1. Horst Law
Practice Focus: Sex crimes defense, drug offenses, domestic violence, DUI, violent crimes, theft, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes, drug offenses, domestic violence, DUI, violent crimes, theft, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, sentencing advocacy, post-conviction relief
Background: Brent Horst has been practicing law for more than 25 years. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law, a distinction held by less than 1% of Tennessee’s over 26,000 lawyers. He is a former prosecutor who uses his knowledge of prosecution strategies to defend clients. He has tried more than 200 criminal jury trials. The firm defends clients across Tennessee including Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Hendersonville, and surrounding counties including Davidson County, Knox County, Shelby County, Hamilton County, Sumner County, Williamson County, and Wilson County.
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact: (615) 403-2971 | https://www.criminalattorneysnashville.com
Consultation: Consultation available
2. May & McKinney
Practice Focus: DUI defense, sex crimes, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes, weapon offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, sex crimes, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, expert witness coordination
Background: The firm has almost 80 years of collective legal experience. Rob McKinney has been recognized by Super Lawyers for criminal defense in Nashville. Roger T. May is an experienced criminal defense attorney practicing in the Nashville area. The firm focuses on addressing clients as individuals rather than case numbers, working as a team to minimize damage and achieve favorable outcomes. The attorneys have obtained dismissals in multiple case types.
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact: (615) 265-6383 | https://www.mckinneylawfirm.com
Consultation: Available
3. Raybin & Weissman, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, white collar crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, DUI, sex crimes, homicide
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, murder, violent crimes, drug offenses, DUI, sex crimes, white collar crimes, financial crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, parole hearings, civil rights litigation, sentencing advocacy
Background: The firm has been helping clients resolve legal issues since 1976 with more than 100 years of combined trial experience. David Raybin heads the criminal defense section and was named the 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in Criminal Defense: White-Collar in Nashville by Best Lawyers. Best Lawyers in America named David the Best Nashville Criminal Lawyer in criminal general practice and white collar defense. Ben Raybin has won the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for 11 consecutive years. The firm was ranked in Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms list in 2018, 2023, and 2025.
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact: (615) 256-6666 | https://www.nashvilletnlaw.com
Consultation: Available
4. Law Office of Bernie McEvoy
Practice Focus: Drug crimes, domestic violence, DUI, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug offenses, domestic violence, DUI, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, sentencing advocacy
Background: Bernie McEvoy has over 25 years of experience and has handled criminal cases from both sides as a former prosecutor and current defense lawyer. He uses his knowledge of prosecution strategies to help defendants reach fair outcomes. The firm provides comprehensive defense representation throughout Tennessee.
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact: https://www.mcevoycriminallaw.com
Consultation: Available
5. Ridings Law Group, P.C.
Practice Focus: DUI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft, traffic offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft, traffic violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, record expungement
Background: David Ridings has more than 33 years of legal experience, including over a decade of prior experience working in law enforcement and years as a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office. He obtained his BS and MCJ from MTSU in Criminal Justice Administration and his Law Degree from Nashville School of Law in 1998. He is a Tennessee native. The firm maintains an office directly across from the courthouse in the Stahlman Building for convenience in handling court appearances.
Location: Nashville, TN (Stahlman Building, across from courthouse)
Contact: https://www.nashvillecriminalattorney.com
Consultation: Available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee attorneys are regulated by the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. All attorneys must be licensed and in good standing with the Tennessee Bar. The Board of Professional Responsibility provides public access to verify attorney licensing status and disciplinary history.
Tennessee offers specialty certification in criminal trial advocacy through the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization. Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocates have demonstrated substantial experience and expertise in criminal law. Less than 1% of Tennessee attorneys hold this certification.
The Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference provides indigent defense services through 31 judicial district public defender offices. Eligibility for appointed counsel is determined based on financial screening at the defendant’s first court appearance. Defendants who do not qualify for a public defender but cannot afford private counsel may be eligible for fee-reduced representation.
Tennessee uses a lettered felony classification system with five classes: Class A, B, C, D, and E. Class A felonies carry 15 to 60 years imprisonment. Class B felonies carry 8 to 30 years. Class C felonies carry 3 to 15 years. Class D felonies carry 2 to 12 years. Class E felonies carry 1 to 6 years. Fines may also be imposed, with Class A felonies carrying up to $50,000 and lower classes carrying proportionally reduced maximums. Tennessee has the death penalty for first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances.
Misdemeanors in Tennessee are classified as Class A, B, or C. Class A misdemeanors carry up to 11 months 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. Class B misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $500 fines. Class C misdemeanors carry up to 30 days and $50 fines.
Bail in Tennessee is determined by judges based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, community ties, and flight risk. Tennessee law provides a right to bail for most offenses, with exceptions for capital offenses and certain repeat violent offenders. Defendants may post cash bonds, use bail bond companies, or seek release on their own recognizance.
Tennessee allows expungement of certain criminal records. Eligible records include dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after completion of sentence and waiting periods. The waiting period is 5 years for most eligible offenses. Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement, including sex offenses, domestic assault, DUI, and crimes against children. Tennessee expanded expungement eligibility in recent years to include additional offenses.
Tennessee attorneys must complete 15 hours of continuing legal education annually, including 3 hours in dual (ethics) credit courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens at a preliminary hearing in Tennessee?
A: In Tennessee, a preliminary hearing is held in General Sessions Court for felony charges to determine whether probable cause exists to bind the case over to the grand jury. The prosecution presents evidence, typically through the arresting officer, to establish probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. Defense counsel may cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to the grand jury for potential indictment. If not, charges may be dismissed. The preliminary hearing is also an opportunity for limited discovery and to assess the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Q: How does the Davidson County criminal court system work?
A: Davidson County criminal cases begin in General Sessions Court, where preliminary hearings are held for felonies and misdemeanors are tried. If a felony case is bound over, it goes to the grand jury for potential indictment. Indicted cases proceed to Davidson County Criminal Court for arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department handles investigations within Nashville-Davidson County. The District Attorney General for the 20th Judicial District prosecutes cases. Defendants may be held at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility.
Q: What are the penalties for DUI in Tennessee?
A: A first DUI offense in Tennessee is a Class A misdemeanor carrying 48 hours to 11 months 29 days in jail (mandatory minimum of 7 days if BAC is 0.20 or higher), fines of $350 to $1,500, license revocation of 1 year, and mandatory participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program. Subsequent DUI offenses carry enhanced penalties with longer mandatory minimum jail sentences, higher fines, extended license revocations, and potential vehicle forfeiture. A fourth DUI within 10 years is a Class E felony. Implied consent law requires submission to chemical testing, and refusal results in automatic license revocation.
Q: Can I get my Tennessee criminal record expunged?
A: Tennessee allows expungement of certain criminal records. Dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts may be expunged by filing a petition with the court. For convictions, eligibility depends on the offense type and completion of all sentence requirements. Many misdemeanor convictions and some felony convictions are eligible after a 5-year waiting period following completion of sentence. You must have no pending charges and must not have been convicted of subsequent offenses during the waiting period. Offenses not eligible for expungement include DUI, domestic assault, sex offenses, crimes against children, and offenses involving victims. Court filing fees apply to expungement petitions.
Q: What is judicial diversion in Tennessee?
A: Judicial diversion is a sentencing alternative in Tennessee that allows eligible first-time offenders to have their charges dismissed upon successful completion of probation. If granted diversion, you plead guilty or no contest, but the court defers entry of judgment and places you on probation for a specified period. If you successfully complete all probation requirements without new charges or violations, the case is dismissed and you may petition to have your record expunged. Eligibility depends on the offense type, criminal history, and judicial discretion. Certain offenses are not eligible for diversion, including DUI, sex offenses, and crimes of violence. Diversion preserves the opportunity for a clean record if completed successfully.