Skip to Content
Experienced Nashville Defense Firm
Top
Attempted Murder A Team Who Will Tenaciously Defend You Every Step of the Way

Attempted Murder Charges in Nashville, TN

Contact a Nashville Attempted Murder Attorney Immediately

If you have been charged with a crime such as attempted murder, remember this: the outcome of your case will hinge on a prosecutor's ability to prove your intent. Does the prosecution have enough true insight into your thoughts to demonstrate that your actions were premeditated? A successful outcome in your case may mean achieving a downgrading of the charges against you. Perhaps your actions could justify charges of aggravated assault — and even then, it is up to the prosecution to prove those charges beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Why Choose Our Attempted Murder Lawyers

In the face of attempted murder charges, nothing short of the best and most tenacious defense representation will do. That is the level of counsel delivered at May McKinney. Attempted murders are complex cases. Not only do our Nashville defense attorneys have more than 80 years of combined experience, but they stop at nothing to pursue the best possible outcome in every case they touch. If you need help navigating your attempted murder sentence, our Nashville murder lawyer is ready to help!

Call (615) 265-6383 or contact us online to find out how our Nashville attempted murder lawyers can help you. We serve clients in Nashville, Franklin, Mount Juliet, Brentwood, and throughout Tennessee.

Attempted Murder Definition

Attempted murder is the unsuccessful act of killing another person. To be convicted of attempted murder, a demonstration of intent to murder must be present, the perpetrator attempted to murder yet failed.

Elements of Attempted Murder

There are two elements required in attempted murder:

  • Offender took action toward killing a person (direct action)
  • Offender's act was intended to kill a person (intent to kill)

What is Considered Attempted Murder?

To be considered attempted murder, there must be the presence of a "direct action." This means merely preparing or planning to kill someone is not sufficient to satisfy the elements of attempted murder. Additionally, there must be "intent to kill" present in attempted murder. Causing bodily harm is not sufficient proof of attempted murder unless evidence of actual intent to kill is there.

Attempted Murder Sentence in Tennessee

How many years can you get for attempted murder? Typically, attempted murder is charged in degrees. These include:

  • First-degree attempted murder: requires premeditation or a willful act
    • Often a life sentence; at least 10 years in prison
    • Possible parole
  • Second-degree attempted murder: any other act that is not deliberate or planned
    • 5 - 15 years in prison, depending on whether serious injury was inflicted
    • Prior criminal record will enhance the sentence

To learn more about attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee or second-degree attempted murder, contact our murder defense attorneys in Nashville.

Continue Reading Read Less

Our Clients Say It Best

Read Our Client Testimonials

At May & McKinney, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "We Owe You"
    We owe you so much for helping us and our son. We appreciate your legal expertise and support you gave our son this April.
    - Melissa & Alan
    "Simply Awesome"

    I appreciate absolutely everything that you and your team have done for me. I could not have made a better decision than to have your representation during this horrific time in my life. Along the way, I feel like I was educated about the process and felt at ease with every step. The due diligence that was done on your behalf was top tier and goes without saying, simply awesome! The only regret I have is not coming to your first. You have my full support of referrals to anyone I hear that needs a great defense team in their corner, because I sure did! Again, Thank you!

    - Anonymous
    "You Made a Difficult Situation Endurable"

    Thank you so very much for all you have done and are still doing. Thank you for being such a great attorney in our time of need. You made a difficult situation endurable.

    - L.M.
    "The Only Choice for the Best Results"
    The case came during my senior year of college. It was the scariest moment of my entire life. I felt my career was over before it even started. I chose McKinney Law Firm because they are the Best of the Best. To have a prepared and knowledgeable defense, in a room where you feel guilty until proven innocent, is invaluable. Roger T. May's no non-sense approach was deliberate and strategic. The results of the case were better than I could have ever imagined. After the case was over, I went on to land a lucrative job, travel the world, and have had a very successful career. I truly believe McKinney Law Firm gave me a second chance at life. I am forever grateful for the team's care, urgency, persistence, and professionalism during a very difficult time. "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Thank you.
    - -Satisfied Client
    "Best defense lawyer in the middle Tennessee area"
    So I was charged with schedule 2 simple poss and paraphernalia. His excellence got it dropped to a simple paraphernalia charge with unsupervised probation! It was a mandatory 30 days in jail to basically nothing but fines. Well worth every penny. If you need a lawyer call this guy immediately. He'll do everything he can with a smile to give you the best results possible. Thank God for Rob Mckinney!!!
    - Daniel Himes
    "A Great Firm to work with!!"
    Mr. McKinney assisted my daughter with two separate cases. Both were handled very professionally and had very positive outcomes. He was always helpful when meetings were held and assisted in making this extremely stressful time easier for her. I would recommend his firm to anyone who needs the assistance of very capable, professional, caring attorneys.
    - L.R.
    "Best Case Scenario"
    If you’re looking for a firm who knows how to handle a DUI/DWI case, give Shyanne a call.
    - Satisfied Client
    "Stop searching for an attorney. Stop worrying about your legal woes. Stop wondering if your attorney actually cares and start letting Rob McKinney handle your case."
    In a nutshell, all of the glowing reviews that I read on this site are 100% spot-on. I had a DWI case reduced to reckless driving. Rob is a fighter and would have battled for a full dismissal if I had requested him to but after some discussion I concluded that accepting the lesser charge was the right move for me. Furthermore, Rob was able to file a motion and get the judge to dismiss my probation obligations once I finished the mandatory classes. It was the best possible result for me. I also need to mention that Karen, the front end of the firm, is spectacular and plays an important part in the firm's success and client experience. She responds to communications promptly and keeps you informed of what's happening as required while Rob and Shyanne stay busy getting the legal work done. Seriously, if you're searching for representation and nervous because you don't know who you can trust and rely on, just stop. I promise you these reviews you've been reading (just like I did before I contacted the firm) are accurate and you can quickly take some of the weight off of your shoulders by having a meeting at May & McKinney and retaining them for your case.
    - D.T.
  • "AV Preeminent" by Martindale Hubble
  • Super Lawyers
  • The Best Lawyers In America
  • Best 101 Lawyers in Tennessee by Nashville Business Journal
  • Nashville's Top Lawyers by The Tennessean
  • Nashville Bar Association
  • Nashville Bar Foundation
  • Tennessee Bar Association

Get In Touch Today

Schedule Your Free Strategy Session
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter your county.
  • Please enter your response.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Why Choose May McKinney?

A Firm Committed to You, Your Case & Your Future
  • Nearly 80 Years of Combined Experience
    Our accomplished attorneys bring almost eight decades of combined criminal defense experience.
  • Educated In Our Field
    Our team believes in ongoing training in the criminal defense field. Our attorneys are educated in the latest forensic science technology and Attorney Riddle is Trauma Certified.
  • A Team Approach
    Our attorneys work each case as a unit, which is extremely beneficial to our clients. No matter the case size, it's integral to get the experience and knowledge of a team.
  • An Aggressive Defense
    When you choose May McKinney, you are choosing a team that will fight tooth and nail for your rights, your freedom, and your future.