
Tennessee State Bar
Admitted: 1993
Criminal Defense Attorney
Rich Heinsman has dedicated 33 years to defending individuals facing criminal charges in Tennessee. Beginning his legal career in 1993 with a small plaintiff's law firm. He eventually opened his own practice before being invited to join the Public Defender's office where he served until January 1998. From 1998 until 2005, Rich handled mostly appointed Death Penalty cases, gaining invaluable experience in the most serious and complex criminal matters. Since 2005, he has maintained a general criminal practice in both State and Federal Court, successfully defending clients across the full spectrum of criminal charges.
Rich's commitment to the criminal defense bar extends beyond his casework. He has served on the board of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Chattanooga Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and on the Board of Southeast Tennessee Legal Services, demonstrating his dedication to improving criminal justice and access to legal representation.
New York University (NYU)
Law
Harvard University
Political Science - Summer School
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK)
Public Administration
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga (UTC)
Engineering
Southern Adventist University
Mathematics
La Sierra University
General Studies
Collegedale Academy
High School
Prior to attending law school at New York University, Rich gained valuable real-world experience working in construction, excavation, and demolition alongside his father. This hands-on background instilled a strong work ethic and practical problem-solving skills that continue to benefit his legal practice today.
Rich's diverse professional background includes holding a general contractors license and an insurance license in Tennessee, as well as a sewage contractors license in Georgia.
Rich is a devoted family man, father to 6 children and proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren, including his newest grandchild welcomed in 2025.
When not in the courtroom, Rich runs a hotel and maintains an active lifestyle through biking and playing pickleball with his twin sons. Rich also enjoys expressing his creativity through culinary. Being both Polish and Italian has also added a cultural background behind his cooking. from his famous Kapusta passed from his Polish grandmother, to his delicious ratatoullie.
Heinsman Law Group
Founding Attorney | 1998 - Present
General criminal practice in State and Federal Court, representing clients in all types of criminal cases with dedicated focus on protecting constitutional rights and achieving favorable outcomes.
Death Penalty Cases
Appointed Counsel | 1998 - 2005
Handled appointed Death Penalty cases, providing rigorous defense representation in Tennessee's most serious criminal matters requiring extensive trial preparation and appellate expertise.
Public Defender's Office
Public Defender | 1994 - 1998
Represented indigent defendants in criminal cases, gaining invaluable courtroom experience and deep understanding of the Tennessee criminal justice system.
Private Practice & Plaintiff's Law Firm
1993
Began legal career with a small plaintiff's law firm.
2014 Lawyer of the Year
CriminalAttorney.com
2005 Shining Star Award
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
With over three decades of criminal defense experience in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Rich has developed comprehensive knowledge of:
Client-Centered Approach: Every case is unique, and every client deserves personalized attention. I take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Aggressive Advocacy: The government has vast resources at its disposal. I level the playing field by thoroughly investigating every case, challenging weak evidence, and holding prosecutors to their burden of proof.
Experienced Defense: With 33 years dedicated exclusively to criminal defense, including Death Penalty cases and complex State and Federal matters, I bring proven courtroom experience and deep knowledge of Tennessee criminal law to every case.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll review your charges, explain your options, and discuss how we can help defend your rights.