About Edward Stephen
Edward Stephen Ryan is a criminal defense attorney based in Nashville, Tennessee. He has been licensed to practice law in Tennessee since 1995. Mr. Ryan is a member of the Tennessee State Bar and holds an active license. Mr. Ryan began his career in the criminal justice system as a police officer with the Metro Nashville Police Department, serving for 16 years. During his tenure, he worked in patrol and spent 10 years as a K-9 handler.
He was promoted to sergeant and supervised the legal section of the department, teaching law to police recruits and in-service officers. In 1997, Mr. Ryan transitioned to the Davidson County District Attorney's Office, where he served as the lead prosecutor for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges, including vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. He also collaborated with other prosecutors on legislation and training for DUI prosecution. In 1999, he entered private practice, focusing on criminal defense with an emphasis on DUI defense. He became a partner at May & Ryan, PLC, located at 214 2nd Avenue North, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37201. Mr.
Ryan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Nashville School of Law, earned in 1995. He also obtained an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Tennessee State University. Throughout his career, Mr. Ryan has handled cases in all levels of court, including family law, wills and estates, probate, conservatorships, and civil litigation. He has represented clients in both Circuit and General Sessions Court, defending individuals against a range of charges from shoplifting to murder. He has argued cases before the Court of Criminal Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court. In 2001, Mr.
Ryan served as the first Environmental Court Referee in Davidson County, a position he held until 2006. This role allowed him to apply the law and facts to real-world situations, ensuring fair and just outcomes for all parties involved. Mr. Ryan is a member of the Tennessee State Bar and has received positive peer reviews, with a 5.0 out of 5.0 rating in both legal knowledge and communication. He has been involved in various community and professional activities, including serving as a team leader in the vehicular crimes division at the District Attorney's Office and participating in training programs for DUI prosecution. Mr. Ryan's experience in law enforcement and prosecution, combined with his comprehensive criminal defense practice, makes him a attorney dedicated to serving the Nashville community.
