Voted One of 10 Best Law Firms in Tennessee — 2025

When the Stakes
Are Highest, You
Need a Fighter
Who Won't Back Down

Nashville criminal defense attorney Austin Tomlinson combines military precision, insider prosecution knowledge, and relentless courtroom advocacy to protect your rights across Middle Tennessee.

Army Veteran Attorney
Former Prosecutor's Office
Nashville & Middle Tennessee

Why Clients Choose Patriot Law

Credentials That Matter
When It Counts Most

10 Best Law Firms in Tennessee — 2025

Recognized by the American Institute of Criminal Defense Attorneys — a distinction earned through client trust and consistent courtroom excellence.

Army Veteran Attorney

Military service instilled the discipline, resilience, and strategic mindset that defines Austin's approach to every case and every client.

Insider Prosecution Knowledge

Austin interned with the prosecutor's office, giving him a rare tactical advantage — he knows how the other side builds its case, and how to dismantle it.

Relationships Across Middle Tennessee Courts

Deep connections with court officials in seven counties give Austin the ability to navigate the local legal system more effectively than outside counsel.

Large-Firm Experience, Personal Access

Austin built his expertise at one of the nation's largest criminal defense firms — and now applies that knowledge with the personal attention only a focused practice can offer.


Practice Areas

Every Case.
Fought With
Full Force.

Every case is unique. Austin believes in personalized, aggressive representation tailored to the specific needs of each client — meticulous preparation, thorough investigation, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Discuss Your Case
01

DUI Defense

Tennessee DUI laws are strict — even a first offense can devastate your life. Austin challenges every piece of evidence and fights to protect your license, record, and freedom.

02

Drug Offenses

From simple possession to distribution charges, a well-constructed strategic defense can mean the difference between a conviction and a second chance.

03

Assault & Battery

Aggressive courtroom advocacy to challenge the prosecution's facts, protect your reputation, and pursue the strongest possible outcome for your case.

04

Theft & Burglary

Skilled defense against property crime charges focused on undermining the state's evidence and preventing a conviction that follows you for life.

05

Domestic Violence

Discreet, personalized representation that prioritizes your rights and pushes back hard against overreaching or factually unsupported charges.

06

White Collar Crimes

Complex financial and fraud cases require meticulous preparation and deep legal knowledge. Austin brings both, along with large-firm experience in high-stakes matters.

07

Sex Crimes

High-stakes allegations demand absolute discretion, rigorous investigation, and an uncompromising defense — Austin provides all three from day one.

08

Arson Defense

Serious arson charges require an attorney with the experience to challenge forensic evidence, expert witnesses, and the full weight of the prosecution's case.

09

Personal Injury

When accidents leave you injured, Austin pursues the full compensation you deserve — covering medical bills, lost wages, and damages from car, truck, and pedestrian incidents.

10

Family Law & Divorce

From contested divorces to child custody battles, Austin provides steady, informed guidance through Tennessee's family courts with your future in focus.


Austin Tomlinson

Founding Attorney

2025

10 Best Law Firms Tennessee

7 Counties

Middle Tennessee

About Austin

A Soldier's Resolve.
A Lawyer's Precision.

Patriot Law was founded by Austin Tomlinson with a singular mission: to stand between the power of the state and the individuals it charges. As an Army veteran, Austin brings a soldier's discipline and resolve to the courtroom — fighting for clients the same way he once served his country: without hesitation and without compromise.

Austin's path to criminal defense is unlike most. A first-generation college student who served his country before pursuing law, he earned his Juris Doctor from West Virginia University — where he was elected class president — and interned with the prosecutor's office, gaining the rare tactical advantage of seeing criminal cases from both sides.

Today, Patriot Law has been named one of the "10 Best Law Firms in Tennessee" by the American Institute of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Austin serves clients throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee — across Davidson, Wilson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Montgomery, and Smith Counties.

Army Veteran — discipline and resilience forged through service

Juris Doctor — West Virginia University College of Law, Class President

Former internship with the prosecutor's office — knows their strategy

Experience at one of the nation's largest criminal defense firms

BA in History and Political Science — South Dakota State University


The Patriot Law Difference

Six Reasons to Trust
Your Defense to Austin

Military Discipline & Precision

Austin's Army service forged the tenacity, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment he brings to every client's defense — a soldier's resolve in the courtroom.

Knows How Prosecutors Think

Having interned with the prosecutor's office, Austin understands their playbook from the inside — and exactly how to dismantle it on your behalf.

Deep Local Court Connections

Years of relationship-building with court officials across Davidson, Wilson, Rutherford, and surrounding counties give your case a critical strategic edge.

Aggressive, Personalized Strategy

No cookie-cutter defenses. Every case receives a tailored strategy built around your specific facts, circumstances, and goals after meticulous investigation.

Proven Track Record

A history of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges across DUI, drug, assault, and complex criminal cases throughout Middle Tennessee.

Accessible & Transparent

Austin is personally accessible, keeps you informed at every stage, and discusses all costs upfront — no surprises, no runaround, no hidden fees.


How We Work

From First Call
to Final Resolution

01

Confidential Consultation

Share your situation in complete confidence. Austin listens carefully to understand the full picture before recommending a clear path forward.

02

Investigation & Evidence Review

Every detail is examined. Austin conducts a thorough review of police reports, evidence, and prosecution strategies to find every advantage.

03

Tailored Defense Strategy

Based on the investigation, Austin builds a personalized, aggressive defense strategy designed around your specific facts, charges, and goals.

04

Negotiation & Courtroom Advocacy

Whether securing favorable terms through negotiation or fighting at trial, Austin is a relentless advocate dedicated to achieving the best possible result.

05

Resolution & Continued Guidance

Austin keeps you informed through every phase of your case, ensuring you understand each development and what it means for your life and future.


Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Stay calm, assert your right to remain silent, and request a lawyer immediately. Do not speak to law enforcement before contacting Austin Tomlinson at Patriot Law — what you say can and will be used against you.

Yes. Tennessee DUI laws are strict even for first offenses. A skilled Nashville DUI defense attorney can challenge evidence, protect your license, and work to minimize or eliminate penalties.

Fees vary depending on the nature and complexity of your case. Patriot Law believes in transparent pricing — all costs are discussed openly during your initial consultation with no hidden fees.

Patriot Law represents clients throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee, including Davidson County and surrounding communities such as Franklin, Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Hendersonville, and counties including Wilson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Montgomery, and Smith.

As soon as possible. Acting quickly preserves critical evidence, ensures legal deadlines are met, and gives Austin the best opportunity to build the strongest defense for your case.

Bring all relevant materials — police reports, court notices, medical records, photos, insurance information, or any existing legal filings. The more context you provide, the stronger Austin can build your case.

You can schedule a confidential consultation by calling the Nashville office at 615-669-8312, emailing Austin@PatriotLawTN.com, or filling out the contact form on the website. We're here to help.

Yes. In addition to criminal defense, Patriot Law handles personal injury claims, family law matters, divorce, and child custody cases throughout the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area.


Your Rights. Your Future. Your Fight.

Don't Face the System
Alone.

Every hour matters after an arrest or legal crisis. The sooner you have Patriot Law in your corner, the more options you have. Call now for a confidential, no-obligation consultation with Austin Tomlinson.

1005 17th Ave S, Suite 900, Nashville, TN 37212

Contact Patriot Law

Start Your Defense
Today.

Phone

615-669-8312

Office

1005 17th Ave S, Suite 900
Nashville, TN 37212

Get Directions

Counties Served

Davidson Wilson Rutherford Sumner Williamson Montgomery Smith

Send a Confidential Message

All inquiries are completely confidential. Attorney-client privilege applies.