People charged with a crime in Williamson County need a criminal defense attorney who will take their case seriously and guide them through each step of the process. The lawyers at Shipman & Crim defend clients in Franklin, Brentwood, and throughout Williamson County on charges such as DUI, reckless driving, drug possession, theft, assault, and other misdemeanor and felony offenses, with a focus on protecting your record, your license, and your future.​

Criminal cases in Williamson County (Franklin & Brentwood)

If you are arrested or cited in Franklin, Brentwood, or elsewhere in Williamson County, your case will typically begin in Williamson County General Sessions Court, which is located in the Williamson County Judicial Center:​

Williamson County General Sessions Court
Williamson County Judicial Center
135 4th Avenue South
Franklin, TN 37064​

  • Misdemeanor charges (such as many first‑offense DUIs, simple possession, and some assault and theft cases) can often be resolved entirely in General Sessions Court through negotiation, diversion, dismissal, or trial.

  • Felony charges that are not reduced to misdemeanors are usually bound over to Circuit Court (Criminal Division) at the same Judicial Center for indictment and further proceedings.​

Cases originating in Brentwood may first be heard in Brentwood Municipal Court for certain traffic and ordinance violations, but many criminal matters ultimately proceed in Williamson County General Sessions or Circuit Court in Franklin.​

A Williamson County criminal defense attorney can explain where your case will be heard, what your first court date means, and what options may realistically be available in your situation.

How to present yourself in Williamson County court

Your appearance in court sends a message about how seriously you take your case. When you appear in Franklin for court:

  • Aim for clean, conservative clothing; you cannot be overdressed.

  • For men, a collared shirt and slacks are strongly recommended. Avoid T‑shirts, hats, and shorts—courts often will not allow shorts in the courtroom.

  • For women, choose modest, professional attire similar to what you would wear to an important meeting or job interview.

Dressing respectfully and arriving on time helps set the right tone when you stand before the judge.

Talk to a Williamson County criminal defense attorney

If you have been charged with a crime in Franklin, Brentwood, or anywhere in Williamson County, you should not go to court alone or rely on guesswork about what will happen. A conviction can affect employment, housing, and your record for years.

Contact the Williamson County criminal defense attorneys at Shipman & Crim to discuss your charges, your upcoming court date at the Williamson County Judicial Center, and the strategies available to protect your rights and your future.

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424 Church St, Suite 2120A
Nashville, Tennessee 37219

Phone: (615) 829-8259

Call us today or use the form below.  Don’t walk into court without an attorney.  Let us fight for you!

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I was given Joel's contact info from a friend, and called him in regard to an issue that one of my children's friends were going through at the time. He answered on the first call, was friendly, knowledgeable, and honest. I don't know that you could ask for any better criteria than the aforementioned qualities when seeking someone's expertise in the criminal defense field. I highly recommend giving Joel Crim a call if you find yourself in need of his services.read more
forrest hewes
forrest hewes
22:23 05 Jan 23
Joel is an A+ attorney but even better than that when we talk it feels like I am talking to a friend and that is rare. This guy has had long phone conversations with me and I never felt like he was trying to get rich off my bad luck. He always answers texts. He consulted with me for over a year on a legal matter I knew would eventually come to a head. My case is ongoing so I won't get into the details. I am a worrier but this is something that I am not worried a bit about. When I got arrested and had to sit in jail I never worried a min and a few days in. He came to tell me he not only worked out a great outcome but he got my court date moved up and that I could get out the very next day and thats exactly what happened. I know he has a ton of clients but never once did he make me feel like what I needed wasn't important. I would have thought I was his only client. I really consider him a friend now and I know if he's on my side he will go above and beyond and get the best possible outcome that there can be. I am so thankful for him. If you choose Joel you won't be disappointed. I wish I could give him 100 stars but 5 will have to do.Joel, if you ever need me for anything just say the word I am forever in your debt.read more
Jeffrey Moreland
Jeffrey Moreland
17:46 10 Oct 22
god is good Letts do dhe right thing do what dhe law say
Miguel Camarillo cuellar
Miguel Camarillo cuellar
19:58 17 Oct 21
Joel is the best! He is laid back, cool, and understanding, but also very professional and gets the job done quickly. I cannot thank him enough and would recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney!
Sam Goldman
Sam Goldman
20:29 05 Aug 21
I’ve had Joel represent me a few times on some matters and he has always been awesome and ALWAYS comes back with the best news!!! Joel is Cool & funny , but also serious and will get the job done !!!! I highly suggest calling and having Joel represent you ! I will NEVER call anybody else and that’s a fact! Thank you Joelread more
Jason RODRIGUEZ
Jason RODRIGUEZ
15:24 16 Jul 21
I have known Joel Crim for years now. There has been many instances where I looked to him for legal council for not just me, but for my close family members, my clients, and also friends. He has helped them all as if they were me and I did not have to worry and it was already known there would be excellent feedback. Many times he has guided me on legal matters just for my well being. Never looking for a way to make money from a dire situation, but more than once has brought me out of troubled scenarios and only asked for me to buy him lunch when I was in financial hardship. He has gone over and beyond what I’ve asked him to do, with my best interests in mind above all else. I have found myself in a few sticky situations in my younger years and he helped to make light of those grim circumstances and then handled them in the most professional way possible in the courtroom, guiding me along the way and saving my life into adulthood in the process. Legal matters can be very concerning and detrimental to ones livelihood and I can say I enjoyed working with him throughout each and every endeavor. He always made sure that I had the optimal outcome in every situation for me and those closest to me that were referred to him. I recommend him to the people that I care about most, without a doubt in my mind they are in the best hands in the business.read more
Paul Mercer
Paul Mercer
02:06 21 Apr 20
I do not even know where to start! Joel is the absolute best lawyer I have ever met. I spoke to many lawyers after being arrested for a spurious felony charge by MNPD. After speaking to Joel it was clear that he was my guy. I was initially afraid but speaking to Joel was so comforting, I felt like I was speaking to family. He took care of me and knew exactly what to do. My case was dismissed and is now in the process of being expunged. Joel is excellent at communicating, has years of experience in Nashville, Knows exactly what to do, is very kind, humble, and you won't find anyone more fair.read more
Nathan Blond
Nathan Blond
04:07 17 Nov 18
Mr. Crim expertly handled my case and went out of his way to describe my options in great detail. I would not turn to any other lawyer in the Nashville area to handle my cases. Very experienced and knowledgeable on the Law!read more
Frank Gorman
Frank Gorman
10:52 04 Jul 18
Joel Crim has handled a couple of cases for me in the last three years. Both times, he returned my initial calls promptly, got the necessary information, and got right to work. He was very honest with me and provided good advice based on his prior experience. Both cases were resolved quickly and in a satisfactory manner.read more
Mac Ruderer
Mac Ruderer
14:58 03 Apr 18
As my first experience in the world of attorneys, I think Joel was the best I could have found. He was easy to reach by phone email and even text messaging and promptly got back to me. He was able to explain my case in a way I could understand and put my worries at ease by answering all of my questions. He critically assessed my case, presented me with all of my options, and ultimately left the decisions up to me. Joel sees value value in clients and works to vindicate them. I am so grateful for his hard work and help.read more
Melanie Jade
Melanie Jade
20:02 04 Feb 13
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