J. Caleb Cassell
Partner | Criminal Defense, Family & Immigration
Caleb@TheCassellFirm.com
(615) 475-7041
2000 Glen Echo Rd #113 Nashville, Tennessee 37215
About Our Nashville Lawyer
Education
- Belmont University College of Law — J.D.; Criminal Law Certificate
- Belmont Criminal Law Journal — Executive Editor of Notes
- Board of Advocates — Mock Trial Team
- University of Tennessee — B.A., Philosophy; B.A., Political Science (2013)
Training & Certifications
- TACDL Trial College (2018)
- TACDL Advanced Cross-Examination College (2018)
- NHTSA/IACP Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training (2022)
- NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Practitioner (2022)
Court & Chambers Experience
-
Appearances in Tennessee state courts
- Judicial Law Clerk, Criminal Court, Rutherford County — Judge Royce Taylor (2017)
- Intern at the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office (2015-2017)
Practice Focus
Criminal Defense
- Homicide Defense
- DUI / Implied Consent
- Domestic Violence / Orders of Protection
- Assault & Weapons Offenses
- Theft & Other Property Crimes
- Expungement / Record Sealing
- Misdemeanors & Felonies
Family & Divorce
Immigration
Speaking & Publications
- The Judicial Nomination Process — Belmont University College of Law American Inn of Court (Oct. 8, 2018)
- How “the System” Works: Domestic Abuse cases in Davidson County — Belmont University College of Law American Inn of Court (Jan. 14, 2025)
- Practice Area Overview and Ethics — Belmont College of Law Inn of Court (Sept. 9, 2025)
-
Article: “Checkers not Chess: How I learned to stop worrying and embrace the Gates standard for Search Warrants.” For The Defense (TACDL), Feb. 22, 2019. (PDF)
For The Defense (TACDL), © 2019.
Criminal defense (DUI, domestic violence, assault/weapons, theft, homicide, expungement) plus family (divorce, custody, support) and immigration strategy in Middle Tennessee.
Overview
J. Caleb Cassell is a partner at The Cassell Firm in Nashville. He leads complex criminal defense matters and handles high-stakes family cases, with additional experience guiding clients on immigration strategy alongside the team. Clients come to Caleb for direct, trial-ready advocacy and clear direction from the first call through resolution.
Licenses & Admissions
- Tennessee — BPR No. 036311 (2017)
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee (2019)
Representative Results
- Homicide trial → conviction later overturned on appeal (2025): Lead trial counsel on Second Degree Murder case (client initially convicted, 18-year sentence). Appeal handled by separate counsel; conviction overturned primarily due to improper admission of unrelated rap lyrics. On remand, matter resolved to 12 years with parole eligibility at 60%.
- Guns & drugs: Client facing 12+ years; motion to suppress for Fourth Amendment violation led to a very favorable resolution with no jail time (2024).
- False accusation: Demonstrated at preliminary hearing that complainant’s evidence was fabricated; case dismissed at the preliminary stage (2024).
- Order of Protection: Secured an Order of Protection for client stalked and abused by ex-boyfriend; related criminal charges pursued against respondent (2022).
Case outcomes depend on facts unique to each matter; past results do not guarantee similar results.
Media & Press
- WKRN interview on protest-related arrests (June 2020): Link
- WKRN story on Murfreesboro protest arrest (June 2020): Link
- The Tennessean report on overturned homicide conviction (Jan. 17, 2025): Link
- Appellate counsel write-up (David Raybin): Link
Awards & Recognition
- Belmont University Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneurs
Professional Memberships
- Nashville Bar Association (NBA)
- Tennessee Bar Association (TBA): Criminal Justice Section | General, Solo & Small Firm Section | Young Lawyers Division
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
- DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
- The Belmont University College of Law American Inn of Court (Executive Committee)
Community & Teaching
- CLE presenter and mentor with the Belmont College of Law Inn of Court
Consultations & Location
- Consultations: Criminal — free by phone or in-person. Family & Immigration — paid, one hour. In-person is typical; phone and Zoom options are available.
- Office: 2000 Glen Echo Rd #113, Nashville, TN 37215
- Service area: Middle Tennessee
Ready to talk?
Share your situation and goals. Caleb will explain your options and next steps.
Contact:
Contact Nashville immigration
attorney?
If you believe you are eligible for a green card or would like information on how to obtain a green card our Nashville immigration attorney can help you navigate this process. Contact our office at (615) 475-7041 or submit a case inquiry for a free consultation.