Nashville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Misdemeanor Lawyer in Nashville, TN

A misdemeanor charge can feel small right up until a background check pulls it up during a job you really wanted, or your kid asks why you were in court that day. A Nashville misdemeanor lawyer needs to already be working your case before that first court date, not scrambling to catch up after.

Most misdemeanor cases turn on a handful of decisions made in the first few days: what gets charged, what evidence gets locked in, what deal gets offered before anyone pushes back on it. Waiting past that window narrows your options fast.

The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez built its practice on exactly this kind of case, the ones that quietly decide someone’s job, their record, and their next several years.

Contact our office today to talk through what happened and what a real path forward looks like, before your first court date arrives.

What Sets The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez Apart?

Not every trusted Nashville criminal defense attorney has sat on the other side of the courtroom.

• Nearly four years as a prosecutor: Cesar Arbelaez spent almost four years as a Davidson County Assistant District Attorney before founding his own defense practice in 2020. He has seen prosecutors build these cases from the inside, and he uses that knowledge to find where they can be beaten.
• Bilingual representation, no interpreter delay: Born in Colombia and raised bilingual, Cesar speaks with Spanish-speaking clients directly, in every meeting and every court appearance, without waiting on a third party to translate what is actually happening in the case.
• Recognized by peers in the field: Cesar Arbelaez is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Hispanic National Bar Association.
• A distinctive path into the courtroom: Cesar is recognized as the first male Hispanic Assistant District Attorney in Nashville’s history, a milestone tied directly to the community he now represents in defense.
• Real volume of Nashville cases: The firm has represented more than 500 clients in Nashville courts since 2020.

Matter Types We Handle in Nashville, TN

Misdemeanor Charges We Defend in Nashville

Misdemeanor cases cover a wide range of situations, from a first arrest at a party to a charge tied to a divorce or a workplace dispute. The right defense depends on the exact charge on your citation or warrant.

Our lawyer defends Nashville clients against:

• Simple assault and domestic assault
• Theft and shoplifting (theft under $1,000)
• Vandalism and criminal mischief
• Driving on a suspended license
• Public intoxication and disorderly conduct
• Misdemeanor drug possession

If your charge isn’t listed here, that does not mean we can’t help. Contact our Nashville record expungement attorney in Nashville to discuss your charges.

What a Misdemeanor Conviction Can Cost You in Tennessee

A Class A misdemeanor conviction in Tennessee can mean up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 (Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111). Even a lower-level misdemeanor creates a permanent record unless it is expunged later.

That record shows up on background checks for jobs, apartments, and professional licenses. Some employers will not call you back once they see a criminal charge, even one that never became a conviction. A misdemeanor can also affect a professional license, a security clearance, or your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen.

This information reflects Tennessee law as of July 2026.

What Happens After a Misdemeanor Arrest in Davidson County

Most misdemeanor cases in Nashville begin at the Davidson County General Sessions Court, inside the Justice A.A. Birch Building at 408 2nd Avenue North.

Here is what typically happens next:

1. Arraignment. Your first court date is usually an arraignment. The judge reads the charge and sets a plea date.
2. Case review. Before that court date, we review the arrest report, any body camera footage, and the exact wording of your charge.
3. Diversion check. We confirm whether your charge qualifies for diversion (a program that can lead to your charge being dismissed if you complete certain conditions) at this early stage
4. Court. General Sessions Court handles most misdemeanor trials directly. In General Sessions, the judge decides the case without a jury unless you waive that right in a specific way. If you are convicted there, you have the right to appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days for a brand-new trial, called a trial “de novo,” where you can have a jury hear your case.

When you walk into the Birch Building, you won’t be navigating the courtroom alone. With a clear defense strategy and a dedicated attorney by your side, you’ll understand your options instead of guessing at them. This preparation and representation can make a difference in your case’s outcome.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Misdemeanor Law

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Nashville?

A misdemeanor still creates a permanent record, so yes, you should consider hiring an experienced defense attorney. A lawyer can push for reduced charges, diversion, or dismissal before that record is set.

Will a Nashville misdemeanor charge show up on a background check?

Yes. Both an arrest and a conviction can appear on standard background checks in Tennessee unless the record is later expunged.

Can a misdemeanor be expunged in Tennessee?

Many misdemeanors qualify for expungement once a case is dismissed, or after a waiting period following a conviction. Eligibility depends on the specific charge.

How much does a Nashville misdemeanor lawyer cost?

Cost depends on the charge and whether the case goes to trial. We discuss fees clearly during your first consultation, before you decide anything.

What happens if I miss my court date?

A judge can issue a warrant for your arrest. If something comes up, contact our office right away so we can address it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Can I keep my job if I’m convicted of a misdemeanor in Nashville?

It depends on your employer and your field. Some professional licenses and background-check-sensitive jobs treat a misdemeanor conviction seriously, which is one more reason to fight the charge or seek diversion early.

Does Nashville offer diversion for first-time misdemeanor charges?

Many first-time defendants without a serious record can qualify for judicial diversion, which can lead to the charge being dismissed and later expunged once probation is completed successfully.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Tennessee?

A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days, while a felony can mean a year or more in state prison. Some charges can be filed as either one, depending on the specific facts of your case.

Talk to a Nashville Misdemeanor Lawyer Before Your Next Court Date

A misdemeanor charge does not have to follow you for the rest of your life. Contact The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez today to schedule a confidential consultation and find out what your options might look like before your case moves any further.

Nashville, TN Misdemeanor Law Additional Resources:

• Common Crimes Committed in Tennessee
• Nashville Crime Rates and Statistics
• Tennessee Crime Rate Statistics

Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee

When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.