these charges.

Source: Wikipedia

Tennessee Attorneys understand the complexities of the numerous drug laws. Whenever an individual is cited with a drug offense, it is important to contact a lawyer in Tennessee so that the Tennessee Lawyer can explore all avenues to optimize one’s legal defense. Drug Attorneys in Tennessee focus on the intricate procedures and heavy burdens that the state must prove to vigorously defend against drug charges.

The classification of drugs is important under Tennessee law. The severity of the offense and the sentence one can receive due to a drug offense will often depend upon the classification of the drug. Drugs are typically classified by their chemical composition and their relative accepted use throughout the medical community. The commissioner of mental health and developmental disabilities, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule V upon finding that:

• The substance has low potential for abuse relative to the controlled substances listed in Schedule IV;
• The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
• The substance has limited physical dependence or psychological dependence liability relative to the controlled substances listed in Schedule IV. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-413 (2007).

Schedule V consists of the drugs and other substances, by whatever official name, common or usual name, chemical name, or brand name designated, listed below.

• Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing the narcotic drug buprenorphine or its salts unless listed or excepted in another schedule

Schedule V also includes narcotic drugs containing nonnarcotic active medicinal ingredients. Any compound, mixture, or preparation containing any of the following narcotic drugs, or their salts calculated as the free anhydrous base or alkaloid, in limited quantities as set forth above which shall include one or more nonnarcotic active medicinal ingredients in sufficient proportion to confer upon the compound, mixture, or preparation valuable medicinal qualities other than those possessed by narcotic drugs alone:

• Not more than two hundred (200) milligrams of codeine per one hundred (100) milliliters or per one hundred (100) grams;
• Not more than one hundred (100) milligrams of dihydrocodeine per one hundred (100) milliliters or per one hundred (100) grams;
• Not more than one hundred (100) milligrams of ethylmorphine per one hundred (100) milliliters or per one hundred (100) grams;
• Not more than two and one half (2.5) milligrams of diphenoxylate and not less than twenty-five (25) micrograms of atropine sulfate per dosage unit;
• Not more than one hundred (100) milligrams of opium per one hundred (100) milliliters or per one hundred (100) grams; or
• Not more than one-half (0.5) milligram of difenoxin (DEA Drug Code No. 9168) and not less than twenty-five (25) micrograms of atropine sulfate per dosage unit. Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-17-414 (2007).

Penalties for schedule V violations can be stiff under Tennessee law. A violation with respect to a schedule V controlled substance is usually a Class E felony and, in addition, may be fined not more than five thousand dollars. If you are charged with possession, delivery, manufacture, or selling a drug listed in schedule V it is imperative that you find an experienced Tennessee criminal attorney to protect your rights. Our Tennessee Criminal Attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of your case and actively pursue the best possible resolution for you and your family.

Marijuana laws in Tennessee are very complex. If you are charged with a Marijuana Offense, it is important to contact a Tennessee Criminal Lawyer immediately. Our Tennessee Drug Attorneys have much experience handling marijuana offenses in the Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge area.

The severity of the marijuana charge committed in Tennessee depends upon numerous factors. One factor is the classification of the controlled substance. In Tennessee, drugs are classified based upon seven schedules. Another factor is how the defendant was using the drug. This could include anything from simple possession of marijuana to either selling or manufacturing marijuana.

Marijuana is considered to be a schedule VI drug. According to the Tennessee Code Annotated, the following drugs are also classified as schedule VI controlled substances:

• Tetrahydrocannabinols; and

• Synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the plant, or in the resinous extractives of Cannabis, sp. and/or synthetic substances, derivatives, and their isomers with similar chemical structure and pharmacological activity, such as the following:

(A) 1 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and its optical isomers;

(B) 6 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and its optical isomers; or

(C) 3, 4 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and its optical isomers.

Since nomenclature of these substances is not internationally standardized, compounds of these structures, regardless of numerical designation of atomic positions covered. 39-17-415 (2007).

Since marijuana is a controlled substance in Tennessee, it is a criminal offense for someone to knowingly:

• manufacture marijuana

• deliver marijuana

• sell marijuana

• possess marijuana with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell marijuana.

A violation of the above with respect to a Schedule VI controlled substance classified as marijuana containing not less than one-half (1/2) ounce (14.175 grams) nor more than ten pounds (10 lbs.) (4535 grams) of marijuana, or a Schedule VI controlled substance defined as a non-leafy, resinous material containing tetrahydrocannabinol (hashish), containing not more than two pounds (2 lbs.) (905 grams) of hashish is a Class E felony and, in addition, may be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

A violation of the above with respect to a Schedule VI controlled substance classified as marijuana and containing between ten pounds (10 lbs.), one gram (4536 grams) of marijuana and seventy pounds (70 lbs.) (31,696 grams) of marijuana, or a Schedule VI controlled substance defined as a non-leafy, resinous material containing tetrahydrocannabinol (hashish) and containing not less than two pounds (2 lbs.), one gram (906 grams) nor more than four pounds (4 lbs.) (1810 grams) of hashish, or a Schedule VI controlled substance classified as marijuana consisting of not less than ten (10) marijuana plants nor more than nineteen (19) marijuana plants, regardless of weight, is a Class D felony and, in addition, may be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

A violation of the above with respect to a Schedule VI controlled substance defined as a non-leafy, resinous material containing tetrahydrocannabinol (hashish) and containing not less than four pounds (4 lbs.), one gram (1811 grams) nor more than eight pounds (8 lbs.) (3620 grams) of hashish, or a Schedule VI controlled substance classified as marijuana consisting of not less than twenty (20) marijuana plants nor more than ninety-nine (99) marijuana plants, regardless of weight, is a Class C felony and, in addition, may be fined not more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

A violation of the above with respect to the following amounts of a controlled substance, or conspiracy to violate the above with respect to such amounts, is a Class B felony and, in addition, may be fined not more than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000):

• Not less than seventy pounds (70 lbs.), (31,697 grams) nor more than three hundred pounds (300 lbs.) (136,050 grams) of any substance containing marijuana, or a Schedule VI controlled substance defined as a non-leafy, resinous material containing tetrahydrocannabinol (hashish) and containing not less than eight pounds (8 lbs.), one gram (3621 grams) nor more than fifteen pounds (15 lbs.) (6,792 grams) of any substance containing hashish, or not less than one hundred (100) marijuana plants nor more than four hundred ninety-nine (499) marijuana plants, regardless of weight.

A violation of the above with respect to the following amounts of a controlled substance, or conspiracy to violate the above with respect to such amounts is a Class A felony and, in addition, may be fined not more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000):

• Three hundred pounds (300 lbs.) (136,050 grams) or more of any substance containing marijuana, or a Schedule VI controlled substance defined as a non-leafy, resinous material containing tetrahydrocannabinol (hashish) and containing not less than fifteen pounds (15 lbs.), one gram (6,793 grams) of any substance containing hashish, or five hundred (500) or more marijuana plants, regardless of weight. Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-417 (2007).

If you or someone you know is charged with a Marijuana Offense, please contact a Tennessee Attorney as quickly as possible so that a thorough investigation can be made into the charges.