Criminal Defense and Family Law Lawyer for Carthage and Smith County, TN

We help Carthage and Smith County residents facing criminal charges, DUI and divorce, with Chris Reynolds handling your case personally and explaining it in plain language, so a court date in Carthage does not mean going in alone or guessing what comes next.

A Smith County Attorney Within Reach of Carthage

If you are looking for a lawyer in Carthage, TN and do not know where to start, the Law Offices of Chris Reynolds, PLLC serves Carthage and the rest of Smith County from two nearby offices. As your Smith County attorney, Chris Reynolds is the person you talk to on the first call and the person standing next to you in court.


Smith County families can meet with us at either office:


In a small county, people worry about who will hear about their case. We keep your matter private, treat you with respect and make your problem our problem from the first conversation:

  • Chris Reynolds works your case himself, from the first phone call to the final court date.
  • He appears regularly in the Wilson, Macon and Trousdale county courts, Smith County's neighbors in the 15th Judicial District.
  • We explain your charge, your options and the timeline without legal jargon.
  • We offer flexible payment options and payment plans, so cost does not keep you from getting help.
  • Our in-house Spanish interpreter works with Spanish-speaking clients from the first call. Se Habla Español.
Two lawyers reviewing documents at a desk with a gavel and scales of justice
Lawyer writing at desk beside legal scales and gavel, with laptop and notepad in an office

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Carthage TN Charges

A charge in Smith County can put your license, your job and your name in the community at risk all at once. Our criminal defense practice represents Carthage residents, and people arrested while traveling through Smith County, on charges including:


  • Drug charges, including possession, sale and paraphernalia, where the lawfulness of the search is often the key question.
  • Assault, from simple assault to aggravated assault, including cases involving self-defense or conflicting accounts.
  • Domestic violence, which often comes with an order of protection that affects your home and your time with your children.
  • Weapons charges, including unlawful possession and carrying, where a conviction can follow you long after the case ends.

Smith County DUI Lawyer for Stops on I-40 and Local Roads

A DUI arrest in Smith County can mean a license suspension, fines, possible jail time and an ignition interlock requirement, even on a first offense. As a Smith County DUI lawyer, Chris Reynolds reviews the reason for the stop, how the field sobriety tests were given and whether the breath or blood results hold up, then works to limit what the charge costs you.

Divorce and Custody Help for Carthage Families

When a marriage ends, the first questions are usually where to start and what it will cost. Smith County divorce and custody cases are filed in Carthage, and we walk you through each step in plain terms, with payment plans available. We help with:


  • Uncontested divorce, when you and your spouse agree and want it done correctly.
  • Contested divorce, when property, debts or support are in dispute.
  • Child custody and parenting plans built around your children's routine.
  • Child support, whether it is being set for the first time or needs to change.

We also help Smith County families with estate planning and probate.

What Court Handles a Case in Smith County?

Carthage is the Smith County seat, and Smith County cases are heard there. Smith County is part of Tennessee's 15th Judicial District along with Wilson, Macon, Trousdale and Jackson counties, the same district as the courts we regularly work in from Lebanon and Lafayette. A criminal case in Smith County generally follows this path:

General Sessions Court

Every criminal charge starts here. Misdemeanors, including many first-offense DUIs, simple possession and simple assault, are usually resolved in General Sessions.

Preliminary Hearing

For a felony charge, General Sessions holds a preliminary hearing to decide whether there is enough evidence for the case to go forward. It is an early opportunity to test the State's case.

Trial Court

If a felony is bound over, the case moves up to the trial court, where it is resolved by agreement or taken to trial.

Divorce and custody matters for Smith County residents are also filed in Carthage. Before your first appearance, we tell you where your case stands on this path and what to expect when you walk in.



Our clients in Carthage and across Smith County are served by the same attorney from our Lebanon and Lafayette offices, start to finish.

Two overlapping speech bubbles, black and white, with an info symbol and a question mark.

Questions Carthage Clients Ask Before They Call

  • Is there a lawyer near Carthage, TN who handles criminal and divorce cases?

    Yes. We serve Carthage and all of Smith County from our offices in Lebanon and Lafayette, handling criminal defense, DUI, divorce, custody and child support. Chris Reynolds works each case personally, and you can reach us at (615) 873-0251.

  • What court will handle my case in Smith County?

    Most Smith County criminal cases begin in General Sessions Court in Carthage, the county seat. Misdemeanors are often resolved there, while felony charges get a preliminary hearing and may move up to the trial court. Smith County divorce and custody cases are also filed in Carthage.

  • Do I need a DUI lawyer for a charge in Smith County?

    In most cases, it is worth talking to one before your first court date. A Tennessee DUI can bring a license suspension, fines, possible jail time and an ignition interlock requirement, and a conviction stays on your record. A defense attorney can review the stop and the test results and work to reduce the consequences.

  • Do you take divorce cases for people who live in Carthage?

    Yes. We represent Carthage and Smith County clients in uncontested and contested divorces, custody and parenting plans, and child support. We explain each step in plain language and offer payment plans.

  • Do you offer payment plans or help in Spanish?

    Yes to both. We offer flexible payment options and payment plans, and our in-house Spanish interpreter works with Spanish-speaking clients throughout the case. Se Habla Español.

Call Before Your Smith County Court Date

Whether you are facing a charge in Carthage or a family matter that cannot wait, the Law Offices of Chris Reynolds, PLLC is close to home and ready to help. Schedule a consultation, and we will tell you plainly where you stand and what comes next.



Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM