Brent Owen Horst

"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

Facing charges from false allegations made against me, I found it necessary to hire an attorney to mount a defense on my behalf. I researched several attorneys in Nashville and the surrounding area. I know now that it was a stroke of good fortune that I found Mr. Brent Horst through this modern marve...l called the internet. Reading all the treatises and other information Mr. Horst posted on his website persuaded me that he was the right attorney for my case. My early assessment of his capabilities proved true and even more. Mr. Horst's thorough knowledge of the legal process and nuances in the law, tireless work ethic, and laser-like client focus resulted in an outcome as near perfect as possible to a jury's not guilty verdict. While on a professional level the attorney-client relationship was maintained throughout this whole ordeal, I developed a profound respect and like for Mr. Horst as a person. It also became apparent that he is highly respected in the legal community. I had unfailing confidence in his ability as a man and as an attorney to defend my innocence in court and secure for me a not guilty verdict. That became unnecessary when he was able to persuade the District Attorney to retire the case utilizing a procedure unique to the governing jurisdiction. Mr. Horst has my unwavering respect and endless gratitude for bringing this uncalled for life altering tragedy to a very satisfactory conclusion. He has made it possible for me to regain my respect with my honor intact and move on with my life. Thank you Brent. You gave me my life back.

My only regret in my case is that I did not retain Mr. Horst when the false accusations were initially made against me. I sought his services after two trials, the final one ending in a guilty verdict and my being sentenced and incarcerated. He reviewed those prior cases, prepared, and filed an appea...l with the TN State Court of Appeals. Statistics show that winning an appeal is a "long-shot" at best. I felt no different going in. However, Mr. Horst found the error made by the court that ultimately saved my life as I know it. We won the appeal and as the assistant D.A. stated afterward, "only Brent Horst could have won that argument". After a couple of years now, I am getting my life back. I will forever be indebted to Brent and the job that he did. A true professional and a great person.