Lawrence James Arnkoff

PRO

Lawrence James Arnkoff

5.0
Rating: 9.1

Licensed for 51 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Brentwood, TN
Practice Areas: Federal Crime

5115 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Lawrence

Biography

Larry Arnkoff- over 50 years of experience in federal and state criminal defense

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Federal Crime 100%

I specialize in federal criminal defense. My cases include drug trafficking, health care fraud, obstruction, firearm offenses, credit card fraud, identity theft, immigration offenses, racketeering, grand jury representation, ERISA embezzlement and sex trafficking. I also handle federal post conviction matters( appeals) including prisoner's rights ( 2241 and 2255 writs).

52 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2021
...
+ 3
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 19 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 51 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1974

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Lawrence Arnkoff

5115 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN, 37027-1200

arnkofflaw.com

Lawrence James Arnkoff's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

60 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 27 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by CJ | July 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

This Is Your Federal Lawyer! Period!

From the beginning when the Federal Government started investigating us (5 years to indictment and 5 years to sentencing) , Larry always provided me a sense of comfort and confidence, knowing that he had the knowledge and communication skills needed to process my case through to the end. This was a ...very complex case involving the FDA and the Big Pharma companies. Although we hoped, from the beginning that we could fight the charges and avoid any prison time, that did not happen. It was disappointing that we had to accept the plea deal, but it was with confidence and understanding that we made the absolute right decision. Larry was there every step of the way over the years. He was responsive and engaged more than the the most expensive, highly touted lawyers in the USA that I could have hired. Due to his ability to negotiate with the US Attorneys office and ultimately even after serving only 20 months of a 72 month sentence at a Federal Prison he still was there for me in 2020 when Covid 19 broke out. He was at that point not retained but provided my appointed Council with information and background and I am a free man today because of his efforts. He certainly goes the extra mile.

Posted by BA | May 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Honest attorney who is really working by your side

I was facing a serious investigation by the FBI for possible involvement in a fraud and money laundering scheme. At that time, I was not sure what to do, so I started searching through the internet for a lawyer expert in federal criminal cases. When I found Larry's profile, I was impressed about his ...experience as well as the positive comments made by other clients, so I called in his office and ended up in hiring him after I had an insightful conversation with him. I gotta tell you that I absolutely made the right choice! Larry was an active listener who quickly understood my position in the case and he was able to make a good initial assessment for my situation. Larry began providing potential solutions based on his vast knowledge in the legal system of similar cases. Larry walked with me every step of the way during the investigation for the best outcome. Over a year and half, Larry constantly stayed in touch with me to genuinely keep me informed about the progress in my case and clearly answered all my questions. His excellent communication was a key to help me know what was going on. In addition, his fees were quite reasonable for the amount of care and insight that kept me stay on top of things at all the times. In the end, my case resulted in non-prosecution agreement and a financial settlement. I am truly thankful for Larry' service and I highly recommend him for anyone facing serious legal complications. Thank you Larry for the great work.

Posted by Mary | February 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Smart attorney who takes time to understand the system!

When we asked Mr. Arnkoff to help us with our legal problem, he noted that he did not usually take a small case like ours--it was not a federal crime and he had not worked in the county where our son was held. However, he gave us a very fair rate and took the time to learn about the locals so he cou...ld best represent our son's interests. I live in another state, but he kept us apprised every step of the way. He smoothed out a process that could have been very painful. He was honest and very clear about the process and prospects. And he got the best possible outcome for my son. I am very thankful for his services.

Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

One of the best lawyer’s

I was facing very serious federal drug, guns and money laundering charges. Larry was chosen from a special group of private lawyers by the Court to represent me. My family initially spoke to several other private lawyers but Larry had more experience and confidence than any of them. I made the righ...t decision keeping Larry as my attorney. He has the respect of the U.S. Attorneys and the Judges. He fought hard for me for more than three years going above and beyond what the other lawyers in the case were doing for their clients. Larry always kept me and my family advised of what was going on in the case. He always returned calls promptly to my family and he visited me often. I was facing life in prison but through Larry’s experience, determination and negotiating skills he eventually got me a 65% sentence reduction from the sentencing guidelines. I would recommend Larry for anyone facing serious criminal charges.

Posted by Nadim Aoun | May 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great Friend & Lawyer

I had known Larry for several years before I encountered legal problems in Miami. Recently I was arrested and indicted for a federal immigration crime. I had never been in trouble before and had never experienced jail so I was upset and frightened. My friends contacted Larry and without hesitation ...he began the process of resolving my serious problem. He brought in his partner Mike who is tough as nails. When you are in jail you hear a lot of crazy things from other inmates and from friends on the outside. Larry and Mike are both very experienced federal criminal lawyers so they kept everything real for me and whatever they told me was going to happen , it happened. After spending a short period of time in custody I was eventually sentenced to time served and released to immigration. I thought I was going to be deported immediately. Larry and his associate David were able to negotiate my release on a very reasonable bond leaving me months to get my affairs in order and eventually I can voluntarily return to my native country without deportation. I consider Larry a very good friend. I put my trust in him and he did not let me down. He charges reasonable fees and he always stays in communication with you or your family. I would recommend him to anyone in need of an excellent criminal defense attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Lawrence James Arnkoff's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Lawrence
Kathleen G. Morris headshot
Kathleen Morris

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Larry for many years, having met him when we represented co-defendants in a federal criminal case. From that experience forward, I have come to know Larry as a fierce advocate for his clients and a solid resource for brainstorming legal issues with his colleagues. I would not hesitate to recommend Larry for any criminal case."

Thomas Jefferson Drake Jr headshot
Thomas Drake

Federal crime lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Larry in federal court, both as co-counsel representing the same client, and as co-defendant counsel representing separate clients in the same case. Larry has years of experience in U.S. District Court in Tennessee and in Florida. He is very knowledgeable about criminal law and procedure and has a great way with communicating and interacting with clients. I would and have recommended him. Tom Drake"

Charles David Buckholts headshot
Charles Buckholts

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Larry Arnkoff is an excellent lawyer. Larry is extremely intelligent and always gives his best effort to help his clients in need. Larry is a very skilled trial advocate and has a wealth of experience in handling the most difficult criminal cases in all stages. Larry has sharp instincts. He can figure out the most reasonable solutions and execute a strategy in helping people navigate the most difficult situations in their criminal cases. Combining his intelligence and experience, Larry confidently helps people facing some of the most difficult problems in their lives. It his been my pleasure seeing Larry in action in federal court on many occasions."

Michael A. Matters headshot
Michael Matters

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Arnkoff is an outstanding, extremely learned criminal attorney for whom I have great respect. We have handled numerous cases together and have consistently received excellent results."

John Stephen Hager headshot
John Hager

Federal crime lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Larry is a great attorney. I trust him implicitly with any potential client that I send to him. We have worked together on many cases in the past and Larry was diligent and extremely knowledgable. Definitely an asset to his clients."

Ronald Clayton Small headshot
Ronald Small

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Arnkoff is a superb and conscientious lawyer who achieves excellent results for his clients. Mr. Arnkoff is experienced and knowledgable and is able to navigate complicated legal issues with ease. I recommend Larry Arnkoff without hesitation."

David Martin Hopkins headshot
David Hopkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Arnkoff is a highly competent and skilled attorney in both state and federal cases. I recommend and endorse him."

John Palmer Webb headshot
John Webb

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Larry is a tremendous advocate and has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he brings to bear for each of his clients. I have had the good fortune to work with him on several occasions and often call upon him to solicit his perspective on legal issues. I would highly recommend Larry to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."

John Patrick Cauley headshot
John Cauley

Federal crime lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Larry is a phenomenal criminal defense attorney. He is a highly skilled trial lawyer who works tirelessly for all of his clients. A consummate professional, Larry is very well respected by the judiciary and his fellow attorneys. I wholeheartedly recommend Larry to anyone seeking criminal defense counsel."

George Travis Hawkins headshot
George Hawkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Larry is smart, tough and prepared. He's also just a plain decent human being. His licensure in two jurisdictions, Tennessee and Florida, is also a plus. I fully endorse Larry Arnkoff."

William I Shockley headshot
William Shockley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Larry and I have appeared in some of the same cases representing co-defendants in federal court in Nashville. Larry is bright, hard working and thorough. In my practice i consult with Larry when there is no conflict of interest, as I respect his intellect and judgment on a wide variety of criminal cases."

View All Endorsements
Davis Fordham Griffin headshot
Davis Griffin

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick Timothy McNally headshot
Patrick McNally

Criminal defense lawyer

Kathleen G. Morris headshot
Kathleen Morris

White collar crime lawyer

John Stephen Hager headshot
John Hager

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Jefferson Drake Jr headshot
Thomas Drake

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ronald Edward Munkeboe Jr. headshot
Ronald Munkeboe

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles David Buckholts headshot
Charles Buckholts

Criminal defense lawyer

David Martin Hopkins headshot
David Hopkins

Criminal defense lawyer

John Palmer Webb headshot
John Webb

Criminal defense lawyer

Jodie Ann Bell headshot
Jodie Bell

Criminal defense lawyer

George Travis Hawkins headshot
George Hawkins

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric M. Larsen headshot
Eric Larsen

Criminal defense lawyer

William I Shockley headshot
William Shockley

Criminal defense lawyer

John Patrick Cauley headshot
John Cauley

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.1 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Client's Choice, Avvo

2025

Best Attorney in Brentwood, Business Rate Best of 2025

2024

Client's Choice, Avvo

2021

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1980 - Present

Senior Attorney, Law Office of Lawrence Arnkoff

Associations

2014 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

Member

2010 - Present

CJA Panel for the Middle District of Tennessee

Member

2009 - Present

United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Member

2008 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Member

1980 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Member

1975 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

AB-Fraud Victim

Client has recovered a large portion of the funds and is expected to be repaid the remainder in the near future.

State Florida vs. RA- Dade County Circuit Court

No Prosecution

U.S. vs. RJ- LSD Conspiracy

Federal Diversion-Indictment Dismissed- no deportation

U.S. vs. N.P.- FRAUD

Defendant was sentenced to 3 years probation which was terminated early after 18 months.

U.S. vs. T.H. -DRUG CONSPIRACY (PILLS)

3 years supervised release

Williamson County- State vs. MW-Aggravated Assault

Probation

U.S. vs. D.R- (2014-2017)-Heroin Conspiracy

5 years which was approximately 75% off of his recommended guideline range. That type of guideline reduction sentence is very rarely seen in federal court, particularly when it is opposed by the government.

U.S. v. J.N. - Marijuana Trafficking

No Prosecution

State of Tenn vs. CP- PROMOTING PROSTITUTION

Jury verdict was set aside- case was never refiled- client was removed from sex offender registry

U.S. vs. RC- DRUG CONSPIRACY (STEROIDS)

1 year

State of Tenn vs. CC- Sexual Assault

Retirement

U.S. v. SK- Analogue Case

2 years probation

U.S. v JS-FIREARM POSSESSION BY CONVICTED FELON

5 years supervised release

U.S. vs. DM- HABEAS WRIT

Court of Appeals reversed District Court's order denying credit of time served- client had his time served credit adjusted and he was released immediately

U.S. vs. TK- U.S. District Court-Middle Tennessee

No Prosecution

See More Legal Cases

Education

1974

University of Miami School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1971

University of Michigan

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2021

CJA Mentoring Presentation

Federal Plea Hearings and PSR Interviews

2018

TBI Special Agent Training Academy

How To Effectively Respond To Cross Examination as a Witness in a Suppression Hearing

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution