Montgomery County Criminal Defense Attorney

Direct Attorney Representation from Charge Review Through Resolution

At Patton | Pittman, we realize what is at stake for you after a criminal arrest. If you face criminal charges, you could be looking at jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and a criminal record. Depending on the charge and your circumstances, your right to possess firearms, obtain a security clearance, or even pursue child custody could be affected. We provide criminal defense representation from our Clarksville practice for people facing charges in Montgomery County.

Our criminal defense team is headed by Chris Clark, a former assistant district attorney who has handled numerous high-profile felony cases. Our criminal defense attorneys can listen to your goals, review the evidence, and implement a strategy for each stage of your case. Because outcomes depend on the charge, prior record, available evidence, court process, and Tennessee law, we focus on identifying the options supported by the facts rather than promising a particular result.

If you face a criminal charge, Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options. Call (931) 361-4477 today.

We represent clients facing misdemeanor charges, felony charges, and allegations that may carry enhanced consequences because of prior convictions. Our defense practice includes:

• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Assault
• Drug Crimes
• Drug Possession and Delivery
• DUI / DWI
• Felony DUI
• Sex Offenses
• Theft, Robbery and Burglary
• Weapons Charges

Criminal Defense for Fort Campbell Families

Are you a member of the military? Our defense lawyers regularly represent members and officers of the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell as well as their civilian spouses and children. Before we negotiate a plea agreement or make a trial decision, we take into account the potential impact that decision could have on a client’s military career.

A civilian criminal charge may also create separate concerns involving military duties, professional licensing, a security clearance, or command action, depending on the service member’s role and circumstances. Military status doesn’t replace the Tennessee civilian court process. It does make individualized advice particularly important, which is why the attorney handling the case discusses these concerns directly with the client.

Attorney-Led Criminal Defense in Montgomery County

At Patton | Pittman Attorneys, we tailor legal strategies to the facts of the charge, the evidence, and the client’s priorities.

The attorney you hire works your case from start to finish. Your defense isn’t left in the hands of a paralegal. Our lawyers personally review developments, explain available options, and keep clients informed and involved throughout the legal process.

When you choose us for your criminal defense, we can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into your case.
• Develop a strategic defense plan.
• Provide honest and transparent communication throughout the legal process.
• Advocate for your rights in and out of the courtroom.

We bring more than 110 years of combined legal experience to our work. We’re licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, federal district courts, and before the United States Supreme Court. For a Montgomery County criminal case, that broader experience is paired with direct attention to the charging documents, evidence, court requirements, and consequences that matter to the individual client.

Your Rights after an Arrest in Montgomery County

You generally aren’t obligated to answer investigative questions from law enforcement without legal counsel present. You should also be cautious about discussing the allegations with other people because those statements may become relevant to the case.

Important rights in a criminal case may include:

• The Right to Remain Silent: You can exercise this right rather than attempting to explain the allegations or provide an uncounseled statement.
• The Right to Legal Representation: A defense attorney can evaluate the charge, evidence, release conditions, and procedural options that apply to your circumstances.
• The Right to a Fair Trial: A defendant is entitled to require the prosecution to prove the charge under the applicable legal standard.
• The Right to Appeal: Some convictions or rulings may be reviewed on appeal, subject to legal requirements and deadlines.

Exercising a right isn’t the same as being uncooperative. It allows you to obtain advice before making statements or decisions that could affect the defense.

The Montgomery County Criminal Court Process

After an arrest in Montgomery County, the court named on the charging document or notice controls the immediate procedural setting. A case may involve bond conditions, arraignment, a preliminary hearing, motion practice, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, or appeal. Not every case includes every stage, and the available path depends on the charge, court, evidence, prior record, procedural posture, and Tennessee law.

Montgomery County General Sessions Court handles criminal matters that include misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings in felony cases. A preliminary hearing is a proceeding at which the court considers whether the prosecution has sufficient cause for a felony case to continue. General Sessions Court may also conduct a misdemeanor trial when the defendant waives grand jury investigation and a jury trial in Circuit or Criminal Court.

Montgomery County Circuit Court hears criminal cases and appeals from General Sessions Court and other lower courts. Because a case can move between stages or courts, we help clients understand where the case is pending, what the next appearance involves, and how to prepare for a hearing in Clarksville.

Evidence Review & Court Preparation

Our representation often begins before the first court date, when we review the charging documents, police reports, and any available video or witness statements. We evaluate possible rights violations, examine the prosecution’s evidence, and identify factual or legal issues that may affect the defense. We also advise clients about bond conditions, no-contact orders, and possible effects on employment, schooling, professional licensing, or military duties.

Throughout the case, we attend hearings, communicate with the District Attorney’s Office, and keep the client updated on developments. We explain plea offers in clear language, outline the considerations involved in going to trial versus accepting an agreement, and answer questions about how each option may affect the client’s record and future.

Diversion, Expungement & Post-Conviction Options

When the facts and legal requirements permit, we can investigate pretrial or judicial diversion. Diversion is a process that may allow an eligible person to avoid a judgment of conviction after completing specified conditions. Eligibility isn’t automatic and depends on the charge, criminal history, court approval, and current Tennessee law.

We can also evaluate whether a charge or record may qualify for expungement, which is the legal removal of an eligible public criminal record. If a conviction has already occurred, we can discuss whether an appeal or another post-conviction option may be available. Deadlines and eligibility requirements vary, so the specific record and procedural history must be reviewed.

Misdemeanor & Felony Charges in Montgomery County

Criminal offenses fall into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies, such as rape and murder, are generally subject to more severe potential penalties. Misdemeanors may carry lower statutory maximum penalties, but offenses such as driving under the influence and assault can still lead to serious criminal and non-criminal consequences.

Tennessee divides misdemeanors into Class A, Class B, and Class C offenses. The applicable classification, penalties, mandatory conditions, and exceptions are controlled by the current statute for the specific charge. Prior convictions and the alleged conduct may also affect how a case is charged or resolved.

Examples of misdemeanor matters include:

• Class A Matters: Charges may include assault, marijuana possession or simple possession, and DUI.
• Class B Matters: Charges may include reckless driving, driving on a revoked or suspended license, and prostitution.
• Class C Matters: Charges may include motor vehicle or regulatory offenses such as speeding and certain other regulatory violations.

Some offenses, including driving under the influence and simple possession, may carry mandatory minimum requirements. Domestic assault allegations may also have consequences involving firearm rights or family-law proceedings. The precise effects depend on the charge, disposition, and applicable law.

A misdemeanor isn’t automatically minor. A record may affect employment, education, professional licenses, military service, housing, driving privileges, and background checks, especially for a repeat offender. Many misdemeanor cases begin in General Sessions Court, where we review the evidence, discuss the client’s priorities, and explain available trial, negotiation, or diversion considerations.

If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge, please contact our criminal defense attorneys online or call (931) 361-4477 today. We can review the charge, court documents, and available options during a free consultation.