Violent Crimes Attorneys in Clarksville
Criminal Defense Backed by Real Investigative Experience
A violent crime charge in Tennessee is one of the most serious legal situations a person can face. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and the consequences of a conviction reach far beyond any prison sentence. Before you say anything to law enforcement or accept any offer from the prosecution, you need a violent crime attorney who understands exactly how the other side builds its case.
At Runyon & Runyon, our criminal defense attorney J. Runyon spent 12 years at the Clarksville Police Department (from 1985 to 1997), serving as a patrol officer, detective, special operations officer, VICE officer, sergeant, and patrol shift sergeant. Since 1997, he has devoted 100% of his practice to criminal law. That law enforcement background shapes how we investigate cases, evaluate evidence, and build defense strategy for clients facing violent crime charges in Clarksville, TN.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, call our Clarksville violent crime attorneys at Runyon & Runyon at (931) 805-4445 to schedule a consultation.
Violent Crime Charges We Defend in Clarksville, TN
Tennessee classifies most violent offenses as felonies, ranging from Class E through Class A. Aggravating factors, such as use of a deadly weapon or a victim who is a child or law enforcement officer, can elevate a charge and dramatically increase the potential sentence. We defend clients against a wide range of violent crime allegations in Montgomery County and the surrounding area.
Some of the criminal charges we defend include but are not limited to:
- Robbery or Aggravated Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Rape
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Assault
- Assault and Battery
What a Violent Crime Conviction Means Beyond the Courtroom
The prison term is only the beginning. Under Tennessee law, felony sentencing ranges vary by class: Class E carries one to six years, Class D carries two to twelve years, Class C carries three to fifteen years, Class B carries eight to thirty years, and Class A carries fifteen to sixty years. Enhancement factors influence where a sentence falls within that range. But for most clients, the collateral consequences are what they fear most.
A felony conviction closes doors that follow a person for life. Many employment categories are barred to those with a felony record, and professional licenses in healthcare, education, and finance become difficult or impossible to obtain. Rental applications are routinely denied. In family court proceedings, a violent crime conviction can affect child custody and visitation determinations. A felony conviction also results in loss of the right to own or possess firearms under both Tennessee and federal law. Domestic assault convictions carry an additional consequence under the federal Lautenberg Amendment, which permanently eliminates firearm rights and can disqualify someone from a career in law enforcement or military service.
How We Build a Violent Crime Defense
Because J. Runyon worked as a detective and in special operations at the Clarksville Police Department, he knows how investigators build a case from the ground up. That experience translates directly into identifying where the case against our client is vulnerable: procedural errors during arrest, constitutional rights violations, evidentiary weaknesses, and chain-of-custody problems that aren’t always visible to an attorney who has only seen law enforcement from the outside.
Defense strategy in violent crime cases is never one-size-fits-all. Depending on the facts, we may pursue self-defense arguments under Tennessee’s statutory self-defense provisions, challenge the identification of our client as the perpetrator, contest the sufficiency of the evidence, or file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights. We conduct thorough case investigation, tailor our approach to each client’s specific circumstances, and maintain frequent communication so clients know where their case stands and what their options are.
Why Clarksville Clients Choose Runyon & Runyon
Runyon & Runyon was established in Clarksville in 1929. We’re a third-generation family firm, and attorneys J. Runyon and Ray Runyon grew up here. Over decades of practice in Montgomery County, they’ve built relationships across the local legal and law enforcement communities that inform how they navigate every case, and our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal defense cases over the past 32 years.
When the stakes are this high, you deserve to know exactly what is happening in your case at every stage. We treat every client as an individual, not a file, and we’re committed to pursuing the best available outcome for you.
Schedule your consultation with our criminal defense lawyers in Clarksville. Call (931) 805-4445.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Past Clients Are Our Best Advertisements
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I have nothing but respect and gratitude for this entire law firm. From the very beginning, they handled everything with professionalism, dedication, and discretion. Going through a difficult legal situation can be stressful and uncertain, but having the right people beside you makes an incredible difference. Throughout the entire process, I always felt that my case was being taken seriously and that they were giving it the attention and effort it deserved. What impressed me most was their commitment. They didn’t just represent me — they stood by me, worked hard, and gave me confidence during a very difficult time. To my attorney and the entire team behind him, thank you for your hard work, your professionalism, and especially for the dedication you showed when it mattered most. Some things are difficult to express in a review, but I can simply say that I will always be grateful for what this firm did for me and my family. You have earned my complete respect and my highest recommendation- Miguel
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Thank you Jay !! You are an amazing attorney and an even better person . You have literally done the impossible for me !!! 10/10 WILL ALWAYS RECOMMEND 💜 The firm will forever represent me and my family! I can't say enough good about R&R!!- Evelyn
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Mr. Ray Runyon and his staff helped me tremendously through my process. Very grateful in all the help and guidance they gave. Highly recommend hiring this law firm.- Rollin
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Mr. Runyon is amazing and got a better outcome than I expected he has truly been a blessing to my case and he is empathetic to situations. He is worth more than he charges and went above and beyond to defend me I would recommendhim to anyone needing a case defended or dismissed. He is a wonderful attorney that cares about his clients which is rare because they become dehumanized with the every day run just like the rest of us do in the particular field that we are in so for someone to be in the field for as long as he has and to still be humanized and empathetic to what we go through as regular citizens is amazing and was unexpected and the end result was in my favor because of him. The judge even asked how did he accomplish this feat because it was a miracle and Mr runyon accomplished that and did that. He is well worth the money and has more than I asked for.- Kristine
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Hands-down, the best legal assistance anyone could ask for and/or need. Jay and his wonderful staff are very professional, empathetic and supportive. They are very personal and go above and beyond when it comes to getting legal issues cleared up. In my case, being out of state, Jay was my superstar representative to get my case cleared up expeditiously. I would highly recommend seeking legal council from Runyon & Runyon! Thank you. I am grateful for your awesome service!- Scott
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I highly recommend Runyon & Runyon! Everyone I dealt with was friendly, professional, and very helpful. They made the entire process much easier and gave me confidence that I was in good hands. I truly appreciate their hard work and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing a great attorney!- Tommy
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I can’t say enough good things about Runyon Attorney! They were professional, caring, knowledgeable, and truly made me feel like I was in good hands. They kept me informed, answered all my questions, and genuinely cared about helping me. I’m so grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend them to anyone needing an attorney!- Cass
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5 stars every time. Jay Runyon got a home run deal for me on my case. Would recommend everytime!- Nythan