Franklin County Criminal Defense Attorney

Last updated on March 27, 2026

Facing criminal charges creates immediate pressure to make decisions that affect your freedom, your record and your future. A criminal defense attorney helps you understand what the prosecution must prove, what options exist at each stage and how to respond strategically rather than react emotionally during a high-stress situation.

At Kessler Law, I don’t hand off your defense to any of my team members. You work directly with me from the initial consultation through trial or resolution, and I provide honest assessments of the risks, options and realistic outcomes you face.

Criminal Defense Cases I Handle

Criminal charges vary widely in severity and potential consequences. I represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies across Franklin County and surrounding counties. Each case requires a tailored defense strategy based on the facts, the evidence and the client’s goals.

The cases I handle include:

• DUI and DWI offenses: Driving under the influence charges carry license suspension, fines and potential jail time

Each charge presents different challenges and requires a defense built on the specific facts of your case. A misdemeanor defense lawyer evaluates whether diversion programs, plea agreements or trials offer the best path forward.

Long-Term Consequences Of Convictions

Criminal convictions can result in:

• Employment barriers: Job applications often require disclosure of criminal history, and many employers refuse to hire individuals with felony records or certain misdemeanor convictions.
• Professional license restrictions: Licenses in fields like health care, education and finance may be revoked or denied based on criminal convictions, potentially ending your career in those industries.
• Housing difficulties: Landlords frequently conduct background checks and can reject applicants with criminal records, limiting your housing options and making it harder to secure stable living arrangements.
• Loss of firearm rights: Certain convictions, particularly those involving violence or domestic offenses, restrict or eliminate your right to own or possess firearms under state and federal law.
• Immigration consequences: Noncitizens face serious risks, as some convictions trigger deportation proceedings or denial of citizenship applications, potentially separating families and ending legal residency.

These consequences make it critical to explore every available defense option before accepting a plea or proceeding to trial. Criminal law representation should focus on protecting your future, not just resolving the immediate case.

Common Questions About The Criminal Defense Process

Understanding what happens after arrest and how defense strategy develops helps you make informed decisions during each stage of your case. Below are concerns clients frequently raise when facing criminal charges.

What happens immediately after criminal charges are filed?

Once charges are filed, you will be arraigned before a judge, who will explain the charges and your rights. The court sets bail or releases you on your own recognizance, depending on the severity of the charge and your criminal history. You must enter a plea at arraignment, typically “not guilty,” which allows your criminal defense attorney time to review the evidence and develop a strategy. Missing this hearing can result in a warrant for your arrest.

Should I speak to the police before hiring a criminal defense attorney?

No. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to legal representation. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court, even if you believe it helps your case. Officers are trained to gather incriminating statements during questioning. Invoking your right to counsel does not make you appear guilty. It protects you from unintentionally harming your defense before you fully understand the charges and evidence.

How do plea negotiations typically work in criminal cases?

Plea negotiations occur when the prosecution offers a reduced charge or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. Your attorney reviews the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, the potential penalties at trial and whether the offer serves your interests. Negotiations may involve multiple counteroffers before reaching an agreement. Some cases warrant rejecting plea offers and proceeding to trial when the evidence is weak or constitutional violations occurred. A criminal defense attorney evaluates whether the plea protects your record and minimizes long-term consequences.

Trial defense representation and aggressive criminal defense require preparation, not promises. I focus on realistic assessments and strategic planning based on what the evidence shows.

Schedule A Consultation To Discuss Your Criminal Charges

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact Kessler Law at 931-767-0707 or message me online. I provide direct, honest guidance on defense against criminal charges and help clients in Tennessee through the criminal justice process.