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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Nashville, TN

Our Recommended Best Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyers

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Nashville criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

447Reviewed

275Curated

17Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
201 4th Avenue North, Suite 1110, Nashville, TN 37219

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (92)
Avvo
5.0 (65)
FindLaw
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

At Sherwood Boutique Litigation, you and your case will get highly individualized attention from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our criminal lawyers will know the facts of your case and the relevant law better than anyone in that courtroom and that is a huge advantage. Whether it's the facts or the law, every angle and possibility is thoroughly researched and planned for, guaranteed. Equally as important, we intentionally become personally invested in you so that when we tell your story, people want to believe. Even though you won't be able to speak, rest assured, your story and your voice will be heard.

Additionally, Cynthia Sherwood, founder of Sherwood Boutique Litigation, has been featured by Forbes as one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Federal Crime
  • Arraignment
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
Nashville, TN

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Nashville? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
414 Union St Suite 1215, Nashville, TN 37219

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (48)
Facebook
4.5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Herbet & Lux Attorneys at Law, which is based in Nashville, practices in multiple legal areas including criminal defense. It caters to people who face charges before they affect one's family life or job. The experience of its litigation attorneys includes DUI and drug defense and theft, violent, juvenile, and white-collar crimes. The team at Herbet & Lux utilizes its familiarity and reputation with state and local courts, from judges and prosecutors to staff, in boldly representing its clients.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
203 4th Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (60)
Google
5.0 (42)

Why choose this provider?

Lonnie R. Hoover, Attorney, is the law firm that works on criminal defense, personal injury law, and family litigation cases. Its criminal lawyers near Nashville create and mount impactful defense strategies to obtain dismissals or reduced charges in DUI and drug-related issues. They defend clients charged with misdemeanors, such as traffic infractions, prostitution, and public intoxication, as well as various felonies, including white-collar crimes, drug manufacturing and trafficking, and violent crime offenses. Lonnie R. Hoover Attorney also helps in probation violation matters.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
2021 Richard Jones Road Suite 150E, Nashville, TN 37215

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (127)
Google
5.0 (63)
Yelp
4.9 (13)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office Of Bryan Stephenson provides representation to clients in Nashville. It advocates for individuals in criminal defense cases, such as alcohol-related crimes, domestic violence, weapons charges, violent crimes, and drug offenses. It also handles probation and parole violations, expungements, DUI offenses, and felony and misdemeanor charges. Principal attorney Bryan Stephenson serves as a board member and chairperson of the Ethics Committee for the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has been a practicing criminal attorney for more than 17 years.

With a focus on criminal defense cases, Bryan Stephenson has been featured on the Forbes' list of the best criminal defense lawyers serving the Nashville area.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
3200 West End Ave. Ste. 500, Nashville, TN 37203

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (56)
Google
5.0 (42)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Justin W. Heeg is a highly respected attorney at the helm of the multi-awarded firm Heeg Law Offices, PLLC. He and his team provide a variety of legal services in Nashville, Tennessee, including criminal defense for those accused of misdemeanors and felonies like DUI and assault. He is also a fierce advocate for individuals who have suffered wrongful injuries, such as those involved in car accidents. An attorney since 2021, Heeg has won praise from clients for being transparent, proficient, and passionate about helping those who have sought his expertise, not only in criminal defense and personal injury law but also in immigration, corporate, and estate planning matters. Super Lawyers has recognized Heeg's legal brilliance and named him a Rising Star in 2024.

  • Estate Planning
  • DWI/DUI
  • ALL CRIMINAL CASES

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
426 Century Ct Ste 102, Franklin, TN 37064

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (28)
Yelp
3.5 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Brian Lee Nash is a criminal defense lawyer located in Franklin, Tennessee, and serving the greater Nashville area for over 10 years. The firm seeks compensation for clients in cases of personal injury, including auto accident cases. Speaking English and Spanish, Nash represents clients charged with DUI, reckless driving, domestic abuse, drugs, and internet crimes. Nash is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Tennessee Bar Association.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
1310 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Dodson, Parker, Behm, and Capparella PC is a law firm in Nashville that manages criminal defense efforts. This firm handles general criminal cases and helps clients to fully understand the charges against them as well as the options that they have to either fight for their innocence or cooperate with prosecution in hopes of more lenient sentencing. It also handles civil and business litigation disputes as well as personal injury cases.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
615 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (35)
Facebook
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Courtney Teasley Law Firm helps individuals and small businesses overcome their legal challenges. The Nashville-based practice represents clients in federal and state criminal proceedings, civil rights cases, veterans' law matters, and personal injury claims. Courtney Teasley launched her law office in 2013. As an East Nashville native, she works to educate her fellow locals on their constitutional rights—particularly in relation to police interactions. Teasley teaches American legal systems and constitutional criminal law as an adjunct professor at Tennessee State University.

  • Federal Crime

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
3200 West End Avenue, Suite 500, Nashville, TN 37203

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (54)
Google
5.0 (24)
Avvo
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Ryan C. Caldwell offers counsel and representation from its location in Nashville. The criminal defense firm represents clients arrested for DUI and domestic assault. Its attorney, Ryan Caldwell, also protects the rights of individuals accused of committing drug and sex crimes. Additionally, he counsels clients who received citations, advising them about their legal options. Caldwell, who has nearly 20 years of experience, is a Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers member.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
1308 Rosa Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (33)
Yelp
5.0 (2)
Avvo
4.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Richard McGee Attorney at Law is a criminal defense law firm in Nashville providing consultation and representation to clients in the area. The firm is headed by Richard McGee, a lawyer for over 40 years and the former president of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has experience representing clients in matters involving felony convictions, misdemeanors, drug crimes, sexual offenses, and motor vehicle offenses. McGee also provides expungement services to clients seeking to pursue higher education, travel abroad, or land a job.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
1994 Gallatin Pike, Suite 305, Madison, TN 37115

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (54)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

With thousands of cases handled, Paul Walwyn Attorneys at Law is a multi-practice firm that serves individuals and families in Nashville and the surrounding areas. It provides criminal defense services for a variety of charges, including drunk driving, drug crimes, burglary, assault, and homicide. It also assists with probation violations and petitions to suspend sentences. Other practice areas of the firm include personal injury. Principal attorney Paul Walwyn has been practicing law for more than two decades.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
8115 Isabella Ln Ste 9, Brentwood, TN 37027

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (115)
Facebook
4.9 (59)
Avvo
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

The Nesheiwat Law Group PLLC is located in Brentwood and serves the entire Nashville metro area, advocating on behalf of clients in criminal defense scenarios. It regularly works on behalf of clients charged for theft and burglary, assault, drug and gun crimes, homicide, and miscellaneous felonies and misdemeanors. Its attorneys explain charges to clients and illustrate the implications of the legal process they are participating in while defending them either in court or in settlement efforts with prosecutors.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
424 Church St, Suite 2120A, Nashville, TN 37219

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Shipman & Crim PLLC, Attorneys at Law, is a criminal defense firm that serves the Nashville metro and the neighboring communities. The firm protects the rights of individuals facing criminal charges, such as aggravated assault, DUI, patronizing prostitution, possession of drugs with the intent to sell, and theft. The firm's founder, Joel Crim, previously worked as a prosecuting attorney in the Davidson County District Attorney General's office. As a criminal defense attorney, he has practiced in over 50 different courts and more than 45 counties.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft & Burglary

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (58)
Avvo
4.7 (12)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jordan Sluder serves clients in Nashville. It provides representation for individuals facing criminal charges that involve drugs, DUIs, domestic assault, theft, and fraud. It handles violent crimes, from misdemeanor assaults to serious felonies. The firm offers criminal citation defense for non-violent criminal acts, including simple possession, prostitution, public intoxication, shoplifting, indecent exposure, and underage drinking. Jordan has been practicing law since 2011. He is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
211 Union Street Suite 205, Nashville, TN 37201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (106)
Google
5.0 (80)
Facebook
4.4 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Ridings Law Group, P.C., is a Nashville legal practice focused on criminal defense. It aggressively represents those who are charged with theft, assault, carjacking, domestic violence, or murder. It also handles white-collar criminal cases involving embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering. The firm's lead attorney, David Ridings, has over 33 years of legal experience on top of working as a police officer and prosecutor for over a decade. He uses his knowledge to investigate case details and build his clients' defense.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Nashville
1300 Division St, Ste 305, Nashville, TN 37203

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Stephens Law, PLC, represents Nashville residents who are facing criminal allegations. The firm provides criminal defense for felonies and misdemeanors, including domestic violence, DUI, drug offenses, Title IX, disorderly conduct, and violent crimes. Sole practitioner Matt Stephens has more than 18 years of trial experience. He aggressively pursues any possible avenue to uphold the client's current and future interests. Stephens previously served as a special prosecutor and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Compare Best Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Sherwood Boutique Litigation
201 4th Avenue North, Suite 1110, Nashville, TN 37219Call for consultation
Herbet & Lux Attorneys at Law
414 Union St Suite 1215, Nashville, TN 37219
Lonnie R. Hoover, Attorney
203 4th Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064
Law Office Of Bryan Stephenson
2021 Richard Jones Road Suite 150E, Nashville, TN 37215
Heeg Law Offices
3200 West End Ave. Ste. 500, Nashville, TN 37203
Brian Lee Nash
426 Century Ct Ste 102, Franklin, TN 37064
Dodson Parker Behm and Capparella PC
1310 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
The Courtney Teasley Law Firm
615 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206
The Law Office of Ryan C. Caldwell
3200 West End Avenue, Suite 500, Nashville, TN 37203
Richard McGee Attorney at Law
1308 Rosa Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208
Paul Walwyn Attorneys at Law
1994 Gallatin Pike, Suite 305, Madison, TN 37115
The Nesheiwat Law Group, PLLC
8115 Isabella Ln Ste 9, Brentwood, TN 37027
Shipman & Crim PLLC Attorneys at Law
424 Church St, Suite 2120A, Nashville, TN 37219
Law Office of Jordan Sluder
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
Ridings Law Group, P.C.
211 Union Street Suite 205, Nashville, TN 37201
Stephens Law, PLC
1300 Division St, Ste 305, Nashville, TN 37203

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Nashville, TN Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Nashville, Tennessee?

    615-862-8600 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Nashville.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Nashville, Tennessee?

    To request police records or reports, download and complete the Open Records Request Policy and Form, https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/MNPDPublicRecordsPolicyandRequestForm.pdf?ct=1669219607, and present a photo ID. Requests can be made by mail, hand carry, or email: MNPDPublic@nashville.gov. The location for the Police Central Records Division is 811 Anderson Ln, Suite 100, Madison, TN 37115.

  • Will you lose your driver's license if you are convicted of a DUI in Nashville?

    Yes, you will lose your license if you are convicted of DUI. Your case, however, will determine how long it is revoked. If you are convicted of a first-time DUI, your license may be suspended for a year. For someone with two or more prior DUIs, a new DUI conviction may result in a six- to ten-year license suspension. To avoid this and other serious consequences of a DUI conviction, you should consult with a DUI defense attorney.

  • What should you do if you are wrongfully accused of a crime in Nashville?

    If you have been falsely accused of a crime, it is critical to remain silent and not reveal any details, gather evidence such as documents, physical evidence, or witness contact information, decline any voluntary searches or tests, and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Nashville. They can assist in defending the innocent against false accusations, proving your innocence, and protecting your rights.

  • Is it possible to have a criminal record expunged after conviction in Nashville?

    A criminal record can be expunged in Nashville, but not all records are eligible. If the charges were dropped or the offense was a minor felony or misdemeanor, the case may be eligible for expungement. However, expungement is unlikely to be granted for more serious and violent offenses. As a result, it is prudent to take all necessary precautions to avoid a conviction.

  • What are the costs of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Nashville?

    The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney varies according to the type of charge you face and the complexity of your case. A lawyer may charge a flat fee in some cases and an hourly rate in others. Some Nashville law firms charge rates based on the specifics of your case, and they will provide more information about costs during an initial consultation.

  • How are jurors selected in Nashville criminal cases?

    Criminal Rule 24 outlines the criteria for jury selection in Nashville and throughout the state of Tennessee. The presiding judge, defense counsel, and prosecutor are permitted to question prospective jurors regarding their eligibility to serve. Both the defense and prosecution have the ability to object to jurors for any valid reason, known as preemptive challenges.