A professional group portrait of the ten team members of The Crabtree Law Firm. Three women are seated in the foreground with seven men standing behind them, in front of a wall of law books in an office library.

Proudly Serving Smith County, TN

Our mission is to represent people accused of a crime throughout Smith County — from Carthage and Gordonsville to South Carthage – with the highest level of legal support. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony, our team is here to provide legal defense with an aggressive commitment to win cases – and protect your future. 

Our Criminal Defense Services in Smith County

Felony Charges

Felony convictions can carry life-changing consequences – and stick with you forever. We fight aggressively to protect your rights and avoid long-term hardships.

Misdemeanors

Even minor charges can affect your record, ability to get a job, and contribute to society. We work to reduce or dismiss them.

Drug Crimes

From possession to trafficking, we work diligently to challenge drug-related charges in Smith County. Our team is in your corner to protect you from unjust consequences. 

DUI & Traffic Offenses

Don’t let a DUI or traffic charge cost you your license. We’re here to help you defend your driving privileges.

Violent Crimes

If you’re accused of assault, robbery, or worse — we’re ready to build a strong defense to protect your reputation.

White Collar Crimes

Have you been accused of fraud, embezzlement, or identity theft? We handle complex white collar defense cases with precision.

Appeals

If you believe your case was mishandled at any stage of the legal process, we can help you file an appeal and seek justice.

Have an Attorney Review Your DUI Case

Why Choose Us?

We’ve earned the trust of Smith County residents through honest counsel, courtroom experience, and personal dedication to every case. When you work with us, you get straightforward advice and relentless advocacy – every step of the way.

  • 30+ Years of Experience
  • 10,000+ Cases Reduced or Dismissed
  • Aggressive Legal Defense
Schedule-icon Get a Free Case Consultation

What’s the Next Step?

Call (931) 213-3692 or visit or send us a message online.
Tell us about your situation.
Get a case evaluation.
Start building your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you get a defense lawyer in Tennessee?

It’s recommended to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you’re under investigation or have been arrested for a criminal offense. Early legal representation helps protect your rights (especially during police questioning), makes sure proper procedures are followed, and allows your attorney to begin building a strong defense immediately. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony, acting quickly can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Can a misdemeanor stay on my record in Tennessee?

Yes. Misdemeanors can remain on your criminal record unless they are expunged. Criminal defense law firms work to explore expungement or alternative sentencing options. Having misdemeanors on your permanent record can impact employment, housing, and educational opportunities. This is why it’s so important to speak with an attorney about clearing your record as soon as possible.

When should you hire a criminal defense attorney?

u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThe earlier, the better. If you’ve been arrested, contacted by police, or think charges are coming, having a lawyer in your corner can shape how your case moves forward. Early strategy can mean fewer charges — or none at all.u003c/spanu003e

What should I do if I’ve been charged with a felony in Smith County?

Most importantly, do not speak to law enforcement without a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer. Contact a local office immediately to review your case, protect your rights, and begin building a defense. Felony charges can carry severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment and loss of civil rights. Early legal support can improve your chances of reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

What are the penalties for a DUI in Smith County, TN?

Penalties for DUI cases vary based on prior offenses – but may include license suspension, fines, and jail time. A skilled attorney may be able to reduce these consequences or dismiss the charge. Tennessee law also requires mandatory minimum sentences and ignition interlock devices for most cases. A skilled criminal defense attorney can challenge evidence like breath tests and police procedures to protect your driving privileges.

Can I appeal a criminal conviction in Smith County?

Yes. If you believe there were legal errors that affected your case outcome, you may have grounds for appeal. Appeals need to be filed quickly, usually within 30 days of the judgment. A criminal defense lawyer can review trial records thoroughly to identify errors and build a compelling argument for reversal or retrial.

See what our clients in Smith County

5 stars

Absolutely fantastic!

They were able to get my charges dropped. I was worried about travel living on the other side of the United States, but they were able to get everything taken care of. Recommend this firm to anyone needing help in Tennessee

Brady Toller – Drug Possession

5 stars

I am grateful there is a man in the lawyering business that is the caliber of Seth Crabtree.

There is so much to say I will try and make this short as I can. Seth Crabtree is a man outstanding in his field. My case was not the toughest, but had obstacles to overcome… like 97 miles an hour in a 70 and a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.153%. I never stepped foot in the courtroom. Seth was able to get my DUI charge downgraded to a DISMISSAL and EXPUNGEMENT. Can I get an AMEN?

Seth Is very reasonable on is fees and goes above and beyond his duty. Seth gave my case 100%. I am grateful that there is a man in the lawyering business that is the caliber of Seth Crabtree. Thank you sir, and your staff.

Bryant Oden – DUI (Dismissed)

Our work in Smith County

Colton Breeding – Underage Consumption (Dismissed) – Traffic & Other (Dismissed)

Mr. Crabtree is truly a professional and one of the best at what he does. Exceeded expectations.

Fou Moua – Traffic Offense (Dismissed)

“We were scared and didn’t know what to do…”

Best team out there! My fiancé and I were driving from Texas to Washington DC. She was driving overnight as I was getting some rest and we got pulled over. My fiancé isn’t documented and doesn’t have a drivers license, so she got a ticket and also had to appear in court. Being from Texas and our first time dealing with something like this, we were scared and didn’t know what to do. When we got back to Texas, we Googled local lawyers and Seth Crabtree was one of the first ones that was recommended so we decided to contact the office. We did ALL communication over the phone and emails. Mr. Crabtree and his lovely team made it very easy for my fiancé and I to make sure we were taken care of, especially being from out of town. We didn’t even have to make one trip up to Tennessee and they made sure we were taken care of! Mr. Crabtree represented us in court and was able to dispute our case immediately. Thank you so much again for an easy experience!

Nathan Beard – Reckless Driving (Dismissed)

Seth Crabtree’s Attorney-At-Law service helped me get through my case successfully. They walked through it step by step and kept me informed throughout the whole process. It was reassuring to know that they were handling my case.

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When the stakes are high, you need attorneys you can trust with your life. Schedule your free consultation now and let us fight for you, your family, and your peace of mind.

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