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Lawrence James Arnkoff
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About Lawrence
Biography
There are several things I want potential criminal clients to know about me. I have more than 40 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer in Tennessee and Florida. I represent clients who are being prosecuted or investigated for federal or state crimes. The majority of my practice is spent defending federal crimes, mostly white collar offenses like money laundering, wire fraud, health care fraud and tax fraud but also racketeering and drug offenses. Over the years I have represented some of the largest drug traffickers in the world. My considerable experience has allowed me to earn the respect of the Federal Judiciary, the U. S. Attorney's Office, the U.S. Marshal's Office, and all of the Federal law enforcement agencies (DEA, FBI, ATF, IRS, Homeland Security, etc.) in Middle Tennessee.
If you are a foreign national I want you to know I am extremely knowledgeable in immigration law and I have represented and currently represent a significant number of foreign clients. I am experienced in post-conviction matters including appeals, habeas writs, and the appeal of prisoner's rights issues. Please check my case results and client reviews at my website or on AVVO to get an idea about the quality of my work.
Larry Arnkoff- over 50 years of experience in federal and state criminal defense
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Federal Crime
100%
52 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2021
...
+
3
Licenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 19 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 51 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1974
No misconduct found
Location
Lawrence James Arnkoff's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
59 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (59)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (42)
Advocacy (39)
Recommendation (30)
Professionalism (29)
Communication Style (27)
Practice Area Knowledge (27)
Responsiveness (25)
Character & Conduct (19)
Compassion (14)
Cost of Services (14)
General Knowledge (14)
Trustworthiness (14)
Punctuality (5)
Staff & Support (3)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Belfrey Williams | November 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Skilled, Knowledgeable Federal Crime awyer
Review for Lawrence James Arnkoff – Brentwood, TN I retained Attorney Lawrence Arnkoff to assist with a federal supervised release matter, specifically seeking early termination. From the outset, his professionalism and expertise were evident. He maintained excellent communication throughout the p...
Posted by anonymous | August 07, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Good federal attorney
I probably was not taking my supervised release serious enough. My federal probation officer is one tough lady and I underestimated her ability to send me back to prison. She filed a violation petition against me and fortunately for me Larry agreed to represent me. Larry knows everyone at the federa...
Posted by Tony Gilgiotti | August 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime
Capable and respected
Larry defended me in a six count federal crime. He got my son completely dismissed, and me reduced to one misdemeanor. He has strong relationships with the DOJ, and that was helpful. Larry is honest and to the point. Couldn't be better.
Posted by SF and AF | April 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Federal Regulation
Outstanding Attorney
We found Larry Arnkoff to be a very competent, knowledgeable, personable and someone with high integrity. We were referred to Larry because of his expertise in federal matters. From the outset Larry kept us well informed and immediately knew of individuals who could help resolve our situation. He was...
Posted by Shawn | March 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
C
was caught up in a federal investigation for PPP fraud and money laundering as a result of my cutting some corners when applying for the loan. Larry was highly recommended to me during the investigation phase. This was a very serious and complex matter involving over a half million dollars. From th...
Lawrence James Arnkoff's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Mr. Arnkoff is a highly competent and skilled attorney in both state and federal cases. I recommend and endorse him."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
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 TennesseeMember
2010 - Present
CJA Panel for the Middle District of TennesseeMember
2009 - Present
United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Sixth CircuitMember
2008 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of TennesseeMember
1980 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh CircuitMember
1975 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of FloridaMember
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
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
2015
2014
Tennessean
Pharmaceutical Diversion
2010
Kingsport Times
Tennessee Sex Trafficking
2010
Nashville City Paper
Metro Drug Bust Stumbles into Federal Investigation
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to switch from private attorney to appointed attorney in federal court?
21 Mar 2016
Q&A
If the ATF arrested you, is it a federal offense?
20 Nov 2014