Brent Owen Horst

Brent Owen Horst

also known as Brent Horst

4.7
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 38 years

Sex crime Lawyer at Nashville, TN
Practice Areas: Sex Crime, Criminal Defense, Federal Crime ... +2 more

315 Deaderick St #1550-11, Nashville, TN

About Brent

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Sex Crime 33%

Statutory rape | Solicitation of a minor | Sexual exploitation of a minor | Rape | Rape of a child | Indecent exposure | Criminal sexual conduct | Spousal rape | Spousal sexual battery | Solicitation | Prostitution | More | Call now.

33%
Criminal Defense 30%

Simply being accused of a crime can change your life. The penalties of a conviction can haunt you for years after you’ve served your sentence and may affect what kinds of jobs you’re able to obtain and even where you’re allowed to live. Call now.

30%
Federal Crime 25%

If you are charged with a federal crime, Attorney Horst can help you weigh your options. Call now for a consultation.

25%
Violent Crime 7%

Murder | Attempted murder | Aggravated assault | Manslaugher | Armed robbery | Gun crime | Hit & run | Kidnapping | Car jacking | If you have been charged with any crime, you need to call Attorney Horst today.

7%
Domestic Violence 5%

If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may be hurt and confused right now. If someone that shares a residence with you assaulted you, it is paramount you talk to an attorney to advocate for you while you handle your emotional trauma.

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 32 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 38 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1987

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Horst Law

315 Deaderick St #1550-11, Nashville, TN, 37238

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Brent Owen Horst's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews

Posted by anonymous | July 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Weak defense that costs you everything

I’m convinced that most of the reviews here aren’t genuine—likely posted by his friends or colleagues. From my firsthand experience, Brent Horst showed little regard for his client, was completely unfamiliar with the facts of the case, fumbled through the trial while practically groveling before the ...judge, and delivered a closing argument so weak it effectively handed the case to the prosecution. If you had been there, you’d swear he was testifying against his own client. Now, that client lost their life to prison for an accusation that had ZERO supporting physical, forensic, or documentary evidence—based entirely on the uncorroborated word of a single accuser. Anyone can verify this; it’s all public record.

Posted by James | October 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Brent Horst is the best

I can’t say enough about how awesome Brent Horst is. After the very first meeting I felt a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders and I knew that everything was going to be alright. I switched from another attorney who was basically telling me that an indictment was inevitable and to just prepare for... it. While he never made any promises, Brent made me feel confident the whole time that he could prevent charges from being filed. He immediately went to work after our first meeting and fought to do everything possible to prove my innocence. He truly showed his passion for my case and I knew it meant as much to him as it did to me. He was always available to take my calls and respond to my texts and emails. In the end his passion and hard work payed off and no charges were filed! I will forever be grateful to him for quickly ending the worst nightmare Of my life. If you need a defense attorney, do not think twice about it! Brent Horst is the best!

Posted by Susan | May 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Misdemeanor Domestic Assault - Nashville

"Making good decisions is a crucial skill at every level." -  Peter Drucker The quote above is one I wish had come to mind before retaining the first attorney in my criminal case.  It is never a good decision to make a decision from anxiety and fear of unfamiliar circumstances. What prepares a ...person without a criminal record to take the next step in the judicial process after bonding out of jail? Nothing. Living an honest life for 60 years means little when falsely accused of domestic violence.   Watching as mandatory arrest and no-drop prosecution policies implemented to protect victims of domestic abuse were skillfully exploited and manipulated by the mother of my son's young child was staggering.  The hurried decision after being released from the mandatory Metro Jail 12-hour hold to pay legal retainer fee was a novice's mistake.  Choosing from a list of private counsel found in the reception area of the Public Defender's Office without researching experience and case results almost jeopardized my rights and freedom. Unlike my accuser, there was no army of advocates waiting to guide me through the process. Thankfully, I was able to find Mr. Horst's website in my online search for highly-rated experienced criminal trial attorneys. After watching Mr. Horst's  video “My Client My Fight”, I knew he was the person for my defense.  The most repeated characteristics of successful criminal defense attorneys mentioned in articles I read online were: Credibility, Communication Skills, Knowledge, Confidence, Civility, Personal Involvement and Courtroom Demeanor and my addition to the list - Backbone. Mr. Horst possesses them all in spades. From the beginning, my decision to have the case bound over to Criminal Court was non-negotiable.  Many people said to me, "Why not just accept the General Sessions hallway offer of judicial diversion, conviction, 16 week offender program and no jail time just to be done with the stress?"  Mr. Horst said me,  "Why?" Words cannot describe the feeling of waking up the morning after my case was retired.  For the first time in almost a year the anxiety and thoughts of an emotional trial were gone. I am very grateful for Mr. Horst's endless patience, understanding and guidance during the judicial process. Hopefully, I will not need a criminal trial defense attorney in the future.  I would, however, without hesitation, recommend Mr. Horst to anyone facing charges in criminal court. Susan Smith Defendant/Domestic Misdemeanor Assault Case Retired at Discussion No Special Conditions

Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney

great attorney

got to the point , contacted the proper people and didn't back up !

Posted by Troy | September 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

If you need a better plan, call up this man!

Brent is the best lawyer I've come across, hands down! I've been through my fair share of lawyers, and he was the only one I found with any sense of urgency and backbone to stand his ground for my case. I battled this felony charge for over half a year until I hired him, and within a few short months... he already had it dropped to a misdemeanor with 11-29 probation! I highly recommend him for any of your legal needs! He will get the job done!

See All Client Reviews

Brent Owen Horst's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brent
Ali Ebrahimzadeh headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Jai Tripathi headshot
Daniel Tripathi

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Brent. He is well versed in the law and an asset to the legal community."

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Unknown lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Brent. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Daniel Luther Mcmurtry headshot
Daniel Mcmurtry

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent attorney, always works hard for his clients. Represented a client I referred to him, and he did an outstanding job."

View All Endorsements
Trudy Lynn Bloodworth headshot
Trudy Bloodworth

Divorce and separation lawyer

Katie Mathews Zipper headshot
Katie Zipper

Divorce and separation lawyer

Thomas Travis Overton headshot
Thomas Overton

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Jai Tripathi headshot
Daniel Tripathi

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Car accident lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Luther Mcmurtry headshot
Daniel Mcmurtry

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Ten Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

1986

American Jurisprudence Award in International Law, American Jurisprudence Publishing

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Owner, Horst Law

1995 - 1996

Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General of Tennessee

1987 - 1994

Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney Clearwater Florida

Associations

2015 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2015 - Present

Americant Instute of Criminal Law Attorneys

member

2014 - Present

Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1999 - Present

National Board of Legal Specialty Certification

Certified as Criminal Trial Specialist

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. S.A.

Not guilty of rape and not guilty of sexual battery

State v. M.T.

conviction reversed client free

State v. L.F.

Not guilty, freedom and job saved

State v. A.K.

Not guilty of rape and not guilty of sexual battery

State v. T.S.

not guilty verdict

See More Legal Cases

Education

1987

University of Toledo College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Bowling Green State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2011

Fox News Channel

TSA arrest of a client

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • 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