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David Glenn Ridings
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About David
Biography
If you have been accused of a crime, your future may depend on the lawyer you choose. Arguable the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Nashville, David G. Ridings has been defending people charged with criminal offenses in Middle Tennessee since 1998. As the founder of Ridings Law Group, P.C., he represents clients in cases involving DUI, drug charges, domestic violence allegations, assault, theft, vehicular homicide, vehicular assaults, and serious felony offenses. Basically everything from driving without a license to Homicide.
David brings a unique perspective to criminal defense, having been nominated and selected as a Super Lawyer in 2025. Many conspider him the best of the best. A lawyers, lawyer.
Here's why: Before entering private practice, he served as a Metro Nashville police officer for nearly a decade. He also worked as a prosecutor with the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office during law school. That background gives him firsthand insight into how cases are investigated, how prosecutors prepare cases, and where weaknesses in the State’s proof can be exposed. He uses that experience to build strong defenses, challenge unlawful police conduct, and guide clients through the criminal justice system with clarity and confidence.
In addition to his criminal defense practice, David serves as a Judicial Magistrate over Nashville’s Night Court (also known as a "Night Court Judge"). His appointment every year since 2023 reflects the respect he has earned through decades of legal experience and courtroom service, as those appointments are made by the eleven General Sessions Court Judges. Clients value his direct communication, practical advice, and willingness to fight for them when the stakes are high. He is one of few lawyers that actually returns his calls within hours, not days. He has earned the reputation of being the one of, if not "the" most accessible lawyer in Nashville.
Whether a client is facing a first-time DUI, a felony accusation, or a complex criminal matter, David G. Ridings is committed to protecting constitutional rights and providing serious, strategic representation at every stage of the case.
When your freedom, record, and reputation are on the line, David G. Ridings provides experienced, strategic, and determined criminal defense representation. It is literally the kind of experinece you cannot get from a book!
Speaking of books. David Ridings wrote the book on constitutional rights for criminal defendants called "I Don't Answer Questions". You can find it as the NUMBER ONE SELLER on Amazon in Criminal Evidence.
FORMER METRO POLICE OFFICER & PROSECUTOR, and now NIGHT COURT JUDGE. UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE with 100+ 5-STAR REVIEWS.
FORMER METRO POLICE OFFICER & PROSECUTOR. Nashville DUI Lawyer with UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE!
FORMER METRO POLICE OFFICER & PROSECUTOR. UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE with 90+ 5-STAR REVIEWS.
FORMER POLICE OFFICER & PROSECUTOR. Domestic Violence Experience from the Street.
FORMER METRO POLICE OFFICER & PROSECUTOR. From the Street-to the Courtroom. Ridings?? EXPERIENCE!!
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
50%
29 years | 1,000 cases
Criminal Defense
30%
29 years | 4,000 cases
Domestic Violence
15%
29 years | 1,000 cases
Violent Crime
5%
29 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 28 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Ridings Law Group, P.C.
(615) 912-8463
Mobile
211 Union Street, Suite 205, Nashville, TN, 37201
nashvillecriminalattorney.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David Glenn Ridings's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
107 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (107)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 107 reviews
Posted by Joy | April 06, 2026 | Hired Attorney
David Ridings is the best lawyer in Tennessee
I am very grateful for the help and guidance David Ridings provided to my son during a stressful legal situation. He was professional, reachable, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything to us. His support helped protect my son’s future, and we truly appreciate his dedication. We highly...
Posted by Bryan T | May 20, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I would like to say that David Ridings. Is a very professional lawyer clean cut gentleman. I recommend.
Best Lawyer I've had in a while very professional. On his A+game hands down!!!
Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Amazing lawyer, knowledgeable, honest, compassionate
Mr. Ridings has excellent work ethics, is incredibly knowledgeable in the field of law given his background as a police officer/lawyer/judge, is compassionate and understanding, gives you his 100% and more, and overall an amazing person with a good heart. He will listen to your case, and if you are b...
Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Exceptional in Every Way
David, handled a traffic issue for me. From start to finish it was handled impeccably. Resolved in less than 90 days.
Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2024 | Criminal Defense
Highly recommend
This lawyer was amazing. Although I don’t have much experience with lawyers (thank goodness), David Ridings went beyond what was expected, in my opinion. Because of his diligence, new evidence was found that turned the whole case around and made a felony a misdemeanor just like that! He is so very mu...
David Glenn Ridings's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. David's experience and knowledge is vast. He is thoughtful, thorough and always willing to help. Always excellent work."
"When I have a potential client asking for services in Davidson County, I refer them to David without hesitation. Whenever I hear back from those referrals, they always state that David was an excellent recommendation and that he delivered excellent results in the courtroom. He promptly responds to his clients and treats them with care and respect. We regularly discuss case strategy and case issues with each other. I value his insight and I endorse him without reservation. I highly recommend him for any type of Criminal Defense case."
"Want experience? David has it. Want knowledge of both sides of the table of justice? David has it. Want honest, reliable legal advice? Look no further. David is a highly respected attorney in and out of the courtroom, both by his clients and the bench and the bar. I am happy to endorse."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is a fantastic and highly respected attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is an amazing lawyer. He has a great work ethic and has a lot of experience defending his clients in court."
"David is well known for his ability to fight for his clients and achieve good results. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is known in our legal community as an experienced criminal defense lawyer who aggressively and skillfully advocates for his clients. He consitently achieves great results. I highly recommend him."
"David is a *top* DUI lawyer in the Nashville area. He knows the law both as a lawyer and as a former law enforcement officer. I trust David's backward and forward knowledge of DUI issues and am able to recommend his office to anyone in need of counsel without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great lawyer with an incredible work ethic and caring disposition."
"Having worked as a police officer for several years, David Ridings has the unique experience of handling matters across the spectrum of the criminal justice system. In my opinion, Mr. Ridings' character is the epitome of what all lawyers should have. I am proud to call him a colleague and to endorse him."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. David Glenn Ridings is a hard working, dedicated advocate for his clients. His experience and expertise in the area of criminal defense is unique due to his past work as a police officer. David is willing to go the extra mile for his client and will always zealously represent his client to the best of his ability. I had the privilege of working with David on a case, and I learned a lot from him. It was a great experience and we had a great outcome for our client. I would recommend David to my family and friends."
"I endorse this lawyer. David Ridings is an excellent attorney. He is a former police officer which gives him a great advantage when defending a client faced with criminal charges. He is very knowledgeable about the law and has a great courtroom presence. He is not afraid of proceeding to a jury trial and relates very well to jurors. He is aggressive in his defense for his clients and will go the extra mile for you or your family members."
"I highly endorse David without any reservation. I have known David for the last fifteen years and his reputation in Nashville for being a zealous advocate is well deserved. During the last year I have appeared several times as a guest on his radio talk show. He stays current on all the changes to Tennessee law. We rarely agree on issues but always have a spirited debate on current legal topics. If you need an experienced lawyer, call David."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Client Choice Award 2018, Avvo
2017
Client Choice Award 2017, Avvo
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Client Choice Award 2015, Client Choice Award AVVO
2015
Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorneys Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
Client Satisfaction Award 2014, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2013
Client's Choice Award 2013, Avvo
2013
Top 50 DUI Attorneys Tennessee - Superior DUI Attorney, National Advocacy for DUI Defense, LLC
1997
Exemplary Service Award, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
1991
Exemplary Officer Award, Metro Nashville Police Department
1989
John R. Cunningham Award, National Sheriff's Association
Work Experience
2005 - Present
General Counsel, Tennessee Highway Patrol Retired Officers Association
1998 - Present
Criminal Defense/DUI Attorney, Ridings Law Group, P.C.
2012 - 2013
Talk Radio Host, Supertalk 99.7 WTN - Crime Time Central
1997 - 1998
Prosecuting Attorney, Davidson County District Attorney's Office
1990 - 1998
Police Officer, Metro Nashville Police Department
1989 - 1990
Police Officer, Murfreesboro Police Department
1988 - 1988
Legal Intern, Tennessee Board of Paroles
1987 - 1987
Governors Task Force on Marijuana Eradication - Internship, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Associations
2016 - Present
Cornerstone ChurchBoard of Directors
2014 - Present
American Institue of DUI/DWI AttorneysAward Recipient
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)Member
2013 - Present
National Advocacy for DUI DefenseAward Recipient
2011 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2009 - Present
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Tennessee Highway Patrol Retired Officers AssociationGeneral Counsel
1999 - Present
Southern States Police Benevolent AssociationAttorney for Members
1998 - Present
Fraternal Order of PoliceAttorney for Members
1998 - Present
Nashville Bar AssociationMember
1990 - Present
Fraternal Order of PoliceMember
1998 - 2002
Tennessee Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State vs. SJ
NOT GUILTY. ACQUITTED.
State vs. L.B. Felony Possession of Marijuana
Nolle Prosecution. Case Dismissed.
State vs. C.B. Felony Possession of Marijuana and Drug paraphernalia
Nolle Prosecution. Case Dismissed.
State vs. A.B. Unlawful Photography
Judgement Deferred, No Conviction
State of TN vs. P.O. - DUI
Case Dismissed and expunged.
State of TN vs. DF - 0.30 BAC - Case Dismissed
DISMISSED
State of TN vs. B.R-D : DUI with the Defense of Necessity
NOT GUILTY. CLIENT ACQUITTED.
State of TN vs. R.S.
Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing. State later decided not to pursue it to the Grand Jury, either.
DUI Reduced to Reckless Endangerment
DUI Reduced to Reckless Endangerment
State vs. J.R. NOT GUILTY of 1st Degree Murder
Not Guilty (Aquitted) of First Degree, Acquitted of Second Degree and Acquitted of Voluntary Manslaughter. Found Guilty of Reckless Homicide (D Felony)
State of TN vs. JR
Acuited of First Degree Murder, 2nd Degree Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter. Convicted of Reckless Homicide.
State of TN vs. T.H.
DUI Dismissed entirely..
Education
1998
Nashville School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
Middle Tennessee State University
MA - Masters
1989
Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy
POST Certification
N/A
Middle Tennessee State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Tennessee Firearms Association Monthly Meeting
Firearms
2013
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
DUI Conference. The Prelimiary Hearing. Participant
2013
LawReview CLE: Over the Limit: Defense of a DUI
DUI Defense Nashville Tennessee
2011
Law Review CLE Tennessee
The Basics of DUI Defense
1998
Nashville School of Law Graduation at Vanderbilt University Law School
Commencement Ceremonies - Law School Graduation
Publications
2014
Nashville DUI Lawyer Blog
Nashville DUI Lawyer Blog
2014
Nashville Criminal Lawyer Blog
Nashville Criminal Lawyer Blog
2014
Nashville Criminal Attorney Blog
Nashville Criminal Attorney Blog
2014
Ridings Law Office Blog
Ridings Law Office Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I get a bond for new charges before I'm even arrested
30 Nov 2024
Q&A
Do I have to let someone on probation live at my house if I don’t want him there
20 Aug 2024
Q&A
Is a trespass from a store, Dollar General, a civil matter?
02 Jul 2024