Meet Your Attorney

Attorney Rich Heinsman
Bar Admission

Tennessee State Bar

Admitted: 1993

Rich Heinsman

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.

Education

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

Background Before Law

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.

Beyond the Courtroom

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.

Experience

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.

Honors & Awards

2014 Lawyer of the Year

CriminalAttorney.com

2005 Shining Star Award

Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Professional Service

  • Board Member, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Board Member, Chattanooga Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Board Member, Southeast Tennessee Legal Services

Chattanooga & Hamilton County Experience

With over three decades of criminal defense experience in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Rich has developed comprehensive knowledge of:

  • Hamilton County Criminal Court judges and their courtroom procedures
  • District Attorney's Office prosecution strategies and plea negotiation practices
  • Local law enforcement agencies and their investigation methods
  • State and Federal criminal court procedures
  • Tennessee criminal statutes and case law developments

Defense Philosophy

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.

Ready to Discuss Your 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.