David G. Ridings

Bar / Professional Activity

• Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL)
• Tennessee
• United States District Court for the Sixth Circuit (Middle Division)
• Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (SSPBA)
• Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and attorney for various members

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• State of TN vs. Leshock. Jury Trial in Williamson County before the Honorable Deanna Johnson, Judge of the Circuit Court. DUI first with a BAC .09%. Judgment of Acquittal at the close of the state's proof/case. Once in a lifetime JOA/acquittal., 2021
• Not Guilty – Aggravated Assault (Class C Felony), Davidson County, Tennessee Division I Criminal Court (Judge Steve Dozier)State of Tennessee vs. Richard Erpelding Secured a full acquittal after a two-day jury trial in a high-exposure aggravated assault case involving serious bodily injury. The client, who had been drinking, was confronted and surrounded by multiple individuals while walking in downtown Nashville. After being physically pushed by a larger aggressor, the client delivered a single defensive strike, resulting in an unforeseen and severe head injury. Despite the State’s refusal to offer any meaningful resolution and its insistence on a felony conviction, the defense presented a clear and compelling case of self-defense. The jury rejected the coordinated testimony of multiple opposing witnesses and returned a Not Guilty verdict, fully vindicating the client., 2026
• 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 Jewellers., 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. The 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

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 Magistrate 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, B.S. Degree, Major: Criminal Justice Administration, 1983-1987
• Middle Tennessee State University, Master's Degree, Major: Criminal Justice Administration

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• As former police officer, prosecutor, and now a Judicial Magistrate and criminal defense attorney, I have witnessed the pivotal 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

Awards

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Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com