Ben Marsee
Ben Marsee
Criminal Defense Attorney
Ben Marsee is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has spent nearly two decades defending the accused across the Upper Cumberland. Ben brings extensive courtroom experience, deep legal knowledge, and a reputation for unshakable advocacy in even the most serious felony matters.
Ben has handled over 10,000 criminal cases, including numerous jury trials and complex felony charges ranging from first-degree murder to rape of a child, especially aggravated kidnapping, and major drug and weapons offenses. He has served as lead counsel in capital-murder cases and is known for his strategic litigation style, thorough case preparation, and skill in working with expert witnesses in fields such as forensic pathology, digital forensics, and psychiatry.
Beyond the trial court, Ben has argued appeals before the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and contributed to legal precedent in matters involving due process, post-conviction relief, and the rights of juvenile offenders. He has presented at state-wide legal conferences and taught as an adjunct law professor at Tennessee Technological University.
A lifelong resident of Putnam County and a graduate of the University of the South, College of Sewanee and the University of Tennessee College of Law, Ben is deeply committed to justice, community education, and constitutional defense. Whether representing clients in general sessions or complex jury trials, Ben’s mission remains the same: to protect the rights of the accused and pursue every legal avenue to achieve a just result.
In 2023, Ben was one of three finalists considered by Governor Bill Lee for the position of Judge in Criminal Court Part III of the 13th Judicial District. Ben was endorsed for the judgeship and personally introduced to the Tennessee Judicial Commission by 13th Judicial District Attorney General, Bryant C. Dunaway as an attorney possessing great skill, intellect, and integrity. When Seth Crabtree recruited Ben to join the Crabtree & Patterson law firm, Ben’s former employer lamented, “Seth has stolen the brightest legal mind in the Upper Cumberland.”
Bar Admissions:
- Tennessee (2008)
- U.S. District Court for the Middle & Eastern Districts of Tennessee
- U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for Middle & Eastern Districts of Tennessee
Professional Associations:
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National Association for Public Defense
Trusted by the Best
“Seth had an optimist’s enthusiasm from the very start and something just felt right about hiring him. He carried himself like someone who could make something happen, and his immediately apparent intelligence impressed me… Watching him work was a confidence boost in and of itself, as no other lawyer in the court room looked like they would be able to do for me what Seth did. In the end, he managed to exceed my most hopeful expectations and got my case dismissed entirely!”
Matt Frasier
Extremely knowledgeable and hard working.
Mr. Crabtree is highly professional and an excellent attorney. He is informative and keeps in constant contact with his clients. He goes the extra mile to make sure his clients understand their case and what options they have. I was extremely pleased with how Mr. Crabtree handled my case.
client
Dependable and Helfup
Seth is an awesome lawyer. He’s helped me through several things that would have turned out badly without him. He is honest, knowledgeable, and incredibly reliable. He always gets back to me and if he doesn’t know the answer, he knows how to find it out. He always answers phone calls and text messages and is determined to do what he needs for his clients. I will continue to use him!
client
Highly recommended!!
In all matters in which Seth has represented or advised me, I have found him to be open-minded, ethical, logical and intelligent. He is thorough and meticulous and these attributes are reflected in his work.
Chad
Ben Marsee
Criminal Defense Attorney
- Assistant Coach, Prescott South Middle School Academic Team
- Volunteer Instructor, Putnam County Middle School Mock Trial Program
- Guest Speaker, American Legion Boys State