The best criminal defense lawyers in Nashville in 2026 include Ridings Law Group, led by a former prosecutor per the firm, May & McKinney, PNC Law, led by a former police officer per the firm, Sluder Law for Spanish and Arabic speakers, and the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ridings Law Group | Downtown Nashville | Felonies and violent crimes | Clients wanting a former prosecutor |
| 2. May & McKinney | Downtown Nashville | Criminal defense and expungement | Juvenile cases and clearing records |
| 3. PNC Law | East Nashville & Germantown | Assault and violent crimes | East Nashville clients |
| 4. Sluder Law | East Nashville & Germantown | Criminal defense | Spanish and Arabic speakers |
| 5. Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry | Green Hills & West Nashville | Criminal defense | Green Hills and McMinnville clients |
Davidson County criminal cases are heard downtown, and several firms sit a short walk from the courthouse. If you aren't a US citizen, ask about immigration consequences before any plea.
Former prosecutor and night court judge, per the firm.
David Ridings handles felonies, domestic assault, drug crimes and vehicular homicide, across from the courthouse.
211 Union St, Suite 205, Nashville, TN 37201
Lists expungement.
May & McKinney handles domestic violence, drug, juvenile and fraud cases from Second Avenue North.
214 2nd Ave N, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37201
Former police officer, per the firm.
Philip N. Clark handles assault, robbery and domestic violence from Main Street.
615 Main St, Suite 116, Nashville, TN 37206
A site in three languages.
Sluder Law handles DUI, drug and violent crime cases, and has staff fluent in Spanish and Arabic, per the firm.
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
Since 2013, per the firm.
Amanda J. Gentry handles criminal defense from Richard Jones Road and McMinnville.
2021 Richard Jones Rd, Suite 210A, Nashville, TN 37215
Stay polite, give your identifying details, say you want a lawyer and don't answer questions without one. Don't discuss the case on a jail phone, because calls can be recorded.
Many charge a flat fee by charge and stage of the case. Ask whether a trial is included. If you can't afford a lawyer and could go to jail, you can ask the court to appoint one.
Tennessee allows some records to be expunged, depending on the charge and outcome, but many convictions don't qualify. Ask a lawyer what applies to your record.