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Former Prosecutor.Passionately Defending You.

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Meet Kevin Kennedy, Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer

After obtaining his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School, Kevin spent three years as a prosecutor at the Nashville-Davidson County District Attorney's Office.

He prosecuted thousands of cases, ranging from misdemeanor DUIs to being lead prosecutor on numerous First-Degree Murder cases.

Kevin understands how the other side works. He knows what prosecutors tend to look for in plea bargaining, how they prepare cases for trial, and the types of weaknesses that are often in the prosecution’s case.

Now Kevin takes his experience as a former prosecutor and uses it to defend you.

Kevin Kennedy, Nashville criminal defense attorney
TACDLTennessee Bar AssociationVanderbilt Law School

Our Comprehensive Approach to Defending You

Identifying Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case

As a former prosecutor, Kevin worked closely with police to investigate cases and understands where investigations tend to be defective. Using that experience, Kevin thoroughly reviews your case—bodyworn camera, police reports, lab reports and other evidence—for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof.

Challenging the Evidence & Building Your Defense

Cases can be won or lost based on what evidence is admissible. When applicable, we litigate motions to keep out any inadmissible evidence while seeking to admit any evidence favorable to you. As appropriate, we use private investigators to get a fuller picture.

Trial & Negotiation Ready

We prepare every case as though it will be tried in front of a jury, even when a favorable plea is the goal. This process identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, which creates opportunities for a dismissal or favorable resolution. We also take the time to learn your story so that we can humanize you during the negotiation process.

Kevin Cares About You

Most importantly, Kevin cares about you. He knows that good people can make mistakes or get caught up in tough situations. This is why he takes the time to hear the circumstances behind the charge, and to learn about who you are as a person.

What Areas Do We Serve?

Nashville-Davidson County and Surrounding Counties

We serve the Nashville-Davidson County area as well as Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Sumner, Cheatham, Robertson, Dickson, Maury, Trousdale, Montgomery and Coffee County.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been arrested. Now what?

Be polite, do not answer any questions, and invoke your right to an attorney. Then immediately contact a Nashville criminal defense attorney. The earlier an attorney is contacted, the more they can do for you.

Can I wait to hire an attorney?

Timing matters. The sooner a Nashville criminal defense lawyer is hired, the more options that are on the table. For example, in certain circumstances, an experienced criminal defense attorney can speak with the prosecution prior to your court date to attempt to get the charge dismissed before court. Hiring a defense attorney early on is especially critical if your loved one is in jail as a defense lawyer can file a motion to reduce bond.

Should I just use a Public Defender or court Appointed Attorney?

If you cannot afford a defense attorney, the court will appoint you a Public Defender or other court-appointed attorney. Court appointed attorneys often have substantially larger caseloads than private attorneys, which limits how much time they can spend on your case. A privately retained attorney can give your case their undivided attention.

Do you defend clients outside of Davidson County?

Yes. We serve the Nashville-Davidson County area as well as Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Sumner, Cheatham, Robertson, Dickson, Maury, Trousdale, Montgomery and Coffee County.

Where is Kevin Kennedy Law Firm located?

We are located at 1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208. Our office is just 1.3 miles from the Justice A.A. Birch Building, which is the Davidson County criminal courthouse. Our proximity to the courthouse allows us to move seamlessly between client meetings and court appearances. Call 615-263-9262 or submit a consultation form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with Kevin Kennedy.

What do I need to know for my first court date?

Prior to your first court date, you will have already spoken with Kevin Kennedy and will have a thorough understanding of what to expect on that day. A couple general rules are to be early and dress appropriately, such as business casual attire. Tardiness and poor dress reflect poorly and can have a negative effect on the outcome. In Davidson County, courts are busiest on Wednesdays and Thursdays with long lines at the metal detectors and elevators. Prepare accordingly.

What is the difference between general sessions and criminal court?

There are two levels of court in the criminal justice system in Tennessee. The first level is general sessions, and the second level is criminal court. Except when the prosecution does a “direct presentment” of your case to the grand jury, cases typically begin at the general sessions level and some cases never go past that. Instead, they are resolved in general sessions through a plea deal, a dismissal by the prosecution, a dismissal by a judge at a preliminary hearing, or resolved at a bench trial. A preliminary hearing is where the state must prove that there is probable cause behind the charge. If the judge finds probable cause, then your case will be “bound over” to the grand jury, which is a panel of citizens arranged to hear cases. If the grand jury decides there is probable cause behind the charge, your case will be sent to criminal court. At the criminal court level, you and your attorney will have further opportunities to reach a plea deal with the state or set the case for a jury trial. Only criminal court has the jurisdiction to hold jury trials.