1. May & McKinney
Focus Area: Criminal defense with trial-ready approach
Practice Areas: DUI, sex crimes, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes, weapon offenses, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: May McKinney has almost 80 years of collective legal experience among its attorneys. The firm’s Nashville criminal defense lawyers are known for their drive and skill both inside and outside of the courtroom. Unlike firms that simply march clients in front of a judge to plead guilty for a lesser sentence, May McKinney carefully considers the facts to determine how to secure the most advantageous outcome. If this means going to trial, the firm is ready. The firm takes a different approach focusing on addressing clients as people, not case numbers.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee (serves Nashville area and throughout Tennessee)
Contact: (615) 265-6383 | https://www.mckinneylawfirm.com/
Consultation: Confidential strategy session available
2. Horst Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified specialist
Practice Areas: Sex crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, theft, assault, DUI, domestic violence, federal crimes
Background: Attorney Brent Horst has been practicing law for more than 25 years and has tried more than 200 criminal jury trials. He is a former prosecutor who knows exactly how the case against clients is likely to develop. Importantly, Attorney Horst is Board Certified in Criminal Law, a distinction held by less than 1% of the over 26,000 lawyers in Tennessee. The firm defends clients across the state, including Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Hendersonville, and surrounding areas. The firm serves Davidson County, Knox County, Shelby County, Hamilton County, Sumner County, Williamson County, and Wilson County.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee (serves statewide)
Contact: (615) 403-2971 | https://www.criminalattorneysnashville.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
3. Ridings Law Group, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with law enforcement and prosecution background
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Attorney David Ridings has more than 33 years of legal experience, as well as over a decade of prior experience working in law enforcement and years spent as a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office. Due to this extensive and varied experience, he has a unique and thorough understanding of the law from all angles. David is a life-long Tennessee resident whose practice is in Nashville. He obtained his BS and MCJ from MTSU in Criminal Justice Administration, and his Law Degree from Nashville School of Law in 1998. The office is located in the center of Nashville, directly across from the courthouse in the Stahlman Building.
Location: Stahlman Building, Nashville, Tennessee (directly across from courthouse)
Contact: (615) 851-1888 | https://www.nashvillecriminalattorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Law Office of Bernie McEvoy
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, domestic violence, DUI, sex crimes, assault, theft, weapons charges, order of protection cases
Background: The Law Office of Bernie McEvoy is widely recognized for providing comprehensive defense representation in Tennessee. With over 25 years of experience, Nashville attorney Bernie McEvoy has handled criminal cases from both sides as a former prosecutor and a current defense lawyer. He uses his knowledge of opposing strategies to help defendants reach a fair outcome. The firm provides representation where clients are treated with respect and compassion as they work to resolve cases.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Contact: (615) 255-9595 | https://www.mcevoycriminallaw.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
5. Philip N. Clark, Criminal Defense Attorney
Focus Area: Criminal defense and DUI with over a decade of experience
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, theft, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Attorney Philip N. Clark has been practicing criminal defense in Nashville and Davidson County for over a decade. He has built a reputation for treating every client with respect, providing honest legal advice, and building defenses tailored to specific situations. As a longtime criminal lawyer in Nashville, he knows how the courts in Davidson County operate and has developed relationships with judges and district attorneys. The firm handles cases from investigation through formal charges, providing comprehensive representation.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee (serves Davidson County)
Contact: Available through website | https://tncriminaldefenseattorney.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Tennessee
Felony Classifications
Tennessee classifies felonies into five categories based on severity:
Class A Felony: The most serious category, including first-degree murder (when death penalty is not sought), aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated rape. Penalties range from 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.
Class B Felony: Includes second-degree murder, aggravated assault resulting in death, and aggravated burglary. Penalties range from 8 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
Class C Felony: Includes aggravated assault, robbery, and vehicular homicide. Penalties range from 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Class D Felony: Includes theft over $2,500, burglary of a vehicle, and DUI fourth offense. Penalties range from 2 to 12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
Class E Felony: The least serious felony, including theft between $1,000 and $2,500, forgery, and DUI third offense. Penalties range from 1 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000.
Capital murder (first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, and murder of certain officials) carries either life imprisonment or death.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor, including DUI (first offense), domestic assault, and theft under $1,000. Maximum penalty of 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes reckless driving, prostitution, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and fines up to $500.
Class C Misdemeanor: The least serious misdemeanor, including public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and fines up to $50.
Record Clearing Options (Expungement)
Tennessee has expanded expungement eligibility in recent years:
Expungement of Charges: Dismissed charges, nolle prosequi, not guilty verdicts, and pretrial diversion completions are eligible for expungement.
Expungement of Convictions: Certain misdemeanors and Class E felonies may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period. Eligibility depends on the specific offense, with many crimes specifically listed as eligible or ineligible.
Waiting Period: Generally 5 years after completing the sentence for eligible misdemeanors, and up to 10 years for eligible felonies.
Ineligible Offenses: Violent offenses, sex offenses, DUI, domestic violence, and offenses against children are generally not eligible for expungement.
Judicial Diversion: First-time offenders may be eligible for judicial diversion, which allows charges to be dismissed and expunged upon successful completion of probation.
DUI Laws
Tennessee has strict DUI laws. BAC of .08% or higher (.04% for commercial drivers, .02% for under 21) constitutes DUI. First offense carries 48 hours to 11 months 29 days jail (minimum 7 days if BAC .20% or higher), $350-$1,500 fines, 1-year license revocation, and possible ignition interlock device. Tennessee has an implied consent law requiring submission to chemical testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that an attorney is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law in Tennessee?
Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law in Tennessee is an extremely rare distinction. Less than 1% of the over 26,000 lawyers in Tennessee hold this certification. To become Board Certified, an attorney must demonstrate substantial experience in criminal trial law, pass a rigorous examination, receive favorable evaluations from judges and fellow attorneys, and complete ongoing continuing education. When an attorney like Brent Horst at Horst Law holds this certification, it represents an objective verification of specialized expertise. For defendants facing serious criminal charges in Nashville and Davidson County, this certification can be an important factor in selecting an attorney with proven courtroom skills.
What is judicial diversion in Tennessee and am I eligible?
Judicial diversion in Tennessee is a program that allows first-time offenders charged with certain crimes to have their charges dismissed and expunged upon successful completion of probation. To be eligible, you generally must have no prior convictions (other than minor traffic offenses), be charged with a qualifying offense (not all crimes qualify), and the prosecutor and judge must approve. If granted diversion, you will be placed on probation and must comply with all conditions. Upon successful completion, the charge is dismissed and you may apply for expungement. Ineligible offenses include DUI, sexual offenses, domestic assault, and certain violent crimes. A Nashville criminal defense attorney can evaluate your specific situation and advocate for diversion if you qualify.
What happens at a preliminary hearing in Davidson County Criminal Court?
In Tennessee, a preliminary hearing is held in General Sessions Court (not Criminal Court) for felony charges. At this hearing, the judge determines whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that you committed it. The standard is lower than “beyond a reasonable doubt” used at trial. The prosecution presents evidence, and your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. If probable cause is found, your case is bound over to the Grand Jury for indictment. If not, charges may be dismissed. Many defendants waive preliminary hearings, but they can be strategically valuable for gaining discovery and testing the prosecution’s case. Your Nashville defense attorney will advise whether a preliminary hearing is beneficial in your case.
What are the consequences of a domestic assault conviction in Tennessee?
A domestic assault conviction in Tennessee carries serious consequences beyond jail time and fines. A first offense is typically a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days in jail, $2,500 fine). Upon conviction, you face mandatory domestic violence offender treatment programs, loss of gun rights under federal law, potential immigration consequences for non-citizens, and impact on child custody proceedings. A protective order may be issued restricting contact with family members. Subsequent domestic assault convictions carry enhanced penalties, potentially becoming felonies. Domestic assault convictions are not eligible for expungement in Tennessee. Given these lasting consequences, aggressive defense representation from a Nashville attorney experienced in domestic violence cases is essential.
How does Tennessee’s “implied consent” law affect my DUI case?
Tennessee’s implied consent law means that by driving on Tennessee roads, you have implicitly consented to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit to testing results in automatic license revocation: 1 year for first refusal, 2 years for second. The refusal can also be used as evidence against you at trial. However, your Nashville DUI attorney may be able to challenge whether the arrest was lawful, whether you were properly advised of the consequences of refusal, or whether the testing procedures were followed correctly. Even with a refusal, the prosecution may obtain a warrant for blood testing. An experienced DUI defense attorney can evaluate all aspects of your stop, arrest, and testing to identify potential defenses.