God, Guns, & Government

As we sit, still numb from the sight of another tragic massacre at one of our schools... this time, an ELEMENTARY school, of all places.  Helpless children. (and thanks to gun restrictions... Helpless Adults)  As this new shooting takes the forefront of our National Media... As many times before, We sit asking ourselves "Who, What, Why and How".

"Who" on earth would do this?
"What" could we have done to prevent it,
                        ...or at least "lessen" the severity of it?
"Why" is this becoming so commonplace?
"How" can we prevent it from happening again?  

Where are we headed as a country? Where will we be in 20 years... 30 years... 50 years??? ... And, what is the "real" problem that leads to this kind of massacre as frequently as we have had it occur.  What are the "common links".  What is the "answer" to stopping it?
IS there an answer???
CAN we stop it?

Is the problem as simple as taking away "guns" (not that that would be simple). Or, is it the "lack of security"?  Are we a "naive" society that thinks everyone is safe and our government will protect us?  Can our government "protect" us?  Should that even be the "job" of the government?

We spend a fortune on entitlement programs for people who "literally choose" not to work.  What about those who are "mentally ill" and cannot work, or sometimes even "function" in our society.  What are we spending to help them?  We spend a fortune on locking up drug dealers and now we have laws that give drug dealers more jail time than murderers... literally!  Case in point... When someone simply "drives on the interstate and passes a school zone with drugs in their trunk", they can be convicted under new "drug free school zone" laws that carry significantly high mandatory minimum 100% sentences and some have led to sentences that I have personally seen were far greater than sentences for rapist and murderers.  All the while, we cannot seem to lock away the criminally insane and protect our society from those that really have the most risk of doing something like what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Now, I know what you are saying... But, Dave, How can you compare those two scenarios.  The entitlement programs didn't "cause" this."  And you would be right.  But... our government leaders have their priorities all mixed up.  The liberal left want to take all the guns thinking that will solve the problem.

But would this guy have "followed" those laws??  

It's a rhetorical question.

And now, the hollywood jesters and left winged tree-huggers are screaming for more “gun control”. You know, because THAT works soooooo well in the GUN FREE ZONES ... where most of these mass murders have occurred, by the way. Coincidence?  Hmmmmm.  Probably not!
Schools, shopping malls, universities, theaters… even Banks.

Instead of whining about GUN CONTROL and our INALIENABLE Second Amendment rights, they ought to be demanding we abolish those so-called “gun free zones”, which are doing nothing but creating target rich environments for the mentally disturbed mass murderers.
These “Gun free zones” are killing our children.
Why don't you ban those?!?

FBI statistics prove that mass murderers purposefully choose “gun free zones” to commit their crimes… for obvious reasons.  They know there is not a good likelihood that someone will be shooting back at them until the Police arrive…. At which time they will promptly kill themselves.

These mass murderers, especially those that target little children in schools, are assuredly disturbed.  But more than that, they are COWARDS.  I venture to say they would not enter a school where there was a sign that says "Staff Heavily Armed.  Any attempt to hurt the children in this building will be met with DEADLY FORCE".

No.  Instead, they choose defenseless children and citizens in shopping malls, and theaters, and banks…  today’s “gun free zones”.  

How many of these mass murderers would choose, say, a gun show exhibit or a target range to commit their heinous crimes?  Have you ever heard of a mass murder at a gun show?  Again, rhetorical question there.
The belief that these “gun free zones” will prevent crime relies upon flawed reasoning, namely the belief that criminals will be deterred by these new “gun free zone” laws, even though they are not deterred by longstanding laws against MURDER… or ARMED ROBBERY.

What do you think is more likely... That a lawful responsible gun owner is going to walk in a bank with his gun in the small of his back, and all the sudden decide to ROB the bank?  Or that he could be the guy in line behind the guy that "chose" to ignore the law against "robbing the bank" in the first place, and possibly STOP him from hurting many others??

A person who is willing to commit a serious crime like murder or armed robbery, or a person who is planning to kill dozens of people and then kill themselves, is not even going to give a second thought to the penalty for carrying a gun. They know that if they are caught, the gun possession charge will be the least of their worries… or they are so mentally disturbed that they are not thinking rationally about the penalties.


Now, I know that I may not have all the answers... but I do know this.  There are two things our government has taken out of the school.  One a bit more important than the other, but I think BOTH have significantly contributed to the severity of this massacre.  What are they?

God… and Guns.

There should be NO place that we are not allowed to have guns to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and yes, even our children… NO PLACE!
And, certainly, we should have that right in a place where we drop off our children to be taught and protected!

Washington owes Sandy Hook Elementary administration and their parents an apology that could never measure up.

That administration never had a chance… not because HE was armed… but because they were not!


Crime Time Central Host, Attorney David Ridings has been on every side of the criminal justice system over the past 25 + years.  He spent approximately a decade as a police officer, spent a year at the District Attorney's Office, and has practiced Criminal Defense Law for the past 14  years in his Nashville Criminal Defense Law Firm.  His practice is entirely "criminal defense", but over 95% of that practice is in the area of "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI Defense).  If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI or any other crime, you need EXPERIENCE.  Ridings has that experience, and broadcasts his knowledge each Sunday from Noon - 2pm on his show "Crime Time Central" on Supertalk 99.7 WTN.  Contact Attorney David Ridings today for a Nashville Criminal Attorney with real street experience.

Crime Time Central - 10/21/12 - Justice, Mercy, or Grace?

In 1975, Maury Davis, at age 18, committed a brutal murder.  He was later brought before a jury of his peers in a Texas Criminal Court, where his attorney relied upon the defense of "demon possession". He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 20 years in the Texas Department of Correction.   He found the Lord for the first time as he sat in that 5x9 jail cell, and he turned his life around.  

In 1983, Davis was released (after being denied parole many times before) on a prison over-crowding lottery.  Turns out, God had a plan for Davis that did not include him being on parole. 

So was that Justice? Mercy? Or Grace?

And whatever it was… which one would you rather have?

I met Pastor Davis at Cornerstone Church many years later.  1998 to be exact.  I was a former police officer,  was working at the District Attorney's Office, and about to open my own practice… and I thought to myself… "yea, right.  This preacher got some 'Jailhouse Jesus' and has 'really' turned his life around? I'm sure!"  

Truth is… Pastor Davis is the real deal.  He's not just "playing Church".  His number one focus is "souls".  And, he has led more people to Christ than anyone I have personally ever met.

Join us Sunday October 21, 2012 from Noon to 2pm for Crime Time Central Legal Talk Radio, on Super Talk 99.7 WTN.

You do NOT want to miss this show!!!

Charged with a crime? You need experience.  Attorney David Ridings, and Crime Time Central host has experience on every side of the criminal justice system.  He has spent the last 25 years of his professional life dedicated to Criminal Justice.  From the police force, through the District Attorney's Office, to the Criminal Defense Table… Attorney David Ridings has experience you just don't get out of a book.

If you need a Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney, contact Ridings Law Group, P.C. today for your free consultation. 

Crime Time Central - 10/14/12 - Escape

Today, on Crime Time Central… we ask The Average Juror, Lynda… Guilty or Not Guilty.

Man charged with Escape for being 75 minutes late to halfway house.  

Here are the facts…

Terrance Bell was in federal custody, serving what was left of his federal sentence. He had ONLY TWO MONTHS REMAINING…

In March, while working as a cook at a Waffle House in Nashville, Bell received a phone call informing him that his girlfriend had collapsed at her apartment and had been taken to the hospital. Bell said he made an impulsive decision and went to the hospital without contacting the administration at the halfway house.

A few hours later he realized that it was about an hour and fifteen minutes past the time he was required to be back at the house, so he called one of the directors.

However, Bell said, the director told him that the U.S. marshals had already been notified that he was absent and that he should turn himself in. The director added that he need not return to the halfway house.

Bell said he called the Marshal's Office to schedule a time to turn himself in, but he was told that there would not be anyone in the office who could handle the procedure for the rest of the day.

Bell gave the Marshal's Office the address of his girlfriend's apartment and said he would be staying with her.


A WEEK LATER later he was arrested at her apartment.

He was sentenced to 9 months to serve in federal prison, consecutive to his current sentence.  

TENNESSEE LAW PROVIDES AS FOLLOWS FOR ESCAPE. 

39-16-605.  Escape. 

  (a) It is an offense for any lawfully confined person arrested for, charged with, or found guilty of a civil or criminal offense to escape from a penal institution, as defined in § 39-16-601.

(b)  (1) A person commits the offense of escape who is in the lawful custody of a law enforcement officer and knowingly escapes the officer's custody.

   (2) As used in subdivision (b)(1), "lawful custody" means a person has been taken, seized or detained by a law enforcement officer either by handcuffing, restraining or any other method by which a reasonable person would believe places the person in custody and that otherwise deprives the person's freedom of action in a significant way.

(c)  (1) A violation of subsection (a) is:

      (A) A Class A misdemeanor if the person was being held for a misdemeanor or civil offense; and

      (B) A Class E felony if the person was being held for a felony.

   (2) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) Any sentence received for a violation of this section shall be ordered to be served consecutively to the sentence being served or sentence received for the charge for which the person was being held at the time of the escape.

601 says…..

   (3) "Escape" means unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody following temporary leave for a specific purpose or limited period, but does not include a violation of conditions of probation or parole; and

   (4) "Penal institution" includes any institution or facility used to house or detain a person:

      (A) Convicted of a crime;

      (B) Adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court;

      (C) Who is in direct or indirect custody after a lawful arrest; or

      (D) When such institution or facility is a court-operated long-term residential substance abuse facility.

If you have been charged with a crime, you need experience.  Crime Time Central Host, Attorney David Ridings, has experience on every side of the criminal justice system.  From the police force, through the district attorney's office, to the criminal defense table... Attorney David Ridings has real street experience you can't get from a book.  If  you are charged with a crime, call Nashville Criminal Defense Attonrey David Ridings for your free consult today.

Contact Ridings Law Group, P.C. today.

Crime Time Central - 9/9/12 - Gun Laws

Good show coming up tomorrow 9/9/12. In studio guest Nikki Goeser. Trajic Story of how her husband was shot and killed in a Nashville Establishment that bans the carrying of a weapon for anyone. (Gun Free Zones, as we call them). But that law didn't stop the criminal that killed her husband from carrying his weapon. It only prevented Ms. Goeser from carrying HER weapon, and ultimately having the opportunity to protect herself and/or her husband. Join us tomorrow, Sunday, from Noon to 2pm on Super Talk 99.7 WTN for Crime Time Central to hear and comment on her story.

If you have been charged with a crime, you need experience.  Crime Time Central Host, Attorney David Ridings, has experience on every side of the criminal justice system.  From the police force, through the district attorney's office, to the criminal defense table... Attorney David Ridings has real street experience you can't get from a book.  If  you are charged with a crime, call Nashville Criminal Defense Attonrey David Ridings for your free consult today.

Contact Ridings Law Group, P.C. today.

Crime Time Central - Legalized Marijuana - August 26, 2012 Show

If you missed Crime Time Central this week, here is what you missed. 

Sunday August 26, 2012 we had in studio Doak Patton, Local Attorney and Tennessee President of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).  We discussed the legalization of Marijuana in Tennessee Medicinally and across the board. We had several callers that agreed with Doak on the legalization of the drug… and several that sided with me against the legalization of Marijuana.

Those who were for it… believe that it should be regulated and that the income could help the deficit, and there would be benefit to those who are sick and in need of that drug.

Those against it believe it is a gateway (or stair-step) drug that leads to harder drug use.  

We also had Joe Butler, friend and local businessman who lost his son to a car accident involving marijuana and alcohol use. 

Powerful Show.  

So, what do you think?  Legalize… or Not!

Tune in EVERY Sunday from NOON to 2PM on SUPER TALK 99.7 WTN for Crime Time Central hosted by me, Attorney David Ridings.

As the host of this show, I bring over 25 years of experience on every side of the law.  I began my career in law enforcement in the 1980's.  First as an Intern for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation working on the Governors Task Force on Marijuana Eradication.  I later interned with the Tennessee Board of Parole.  Then I was hired as a police officer in Murfreesboro City, in Rutherford County.  I left there and went to Metro Police Department where I stayed almost a decade until 1998.  In my last year of law school, I got licensed early to practice under the supervision of the Davidson County District Attorney's Office.  Following that, I opened my own firm in Nashville in October of 1998 and now practice exclusively Criminal Law in Nashville Davidson County.  I handle, both, Adult and Juvenile Criminal Courts.  And, I plan to take my experience full circle in a candidacy for Davidson County General Sessions Judgeship in 2014.  

Join us each Sunday for Crime Time Central… where Justice and Morality Collide on the air!  Right here on Super Talk, 99.7 WTN.


If you need a Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney, call Attorney David Ridings for experience you can't get from a book!

Crime Time Central - Legal Talk Radio - Super Talk 99.7 WTN

Beginning this Sunday July 15th 2012... I will be hosting Crime Time Central - Legal Talk Radio Show on Super Talk 99.7 WTN (at 99.7 on the FM dial her in Middle Tennessee).  Join us where Justice and Morality Collide and we discuss issues relevant to the community today regarding Crime, Punishment, and Politics.  We will be discussing recent changes in the law, and how you can stay informed and up to date.

Coming up this week on Crime Time Central ... Guest appearance by Deputy Chief Damian Huggins with the Metro Nashville Police Department. As well as Assistant District Attorney Antoinette Welch. We will be discussing the Worlds Oldest Business... Prostitution. We will discuss the effects on the community, the changes over the years and the effect the internet has had on the profession, enforcement, and prosecution.  We will aslo be discussing punishment and services for those convicted. Are we doing enough to deter it?  or are we catering to those involved by being too soft? 

 

Tune in Sunday July 15th from Noon to 2 on SUPER TALK 99.7 WTN... You won't want to miss the opportunity to put in your two cents!!!

 

If you have been arrested, and need a criminal attonrey with EXPERIENCE... give us a call at Ridings Law Group, P.C.  Nashville Criminal Defense Attorneys protecting and serving our clients since 1998.

 

Contact us today at 615-851-1888 or online at http://www.ridingslawgroup.com/

 

 

 

How Strict is Law Enforcement on DUI Arrests?

How tough are police with DUI stops?

Tennessee DUI laws are strictly enforced. If you are stopped for suspicion of DUI/DWI you will be given no consideration for who you are of who you may know. From state legislators to police to celebrities, no one is immune to prosecution and the harsh penalties for being convicted ofDriving Under the Influence.

The news is full of stories about DUI arrests of people from all segments of society including those who are charged with enforcing our laws.

Nashville officer charged with DUI in Marion Co.

Officer Gregory Blackburn

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Metro police officer has been charged with a DUI in Marion County the same week two other Metro police officers were arrested and charged with DUI in Nashville.

A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper stopped Metro Officer Gregory Blackburn for speeding last December in Marion County in southeast Tennessee, and he was charged with DUI.

Metro police spokesperson Don Aaron said Blackburn was decommissioned following his arrest and is currently working in another area of the police department awaiting the outcome of his DUI trial. Blackburn, an officer at the department's Hermitage precinct, graduated from Metro's police academy in March 2008.

As I always say... The best practice is... Don't drink and drive!

But, if you find yourself charged with a DUI in Nashville… you should have the best Nashville DUI lawyer you can find.  

You should contact David G. Ridings, Nashville DUI Attorney.   

Get the representation you deserve, from someone with experience you can't get from a book!

Contact Ridings Law Group, P.C. today for a free consultation.

David G. Ridings, Nashville Criminal Attorney

Office:  615-851-1888

Email:  David@RidingsLawGroup.com

Can the Police Force me to take a Blood Test for DUI?

Can the police FORCE you to take a Blood test when suspected of Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?

The answer to that question used to be "no", with very few limited exceptions… But, beginning January 01, 2012, the law in Tennessee has changed with regard to compelled chemical tests.  This new law expands the exceptions and creates more circumstances under which the police may "require" you to submit to a chemical test to determine the drug or alcohol content of your blood.  

Beginning January 1, 2012, an officer may REQUIRE a chemical test when the officer has probable cause to believe the citizen has committed a violation of DUI, Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication, or Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, ... AND (one of the following three criteria applies):

1.  The suspect was involved in an accident causing injury or death to another (allowed even under the old law);

2.  The suspect has previously been convicted of DUI, Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication or Aggravated Vehicular Homicide   (new); OR

        3.  The suspect has a passenger in the vehicle who is a child under the age of sixteen (16). (new).

T.C.A. 55-10-406(f) - amended by 2011 Public Chapter No. 307.  Effective January 1, 2012

What this means for you?

If you have a previous DUI in Tennessee… you could be "forced" to give a blood sample if you are pulled over, and investigated for DUI again.  It is important to note that the new law does not include any "look-back" period for the "prior" conviction(s).  Therefore, according to the way the law is written… you could be forced to give a sample even if the DUI was 20 years ago, and not otherwise admissible against you for sentencing purposes.  For the purpose of forcing a chemical test…any prior conviction would trigger the new law. But... according to the wording of the law, in Tennessee, the prior conviction(s) that trigger the law, must be "Tennessee" convictions.  A conviction in another state would not trigger this new law.

This is a VERY significant change in the law.

As a former police officer myself, I have often been asked whether or not it was a good idea to take the blood or breath test if stopped by an officer and requested to do so.  This law makes that question a moot point if you have prior DUI offenses. The only time you have a choice now, is if it is a first offense. And, even then, NOT if you were to have a child under the age of 16 in the car with you.

The best practice, as always,… Don't drink and drive!

But, if you find yourself charged with a DUI in Nashville… you should have the best Nashville DUI lawyer you can find.  

You should contact David G. Ridings, Nashville DUI Attorney.   

Get the representation you deserve, from someone with experience you can't get from a book!

Contact Ridings Law Group, P.C. today for a free consultation.

David G. Ridings, Nashville Criminal Attorney

Office:  615-851-1888

Email:  David@RidingsLawGroup.com