Meet Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
Rodger and Laura Waynick: Nashville criminal defense attorneys who do things differently because they have been where you are
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer means trusting a stranger with one of the most important moments of your life. We know, because we had to do it ourselves. Rodger and Laura Waynick are Nashville criminal defense attorneys, and husband, wife, and best friends, who built Waynick Law around one idea: no one should have to walk into the criminal justice system confused, afraid, and alone.
Laura and Rodger. Walking out of court after kicking butt!
We’ve sat on your side of the table
Years ago, our family was attacked. Rodger defended his own life, and he was the one who ended up arrested and prosecuted for attempted homicide. "Suddenly we had to hire a lawyer, and interviewing lawyers was painfully hard. We didn’t even know what questions to ask. Most of the attorneys we met just wanted to talk about money, and none of them tried to answer the questions we didn’t know we had.
The lawyer we finally hired didn’t fight for us, so Rodger took control of his own defense and cleared his name of every charge. We still remember the fear, the confusion, and the anger." That experience is why Rodger left his career as an engineering consultant to become a criminal defense lawyer. After seeing the need for a female defense attorney to represent women and their unique challenges, Laura left a career in environmental science and partnered with Rodger. "Fighting for people like we wanted someone to fight for us ... that's why we run our firm differently."
How we do things differently
We answer the questions you didn’t know you had
Laura and Rodger. Chemistry Dept., Univ. of Texas at Arlington, Aug. 2026
Most people who call us have never before been arrested. They don’t know what to ask, so we don’t wait for them to ask it. In your first conversation, we’ll walk you through the questions that matter most, such as:
- Will I have to stay in jail, and how does bond work?
- Can I keep going to work while my case is pending?
- What happens to my driver’s license?
- Am I allowed to talk to the other person involved?
- Will this show up on background checks, and can it be expunged?
- What happens at my court date?
The answers depend on your case, and we’ll give you straight ones, even when they aren’t what you hoped to hear.
We explain the whole process before it happens
An arrest starts a process with its own vocabulary: booking, bond / bail, General Sessions, preliminary hearing, grand jury, indictment. We explain each step before you reach it, so nothing in the courtroom catches you off guard. For a head start, read our guide to what to do if you are arrested.
We tell you what to expect, and what to avoid
Some of the most damaging mistakes happen after the arrest: talking about the case on recorded jail calls, posting on social media, contacting the alleged victim, or missing a court date. We make sure you know what to avoid and what’s expected of you at every stage, including where to be, when to be there, and what will happen when you arrive. Here’s how you can help your lawyer fight your case.
Flat fees, explained up front
We charge flat fees, not hourly rates. Before you hire us, we’ll tell you what your representation will cost and exactly what the fee covers, so you never have to watch the clock when you call with a question.
Go Nashville Predators!
Science, not just law
Our attorneys are instructors in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and are trained in forensic blood testing using the same equipment as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab. Rodger brings an engineer’s problem-solving to every case, and Laura brings years of experience as an environmental scientist. When the evidence is a lab report, a blood test, or a field sobriety test, we know how it’s supposed to be done, and how to spot it when it wasn’t. Learn more about our DUI defense.
Every case is prepared for trial
We start every case planning to go to trial. Most cases don’t end in a trial, but preparing as if yours will is how we fight for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, a reduced charge, or an acquittal.
We’re here when you need us
Arrests don’t happen during business hours, so you can contact us 24/7. Your free consultation can happen by phone, by video call, or in person at our Nashville or Dickson office.
What to expect when you contact us
- Call or send us an online contact form 24/7.
- Get a free consultation by phone, video, or in person. We listen to your whole story first.
- Get a plain-English explanation of the charges, the process, your options, and the questions you didn’t know to ask.
- Know the cost up front. We’ll quote a flat fee and explain exactly what it covers before you decide.
- We get to work right away, gathering records, video, and witness information before it disappears.
- We keep you informed and prepare you for every court date.
What to bring to your consultation
If you have them, bring these with you (or have them ready to share on a video call):
- Bond papers and any release conditions
- The warrant, citation, or other charging papers
- Anything that shows your next court date
- Your property receipt from the jail
- Notes you’ve written about what happened (share these only with your lawyer)
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Photos, texts, or messages related to the case
- Your own list of questions
Don’t have all of it? Call anyway. We’ll help you figure out what you need.
Questions to ask any criminal defense lawyer before you hire them
Laura and Rodger. Independence Hall. July 4, 2023
We wish someone had handed us this list. Whether you hire us or another lawyer, ask:
- Is criminal defense all you do?
- Who will handle my case day to day, and who will stand next to me in court?
- How do you charge, and what does the fee include?
- How will you keep me updated, and how quickly do you return calls?
- What training do you have in the evidence in my case, like blood tests or field sobriety tests?
- Have you handled cases like mine in this county?
- What are the possible outcomes, including the worst case?
- What should I do, and not do, while my case is pending?
A good lawyer will welcome these questions. Here’s how we answer a few of them: criminal defense is all we do, we charge flat fees and explain what they cover, our attorneys are trained in the forensic science behind many criminal cases, and we answer calls 24/7.
Meet our attorneys
Rodger and Laura are married, and Waynick Law is a family firm in every sense. We treat every client the way we wanted to be treated when it was our family on the line.
Rodger Waynick, founding attorney
Rodger spent his first career as an engineering consultant, solving complex technical problems. After being wrongly arrested and clearing his own name, he went to law school and founded Waynick Law. He is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, an instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, and trained in forensic science laboratory testing. He travels the country to train alongside defense lawyers from national organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. Rodger defends people facing homicide, assault, DUI, drug, and weapons charges throughout Middle Tennessee.
Laura Waynick, attorney
Laura represents only women. After many years as an environmental scientist, she saw how often women in the criminal justice system were overlooked and not fully heard, and she set out to change that. She graduated from the Trial Lawyers College in 2026, is an instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and is trained in forensic science laboratory testing and procedures. Her science background helps her examine lab reports, evidence collection, and test results with a critical eye.
Meet Laura → | Why Laura defends only women
Frequently asked questions
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Tennessee?
It depends on the charge, the court, and how complex the case is. We charge flat fees rather than hourly rates, and we’ll quote yours during your free consultation, along with exactly what it covers.
When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?
As soon as possible, and ideally before you answer any questions from police. If you’re under investigation but haven’t been charged, call us now. Early help can make a real difference.
Do you handle cases outside Nashville and Dickson?
Yes. We’re Nashville criminal defense attorneys with a second office in Dickson. Our Nashville office serves clients charged in Davidson, Williamson, Cheatham, Sumner, Robertson, and Rutherford counties. Our Dickson office serves Humphreys, Cheatham, Dickson, Montgomery, Stewart, Henry, and other counties west of Nashville. We also handle cases in other state and federal courts throughout Tennessee.
Contact us for a FREE Consultation.
Whether you’ve just been arrested, you’re under investigation, or someone you love is in jail, call us any time for a free consultation by phone, video, or in person.
- Nashville: 95 White Bridge Road | 615-326-4529
- Dickson: 504 E. College Street | 615-375-1677
Fill out our contact form or read what our clients say.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please read our disclaimer.