When you are charged with a crime in Nashville, the State has already assigned prosecutors, investigators, and a crime lab to your case. You are entitled to the same seriousness on your side of the courtroom. N. Cate Law defends people accused of every category of criminal offense in Davidson County and across Middle Tennessee — from a first DUI to a felony indictment.

Nathan Cate has tried 53 jury trials to verdict and won 12 outright Not Guilty acquittals. A Tennessee court has qualified him as a court-qualified criminal defense expert witness — a credential held by a small number of defense lawyers in the state. That trial record is the reason a prosecutor treats a file differently when Nathan is on the other side of it.

The charges I defend: DUI and DUI-related offenses, drug charges from possession through trafficking, violent crimes from assault through homicide, sex offenses, property and financial crimes, probation violations, and post-conviction relief and criminal appeals. If you are not sure where your charge fits, call and ask.

Courts I practice in: Nashville and Davidson County (General Sessions and Criminal Court), plus Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson, and Maury Counties. Tennessee state courts only.

What happens next: If you have just been arrested, the days ahead follow a predictable sequence — booking, bond, a first appearance in General Sessions, and either a preliminary hearing or a grand jury presentment. Read What Happens After a Nashville Arrest for the full step-by-step, or call (615) 664-8083 for a free consultation, available 24/7.

Cate Law is Highly rated by clients on Google.

What Clients Say

Verified 5-star reviews from clients on Google

“Nathan is one of the best defense attorneys in Nashville. He is extremely knowledgeable, trustworthy, and honest. He genuinely cares about his clients and works hard to get the best possible outcome. Highly recommend.”
— Makayla S., ★★★★★

“I had gotten in some trouble & I reached out to my cousin so she could refer me to a lawyer…she referred me to Attorney Nathan Cate. The GOAT! He went in there & handled the business & I left with a smile on my face. If you’re looking for a GREAT lawyer reach out to him, I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
— Whitney, ★★★★★

“Nathan did an amazing job with some issues our Family had! He was very compassionate, communicative, and very knowledgeable, and explained everything throughout the entire process. We will definitely be recommending him to anyone that needs an aggressive, knowledgeable and honest lawyer. Thank you so much!”
— Shellie C., ★★★★★

“Not sure what I would do without Nathan. He has kept me abreast of everything going on in my case. He jumped right in ‘guns blazing’ to help me and my situation. Hearing ‘I believe in you’ and actually meaning it through a time of turmoil means more than you know.”
— MarVelous B., ★★★★★