Jonathan W. Turner, Attorney

Why Being a Former Prosecutor Gives a Leg Up for Criminal Defense

2026-08-09T18:12:40Z

There are many reasons that being a former excellent prosecutor gives an advantage as a criminal defense attorney. First, as a former prosecutor, Mr. Turner tried thousands of cases and has seen cases play out to the end. By actually seeing what happens for a case at a trial, it allows Mr. Turner to quickly identify defenses and determine most likely end game results. Second, Mr. Turner is able to think like a prosecutor and is able to communicate with prosecutors in their own language. Most important, Mr. Turner is able to communicate in a way that can be tailored to a prosecutor and can build credibility with the prosecutor. Too often, inexperienced defense attorneys attempt to make arguments to prosecutors that really are completely irrelevant and reduces the attorney's credibility. Finally, it helps to be able to know how the State will present their case. By actually trying cases, Mr. Turner knows how the prosecutor is actually supposed to do their job. Call Jonathan W. Turner is you want experience on your side to fight for your rights. 615-979-6401

Can you refuse a roadside oral fluid test in Tennessee?

2026-07-14T10:50:17Z

If you drive through Middle Tennessee, you need to know about a major change that came to driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement at the start of 2026. Law enforcement agencies are now using roadside saliva testing to detect prescription medications and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unfortunately, most drivers have no idea this change has already taken effect. This is not your typical breathalyzer stop. These oral fluid tests represent a significant expansion of Tennessee's Implied Consent Law. Understanding your rights could make all the difference if you see those blue lights in your rearview mirror.

What are oral fluid tests and how do they work?

Roadside saliva swabs are designed to detect drugs in your system, including prescription medications, marijuana and other controlled substances. An officer collects a sample using a swab placed in your mouth, and the device analyzes it on the spot for various substances. Unlike breathalyzers that measure blood alcohol content, these tests look for the presence of drugs. The problem? They do not measure impairment. You could have taken a legally prescribed medication days ago and the test might still show a positive result. Studies have shown that oral fluid tests carry a concerning rate of false positives. Factors such as using mouthwash, ingesting certain foods and even some over-the-counter medications can trigger inaccurate readings. Yet these results can still lead to your arrest on I-65 or any Tennessee roadway.

Can you refuse the saliva swab?

Here is where things get complicated. Under Tennessee's Implied Consent Law, you have already agreed to chemical testing simply by holding a driver's license. When an officer has probable cause to believe you are driving under the influence and lawfully arrests you, you are required to submit to chemical testing, including the new oral fluid tests. Refusing a chemical test as a first-time offender in 2025 results in a 1-year driver's license suspension; the 18-month penalty applies to refusals on or after January 1, 2026. What many drivers do not realize is that refusal does not necessarily prevent law enforcement from obtaining evidence. Tennessee law allows qualified medical practitioners executing a search warrant or court order to use reasonable force to obtain a blood sample, but it does not grant officers broad authority to forcibly collect oral fluid samples at the roadside. Even if you refuse, officers can obtain a search warrant and force a blood draw and you will still face the implied consent violation and 18-month suspension for your initial refusal. However, refusing may still be worth considering in certain situations. The consequences of refusal might be less severe than the consequences of a false positive that leads to a DUI conviction. Each case is different, and the decision depends on your specific circumstances. It is critical to understand that an implied consent violation stands as a separate charge even if officers later obtain a warrant and collect your blood anyway. You face dual accountability: the refusal penalty and potential DUI charges based on the warranted test results.

Protect your rights with experienced legal help

The expansion of oral fluid testing creates new challenges for Tennessee drivers. These tests are far from foolproof, and the stakes are incredibly high when you are facing DUI charges. If you have been subjected to a roadside saliva test or are facing drug-related DUI charges, consider working with someone who understands both sides of the courtroom. Having a former prosecutor on your side means access to insider knowledge of exactly how the state builds these cases, as well as the strategies to challenge them. That kind of experience can be invaluable when challenging flawed test results and protecting your rights. You do not have to face this situation alone. Consider consulting an attorney to explore your options and get the guidance you need.

How a child passenger may impact a Williamson County DUI

2026-04-12T13:08:03Z

Motorists in Williamson County and across Tennessee are at risk of driving under the influence (DUI) charges if they drive poorly or fail chemical tests. Frequently, DUI offenses are misdemeanor charges, provided that no one sustained injuries and the driver does not have multiple prior convictions on their record. However, state authorities can sometimes pursue more serious charges, including felony DUI charges or related felony offenses, when there are aggravating factors present. The presence of a minor child in the vehicle at the time of a DUI arrest can potentially put a motorist at risk of a felony charge. Parents headed home with their children from a Franklin-area restaurant, for example, could end up facing serious criminal charges, even if no one gets hurt.

Tennessee laws recently changed

State statutes regulating child endangerment recently changed, and that adjustment has an impact on DUI cases where there are minor passengers in the vehicle. It may now be possible for the state to pursue a felony charge against a driver who is under the influence while transporting children in their vehicle. The presence of a child in the vehicle can lead to a child endangerment charge in addition to a DUI charge. A first offense carries a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail and $1,000 fines. The state can also suspend the driver's license for a year. In cases where children sustain serious injuries, felony child endangerment charges could be possible. The penalties then increase to between two and 12 years in prison if the child sustained injuries or between eight and 30 years in prison if the child dies. Reporting to the Department of Children's Services is common, especially if the person driving is a parent, even if no one sustained injuries. The situation can quickly change from an inconvenient traffic stop to life-altering criminal charges. Anyone accused of a DUI offense likely requires legal guidance, but those facing charges that involve aggravating factors are especially vulnerable. An attorney can assist with an evaluation of the state's case and with the development of a defense strategy that can limit the likelihood of a felony conviction that could forever affect an individual’s opportunities in life.

Yes DUI for Drugs Can Be Beaten

2026-04-01T17:41:17Z

Yes DUI for drugs can be beaten. The issues arise on how the State can prove intoxication. The problem is if there's no presumption of dui by drugs in Tennessee . in addition, if it's a DUI marijuana intoxication case, the State has a difficult time with a jury panel due to the likelihood of pro marijuana jurors on the jury. Call Jonathan W Turner,, Attorney, 615-979-6401 for an attorney who has actually beaten these types of charges.

What can you do once you been charged with a DUI?

2026-04-01T17:41:49Z

1. Immediately begin researching for an attorney. You face serious consequences with a DUI including jail and loss of license. You need an attorney to fight for you. 2. Focus on attorneys with significant DUI experience. DUI defense requires technical skill more than any other crimes. It requires knowledge of the U.S. and TN Constitution, TN laws, TN procedural and evidentiary rules. 3. Make sure your attorney actually gets results and just is not showing up to court and pleading you guilty with no effort or investigation. 4. Stay out of trouble. The last thing you want is to get another DUI charge and face worse consequences. if you want an attorney to fight for you with proven and trusted results around Midldle TN, call Jonathan W. Turner at 615-979-6401.

Trial or No Trial: Sometimes Trial is the Best Option

2026-04-01T17:42:18Z

A common question for criminal defendant's is should I go to trial. The answer is not simple. However if the prosecutor is offering unreasonable plea offers, then trial is often the best option. However there is one important point about this. If the defense attorney is not experienced and is not great at trial, then prosecutor's can exploit this weakness. If you want a trial attorney who has tried thousands of cases as a prosecutor, then call Jonathan W. Turner. He will fight for your rights.

Serious Crimes Require Serious Attorneys

2026-04-01T17:42:31Z

If you are charged with a serious crime, you need to have a seriously good attorney fighting for you. In addition, if your attorney was seriously good at being a prosecutor, then it is a good indicator of being seriously good as a defense attorney. Jonathan W. Turner was the youngest Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney due to being relentless as a trial attorney. This helps him fight as a defense attorney because he knows both sides. Call Jonathan W. Turner at 615-979-6401 if you want a serious defense.

Is it hopeless if you are legally drunk and been charged with a DUI?

2026-04-01T17:42:55Z

No, there are many constitutional and statutory rules regarding how the police are to conduct a DUI investigation. One important hurdle is that any traffic stop must be legal. Recently Jonathan W. Turner, Attorney had a DUI dismissed due to an illegal traffic stop despite the accused being over the limit. For any help in a DUI charge, call Jonathan W. Turner as he will fight for your rights.

Taking the Sting out of a Domestic Relations Charge

2026-04-01T17:43:18Z

Jonathan W. Turner is a former Virginia and domestic violence prosecutor. He has tried hundreds of domestic violence cases as a prosecutor and knows how to combat these charges. Some issues that help in a defense: 1. Having no criminal record. 2 Having no witnesses. 3. Having no visible injuries. 4. Partner or spouse who wants to reconcile relaironship. Having a domestic violence charge is serious due to not being able to have a gun if convicted. However Mr. Turner knows how prosecutor's work and can help lessen the charges and hopefully get them off your criminal record.

Jonathan W. Turner Awarded Again

2025-07-07T10:34:03Z

Jonathan W. Turner, Attorney, was awarded once again a Top 100 National Trial Lawyers designation. He tried thousands of cases as a Virginia prosecutor and uses that experience for fighting for client’s rights and freedom.