Best Clarksville Criminal Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime in Clarksville, Tennessee, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. Criminal charges can be scary and overwhelming, but the right lawyer will fight for your rights and help you understand the legal process. Here is an overview of some of the top criminal defense attorneys and law firms in the Clarksville area.

Greg Smith Law

Based in downtown Clarksville, Greg Smith Law is led by attorney Greg Smith, who has over 25 years of experience defending clients accused of state and federal crimes. Greg takes an aggressive yet compassionate approach and isn’t afraid to take cases to trial when necessary. He has successfully defended clients charged with serious felonies like murder, rape, child abuse, and drug trafficking. Greg also handles DUI, theft, domestic violence, and white collar crime cases. Read more about Greg’s approach in this article from The Leaf Chronicle.

Runyon & Runyon

Runyon & Runyon is a well-established Clarksville firm that has been practicing criminal law since 1929. Founding partner Frank Runyon is a former police detective who leverages his experience on both sides of criminal cases. The attorneys handle a wide range of charges including domestic violence, prescription drug crimes, DUI, and theft. Runyon & Runyon have a strong reputation for professionalism and responsiveness when defending clients. Learn more in this profile from Expertise.

David Ridings Law

Nashville-based attorney David Ridings frequently handles criminal cases in Clarksville and Montgomery County. He is known for his passionate, aggressive defense style and extensive experience with DUI and drug possession charges. David is very familiar with the local courts, prosecutors and judges which helps him craft an effective defense. Check out reviews of David’s work on Justia.

Hunter, Smith & Davis

Located on Madison Street in downtown Clarksville, Hunter, Smith & Davis is a firm of ten attorneys who handle a wide array of criminal charges. Founding partner Jim Davis is a former Assistant District Attorney who now puts his prosecutorial experience to work defending clients. The other partners include Jeff Hunter, who takes on serious violent felony cases, and Bryce Smith, who heads the DUI and drug crime division. Visit their website to view attorney bios and case results.

Wallace & Dunavant

Led by partners Martin Wallace and Hal Dunavant, this firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Between them, Martin and Hal have over 50 years of legal experience including hundreds of jury trials. They have successfully defended clients facing charges ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. Read Martin and Hal’s SuperLawyers profiles to learn more about their backgrounds.

What to Look for in a Clarksville Criminal Lawyer

When researching criminal defense attorneys in the Clarksville area, there are several key factors to consider:

• Local experience – It’s important to find a lawyer who is very familiar with Clarksville’s specific courts, judges, prosecutors and processes. They will understand how things work locally.
• Trial record – Look for an attorney who has taken a lot of cases to trial, not just plea bargains. This shows they have litigation experience.
• Resources – The top firms have teams of paralegals, investigators, and legal assistants working behind the scenes to build a defense.
• Reputation – Check online reviews, Avvo ratings, and ask around about a lawyer’s reputation for ethics and results.
• Personality fit – You want an attorney with a style and approach that matches your needs, whether that’s aggressive or low-key.

Criminal Defense Attorney Fees in Clarksville

The cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Clarksville can vary greatly depending on the attorney’s experience level, the complexity of your case, and other factors. Here are some general fee ranges:

• Misdemeanors – $500 to $5,000+
• Simple felonies – $1,000 to $15,000+
• Complex felonies – $5,000 to $100,000+
• Federal crimes – $10,000 to $500,000+

For serious felony charges, experienced attorneys will typically provide a free case evaluation and price estimate upfront. They may be willing to offer flexible payment plans or even take cases pro bono if you qualify.

Finding the Right Fit

Facing criminal prosecution can be an extremely stressful and vulnerable time. The lawyer you choose to defend you needs to be someone you feel comfortable confiding in and trusting. Ideally they believe in your innocence and will fight passionately to protect your rights inside and outside the courtroom. If your gut tells you that a lawyer isn’t hearing you or taking your case seriously during your initial consultations, don’t be afraid to keep looking around. The stakes are too high to settle on inadequate representation.

Every case is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Do your research, ask around, and meet with attorneys before deciding who you want on your side. The skilled Clarksville criminal lawyers profiled above are known for providing aggressive and compassionate legal advocacy. They have the experience and resources to mount a strong defense against whatever charges you may be facing.