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Thomas Earl Parkerson

Criminal defense Attorney at Murfreesboro, TN

4.8   17 reviews

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About Thomas

Learn Thomas’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    All misdemeanor and felony charges including Drug charges, Simple Possession, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell, Theft charges, Assaults, Burglaries, Robberies, Kidnapping, Murder, Sex Charges, Violation of Probations, Parole Hearings, Pre-Charge Representation, Motions for Suspended Sentence and Appeals after conviction or plea.

    13 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    50%
    Misdemeanor & Felony DUI charges. Violation of Implied Consent, Vehicular Assault, Vehicular Homicide, Reckless Endangerment, Felony Reckless Endangerment, Underage DUI, Underage Consumption of Alcohol

    20 years

     Thomas is a founding member and managing partner at the firm of Parkerson Santel Garner, PLLC. He began the practice of law in the firm of Boston, Holt, Sockwell & Durham in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee with a focus on family law and personal injury. In 2005 Thomas took the opportunity to move to Murfreesboro and work for the District Attorney General's office prosecuting all types of criminal matters. As a prosecutor, Thomas obtained crucial courtroom experience handling matters as small as a public intoxication and as serious as a first degree murder.  

 

     After 6 years of prosecution, Thomas decided to re-enter private practice at Bennett, Parkerson & Bray an associaton of attorneys.  With his extensive prosecution background he began to focus on criminal defense. In 2014, with his childhood friend Tommy Santel and former prosecutor as well, they opened the firm of Parkerson Santel Garner, PLLC.  The firm then hired an associate, Travis Lampley, also a former prosecutor thus making Parkerson Santel Garner, PLLC the only firm in Rutherford County comprised of all former prosecutors that now handle criminal defense.

 

     Althouth the firm also handles personal injury, insurance defense, family and domestic law including child custody, divorce and various other matters, Mr. Parkerson nearly exclusively handles only criminal matters, inlcuding but not limited to DUI defense, drug charges, and any and all misdemeanor or felony charges.

 

     In addition to his law practice, Thomas also takes a role in community leadership and volunteer opportunities. He is the past, President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Rutherford and Cannon County Bar Association. He is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Murfreesboro Inns of Courts and also the Murfreesboro Noon Rotary Club. He is a former Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Murfreesboro YMCA, and currently sits as President of the Board of Directors for the Recovery / DUI / Drug Court of Rutherford County and is on the Board of Directors with the Murfreesboro Soccer Club.  He has given numerous seminars on various topics including issues regarding domestic assault, search and seizure, probable cause, and juvenile defense. Thomas has also been involved in the Murfreesboro JDRF chapter to help raise awareness for type 1 diabetes.

 

     Thomas coaches his children in soccer, baseball, and basketball and above all enjoys spending time with his family. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1999 and his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2003. He is licensed to practice in Mississippi and Tennessee and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in 2015.

0

Licensed for 19 years
State TN
Status Active
Acquired 2004
Updated 03/16/2023
State MS
Status Inactive
Acquired 2004
Updated 02/03/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Thomas

Similar lawyers nearby

Parkerson Santel Garner, PLLC
303 W. Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN, 37130

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  17 customer reviews
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6%
Posted by Robert | January 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dui case
I hired Mr. Parkerson. In a vary dark time in my life. I knew after speaking with him on the phone. That he was the lawyer I wanted after Several consultations that day. He was upfront with me and told me the truths about my case. He didn't lie to me or manipulate his words so I would hire him. I felt comfortable with him immediately. My case lasted 8 months and he was there every step of the way any time I needed him or had any questions he was there. He knew what I was trying to do with my life and he believed in me. I could not have asked for a better attorney. I made a lot of mistakes when I was young thefore have dealt with a lot of lawyers, and I can honestly say he was the best and most professional lawyer I have ever worked with. The case ended with a way better outcome than I could have ever expected. He fights for his clients and would highly recommend him to anyone facing a criminal case. I can't say enough good things about him!
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Posted by Crystal | March 17, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Highly Recommended
I live in the state of Wisconsin and needed someone to help me fight a case from years ago down in Rutherford county. I like you are right now skimmed the reviews of attorney's online. I came across Parkerson Santel and reached out to their offices. I had the honor of working with Thomas Parkerson. He was very professional and honest the entire time I worked with him. We did a lot of our conversing back and forth over the phone and through email. He never once filled me with false hope or claimed we could reach for the stars when we shouldn't. I informed Mr. Parkerson that my goal was to stay out of jail and to get the charge of theft under 500 expunged from my record. I also had a capias warrant out for my arrest in the state of TN. Him knowing that because I evaded this charge for 5 years that this would be a long shot. However, he knew it was not impossible. I did have to do my part in proving that I had indeed become a better person and that I had made a positive change in my life. I had a job hanging over my head because I was not able to pass the background check with Mis. Theft on my record. Thomas was amazing and in the end I did 24 hours in jail my charge was dismissed and is expunged from my record. I just recently had the opportunity of working with this wonderful group of people. They truly saved my life. I am back home with my children, I start my job April 1st and life is looking very bright. I also had the honor of having Travis another attorney in the office work on my case as well. He was just as honest and professional as Thomas was. Their employee's are extremely friendly and efficient. I am forever grateful for what you did for me.
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Posted by Brandy | August 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thomas parkerson
Mr. Parkerson is an excellent attorney. I violated my six year state, for the second time. I violated with felony possession of schedule 1, felony possession schedule 6, maintaining a dwelling, and felony possession of paraphernalia. I knew I was facing prison time. Mr. Parkerson not only got my charges against me dropped, he also saved me from going to jail. I was sentenced to four years community corrections, and my state probation was reinstated. I have three young children, which I was horrified of loosing. I couldn't thank him enough for what he worked out for me, without him I know I would be in jail right now. I would recommend him to anyone. He is caring, and understanding!!
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Posted by khadija | April 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Life changer
This man has changed my life for doing ten years and he has helped me through the roughest time of my life. He's family oriented and he fights for your rights no matter how long it takes. He is a good lawyer and I would always appoint anyone to him.
Posted by Jessica | April 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
Thomas created our will, living will, and power of attorney. He took time with us to fill out the paperwork, review it with us, allowed us to consider important decisions related to these documents, clarified any questions or concerns we had, and gave us the original and copies to take with us. He was very professional, fast, kind, helpful, and friendly. Working with him was relaxing, which was very helpful while completing paperwork that is so personal. I would recommend Thomas to anyone seeking legal advice. He cares about other people, works hard, and is easy to talk with about personal issues.
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Posted by Alicia F | April 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic!
When I called the office to set up an appointment, I found that Mr. Parkerson's office staff was very friendly. I had no problem getting an appointment fairly quickly. Upon arriving, I did not even have to wait long. Mr. Parkerson was very friendly and helpful. He was able to accommodate all my legal needs in a timely matter. I was also able to email him in response to questions I had. He responded rather quickly back to my email. I would highly recommend Mr. Parkerson. He is able to get the job done and does a great job at doing it. He is also very quick to getting back to you and completing your legal requests. Mr. Parkerson is also very personable and easy to talk to you.
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Posted by M. Garrisoni | April 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional, competent and personal
My family and I could not have been more impressed by his skills both professional and personal. We needed an attorney for a sensitive family matter and he was extremely professional, understanding and made all of us feel like we were in the right hands--and by the way--we were. Couldn't recommend him enough. Would trust him with any legal matter in the future. A great lawyer and even better person.
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Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A True Professiona
This was a serious drug case. From the time that Mr. Parkerson took my case everything was explained to me thoroughly. I knew what the possibilities were and I knew the trial levels that I would potentially face. The case lasted over a year and was finally resolved this past week. Mr. Parkerson worked hard to help the prosecution see our side of the case and as a result of his diligence the charges were reduced significantly in the final judgement. I was very fortunate to have Thomas Parkerson as my lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Legal Services & Representation
Mr. Parkerson has been so helpful to us. He has represented us in court on multiple occasions and he has always been extremely knowledgeable, helpful and effective. I recommend him very highly. He has provided us with extremely useful information and help us settle all our legal matters. Our family is very grateful to him. Thank you Mr. Parkerson
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Posted by Phil | March 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great guy and fantastic attorney
Thomas made me feel better and more comfortable with my situation the entire time he was working my case. The odds were pretty much stacked against me in the beginning with no sign of anything remotely positive as an outcome but Thomas took his time with my case, paid attention to detail, was in constant contact with officials on options for me and really looked out for my best interest. I worked with Thomas for over a year and after all was said and done, he worked out an end result that was amazing. Other attorneys, I believe, would have given up, but Thomas recognized and even told me that I was a good guy that just had a bad break and he would keep working until he got the best deal possible and he did. I'm very thankful for all he did and I would recommend him to anyone who needs help with a legal situation. You will not be disappointed in his services.
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Posted by Paul | March 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly reliable and Professional
Mr. Parkerson is the Best Criminal defense attorney in Middle Tennessee area, I hired him after looking the online reviews. He is thoroughly professional and fighter. I was stuck in very bad case due to that my immigration status was in Jeopardy. He not only fight my criminal case to get me the best deal, but also helps me with my immigration case with Department of homeland security. Greatly thankful to him. He helped me to prevent my deportation. I strongly recommend him.
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Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Victory!
Leave no doubt that this man is the best defense attorney in Middle Tennessee. Came highly recommended by a bondsman and now my family is so thankful to have our son coming home with only probation time.Cant praise this man and God enough for the victory.
Posted by Austin | November 11, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest Reliable Lawyer
My great experience with Mr Parkerson was very smooth and helpful. I would defiantly recommend Mr Parkerson to any person needing help with a case.
Posted by Jackie | September 30, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
excellent attorney
Thomas Parkinson is the best attorney I've ever had he's went way beyond to help me in my case. He is very caring and he was there for me when I needed him . I could not ask for a better attorney and would use him again in any case that I had as I know he would fight for me and get me the best deal possible. Im glad he was my attorney.
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Posted by Celeste | March 11, 2015
Saved my life!
I had done some bad things in the past. Helped me where I didn't have to leave my daughter and for that I am blessed I found him to represent me!
Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2012
Highly Recommended Criminal Defense Attorney
From the first visit until the last court date, Thomas Parkerson was committed to our case. He was always available for counsel, and he always treated our feelings and concerns with respect. He is not a judgmental person, and looks after his clients' best interests. Our case ended better than we ever expected, due to Thomas's involvement in the decision making and getting our story told to the District Attorney. Being charge with any criminal offense is a very frightening experience, Thomas Parkerson will guide his clients through the procedures with as much ease as possible by explaining the process in full details. There were no surprises for us throughout a 10-month ordeal. Our family member was facing a possible 15-25 years in prison, and the final result was 11/29 probation with a cleared record after successful probation period. The only surprise was how well it all turned out for us. Again, this was due to having Thomas Parkerson on our side. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs help in a criminal charge. I can't say enough good about our experience.
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Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Horrible Attorney
The lawyer failed to properly get evidence in my case and was not diligent in his efforts to provide proper counsel in my defense. Parkerson committed several ethical violations while on my case and I am seeking a different attorney to help me report his actions to the bar.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.6 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Parkerson | Santel, Pllc
  • 2014 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Bennett, Parkerson, & Bray, Association of Attorneys
  • 2011 - 2013
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • 16th Judicial District District Attorney's Office
  • 2005 - 2011
  • Attorney
  • Boston, Holt, Sockwell, & Durham, Pllc
  • 2003 - 2005
View all work experience

Education

  • Mississippi College School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2003
  • University of Tennessee, Martin
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1999

Legal Cases

  • State of Tennessee vs. Liles GS 375770
  • Dismissed
  • State of Tennessee vs. Bell, GS 330698
  • Case dismissed at preliminary hearing for lack of probable cause

Associations

  • Recovery Court of Rutherford County
  • President Board of Directors
  • 2016 - Present
  • Murfreesboro Soccer Club Board of Directors
  • Board Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Murfreesboro Noon Rotary Club
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • American Inns of Court
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Rutherford Cannon County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Rutherford & Cannon County Bar Association
  • President
  • 2014 - 2015
  • Rutherford County Recovery / Drug Court
  • Vice President Board of Directors
  • 2014 - 2016
  • Rutherford & Cannon County Bar Association
  • Vice President
  • 2013 - 2014
  • YMCA Murfreesboro
  • Chairman of the Board of Directors
  • 2013 - 2015
  • Rutherford & Cannon County Bar Association
  • Secretary
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Rutherford & Cannon County Bar Association
  • Treasurer
  • 2011 - 2012
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Attorney for Justice Award
  • Tennessee Supreme Court
  • 2015

Speaking Engagements

  • Tennessee Judicial Commissioner Conference 2015
  • Probable Cause from Both Sides of the Fence
  • 2015
  • Monthly CLE at BMcneel's
  • Criminal Procedure
  • 2012
  • Murfreesboro Police Department Continuing Education
  • Domestic Violence - What's required for a good case
  • 2010
  • Murfreesboro Police Department Continuing Education
  • Prosecuting Domestic Violence Cases
  • 2009
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (1)
Endorse Thomas
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I strongly endorse Mr. Parkerson. I've known him since he was a young prosecutor and watched his keen intellect and pursuit of perfection turn him into an elite trial attorney. If you have a brush with the justice system in Rutherford County, I would encourage you go contact Mr. Parkerson."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Thomas for many years, and I respect and admire him. He is always willing to lend an ear to a fellow attorney for advice or assist in any manner. I know that he cares for his clients and works hard for them in every area he practices."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Thomas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Thomas is as good an advocate for his clients as you will find anywhere. He is intelligent and fearless in the court room. His experience with the Rutherford County DA's Office taught him well."
Criminal defense
Murfreesboro Criminal defense Lawyer Thomas Earl Parkerson
Thomas Earl Parkerson
Criminal defense Attorney
Murfreesboro, TN
Licensed for 19 years