Nashville Murder Lawyer

Nashville Murder Attorney

Murder charges are among the most serious you can receive, no matter the details of the situation. If you’re facing a murder charge in Tennessee, it’s imperative that you understand what steps to take to protect yourself and your rights. Tennessee prosecutes violent crime harshly, which leaves those facing charges with few options. It’s wise to hire a Nashville murder lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal laws and is ready to fight on your behalf.

Our team at the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez brings almost 10 years of experience navigating complex criminal cases in Tennessee. We understand how Tennessee courts work and are familiar with prosecutors’ tactics in complex murder cases. No matter the details of your case, you can count on our skilled Nashville criminal defense lawyer to help you build a strong defense against your charges.

About Murder Cases in Tennessee

Nashville is a lively city with a booming business sector and an exciting music scene. While it’s considered a relatively safe city, it isn’t entirely free from crime. Nashville is home to around 2.1 million people and saw 16.8 million visitors in a single year. It’s our job to ensure everyone is treated fairly under the law when they go up against it.

Murder is a crime that is taken very seriously under Tennessee law. There were a total of 724 murder cases reported in Tennessee in 2023, which was 10.37 percent more than in 2022. In Nashville alone, there were a total of 103 criminal homicide cases reported in 2023 and another 103 in 2024. As of mid-October 2025, there have been a total of 55 homicides reported in Nashville.

Tennessee has tough laws in place to combat violence across the state, but these laws are not perfect. That’s why it’s important for defendants to understand Nashville’s murder laws and how to protect themselves when facing charges. Our job as Nashville murder lawyers is to ensure every resident knows their rights when standing before the law.

If you’re convicted in Tennessee, you can face any number of murder penalties, including:

• Death
• Hefty fines
• Incarceration
• License suspensions
• Life in prison without parole
• Probation

It’s important to note that Tennessee does recognize the death penalty, so the stakes are high in a murder case. Defending against these charges can be daunting, which is why it’s beneficial to have a murder attorney on your side.

The prosecution has the burden of proof in a murder case, which means they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. As the defendant, your job is to establish enough doubt in the prosecution’s claims to maintain your innocence.

When you hire a murder lawyer, you can use their knowledge to build a strong defense against your charges. Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing you have someone on your side if something goes wrong.

Your Local Nashville Murder Attorneys

The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez has been helping Tennessee residents through complex criminal cases for nearly 10 years. Our head attorney is an accomplished trial lawyer with experience fighting for our clients in state and federal courts. That said, we’re not afraid to stick by your side until the very end.

We believe in results-driven legal representation and are dedicated to each and every case that comes our way. We don’t believe in one solution for everyone. Our attorneys take the time to learn about your story and use that knowledge to build a personalized legal defense for your case.

It’s wise to consult with a murder attorney whether you need a few questions answered or require comprehensive representation. Tennessee’s criminal defense laws can be complicated to interpret and navigate on your own, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Murder Law

Do I Have to Hire a Murder Lawyer to Represent Me in Nashville?

While you are not required to hire a murder lawyer to represent you, it’s highly recommended to secure legal representation. Nashville murder laws are harsh, and you can expect prosecutors and judges to take your case very seriously. Your attorney can help strengthen your defense, negotiate plea deals on your behalf, and represent you through any phase of your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Murder Lawyer in Nashville?

The cost of working with a Nashville murder lawyer can vary. It’s difficult to say exactly how much it may cost without knowing more about the law firm and the details of your case. You can typically expect a murder attorney to charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services, depending on the complexity of your case. Usually, you can set up an initial appointment to learn more before you commit.

Can I Have a Murder Charge Dropped in Nashville?

It’s possible to have a murder charge reduced or dropped altogether in Nashville, but it can be challenging to accomplish. In order to fight your charges successfully, you must present a strong enough defense to refute the claims made against you. This requires strong evidence and a solid grasp of Tennessee’s murder laws. A Nashville murder lawyer can help you build a strong defense that establishes enough reasonable doubt in the charges against you.

What Are Common Defenses for Murder Charges in Nashville?

There are many potential defenses against murder charges in Nashville, depending on the nature of the incident. Some defenses you can expect to discuss with your attorney include alibi, coercion or duress, entrapment, lack of evidence, lack of intent, mistaken identity, mistake of fact, self-defense, or defense of others.

Every murder case is unique and requires a personalized approach for defending against charges. It’s helpful to discuss your potential legal options with a knowledgeable Nashville murder lawyer.

Hire a Murder Lawyer Who Understands Nashville’s Murder Penalties and Laws

Murder is one of the most serious offenses you can face. It’s imperative that you understand what steps to take to protect yourself and make it through your case. The good news is you don’t have to do everything on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you secure legal representation from a local Nashville murder lawyer.

If you’re ready to discuss your situation in more detail, look no further than the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez. Our skilled team is ready to help you secure the fairest possible outcome for your case. Contact us to set up a consultation with a local attorney you can trust.

Nashville Murder Law Additional Resources:

• Franklin, TN Crime Rate – Latest Statistics
• Tennessee Crime Rate Statistics
• Murfreesboro, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• Nashville, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• What Are the Top Five Crimes Committed in Tennessee?
• What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation in Tennessee?
• How Much Does a DUI Cost in Tennessee?

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.