David G. Ridings
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Ridings Law Group, P.C.
Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI
Licensed in Tennessee since: 1998
Education: Nashville School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 
Free Consultation Ridings Law Group, P.C.
211 Union StreetSuite 205
Nashville, TN 37201 Phone: 615-851-1888 Email: David G. Ridings Visit website
David G. Ridings is a highly experienced and premier Nashville criminal defense attorney and the founder of Ridings Law Group, P.C., with more than three decades of experience on every side of the criminal justice system. He has nearly 30 years defending clients accused of DUI, drug offenses, domestic assault, violent crimes, and other serious criminal charges. Known for his commanding courtroom presence and strategic approach, he represents individuals whose liberty, livelihood, and reputation are at risk. He is arguably the best Criminal Defense Attorney in Nashville. He is top rated with Avvo, Findlaw, and Justia. He was nominated to Super Lawyers in 2025 for his incredible experience in the courtroom.
David brings a rare and valuable perspective to criminal defense. He is a former police officer and former prosecutor intern with the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office, giving him firsthand knowledge of how law enforcement builds cases and how prosecutors evaluate them. He uses that insight to identify weaknesses in the state’s proof, challenge unlawful police conduct, and fight for the best possible outcome for his clients.
He also serves as a Judicial Magistrate (also known as a Night Court Judge) over Nashville’s Night Court, an appointment since 2023 that reflects his experience, professionalism, and standing within the legal community. Whether negotiating a favorable resolution or taking a case to trial, David is committed to protecting constitutional rights and delivering strong, effective representation in the toughest situations.
First Admitted: 1998, Tennessee
Professional Webpage: https://www.nashvillecriminalattorney.com/david-ridings/
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- State of TN vs. Leshock. Jury Trial in Williamson County before the Honerable Deanna Johnson, Judge of the Circuit Court. DUI first with a BAC .09%. Judgment of Aquittal at the close of the state's proof/case. Once in a lifetime JOA/acquittal. , 2021
- Civil Employment Law Jury Trial in Davidson County Chancery Court. Regnier vs. Metro Nashville Government (MNPD). Verdict in favor of plaintiff (us). Large monetary verdict. , 2003
- Civil Employment Law Jury Trial. Federal Jury. Verdict for the Plaintiff (us). Large monetary verdict. against Carlyle and Company Jewlers., 2003
- State of TN vs. Binkley. Sumner county Circuit Criminal Court. Week long Jury Trial. 10 counts of Statutory Rape by Authority Figure. Verdict... NOT GUILTY on 8 of the 10 charges. Guilty on 2. Disappointing verdict, but could have been worse. , 2009
- State of TN vs. Richardson: Week long Jury Trial. Charged with 2nd Degree Homicide. NOT GUILTY of 2nd degree, and Voluntary Manslaughter. Guilty of Reckless Homicide. A huge win. Client was out after serving two calendar years on a 4 year sentence. 8 of the jurors wanted a full acquittal, but when they deadlocked, the jury made a compromise verdict on Reckless Homicide. , 2011
- State of TN vs. Erpelding: Nashville Criminal Court Division I Jury Trial on an Aggravated Assault charge. Defense of "self defense". Judgment of the Jury... "NOT GUILTY" on all counts. , 2026
Videos
- Arguably one of Nashville's Best and most experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys, David Ridings (AKA Dr. Judge) is a Former Police Officer, former Prosecutor, premier criminal defense attorney, and Judicial Magistrate/Night Court Judge in Nashville, Tennessee. All legal opinions/statements are TENNESSEE LAW SPECIFIC AND NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Entertainment purposes only! "I have worked as a police officer, practiced law as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense attorney. I was appointed annually since 2023 to the Judicial Magistate Position at Night Court in Nashville. As I ran for Judge in Nashville Davidson County, I pondered on how significantly things have changed in just my lifetime". Here, we will talk about those things. Controversial? Maybe! But always TRUTH! DISCLAIMER: I do not give legal advice on this channel. This channel is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing here is meant to create an attorney/client relationship in any way. If you need legal advice, certainly call a Lawyer! And... NEVER talk to the police without one!, Youtube, Legal, 2025
Educational Background
- Middle Tennessee State University, BS Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, 1983-1987
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- As former police officer, prosecutor, and now a Judicial Magistrate and criminal defense attorney, I have witnessed the piv- otal role that remaining silent plays in protecting an individuals’ constitutional rights and ensuring a fair legal process. I have interviewed literally thousands of people over the years who have not handled the police interaction the correct way. In fact, most people I have represented have not handled the interaction properly. I have always wanted to write this book, and teach people what they wish they had known the day before they got arrested. This book delves deep into the importance of maintaining silence and the reasons why individuals should never speak to the police without the guidance of legal counsel. Through a comprehensive exploration of the United States and Tennessee Constitutions, along with analysis of landmark legal cases, this book aims to empower readers with the knowledge they need to safeguard their rights and navigate the criminal justice system. “I don’t answer questions” (without a lawyer) is the ONLY thing you should ever say to a police officer. Period. Full stop! Read on, and let’s learn why., Author, I Don't Answer Questions, Amazon, Legal, 2024
Office location for David G. Ridings
211 Union Street
Suite 205
Nashville, TN 37201
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025