Meister Seelig & Schuster (MSS) is proud to announce a significant trial victory for Nashville Managing Partner Kim Hodde, who successfully defended her client, the owner of a nationally recognized roofing company, in a closely contested Tennessee criminal case involving allegations of contractor fraud.
The case presented complex constitutional and procedural issues surrounding Tennessee’s contractor fraud statute. The defense team pursued an aggressive litigation strategy that included a constitutional challenge to the statute while simultaneously preparing for trial.
After extensive pretrial litigation, the matter proceeded to a bench trial, where Hodde led the defense team alongside local co-counsel John Pellegrin.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, the court found her client not guilty on all contractor fraud charges, resulting in the dismissal of every count brought under Tennessee’s contractor fraud statute. Overall, the defense prevailed on four of the five counts presented at trial.
Because the contractor fraud charges were rejected by the court, the defense’s pending constitutional challenge to Tennessee’s contractor fraud statute became moot.
“This result reflects the value of thorough preparation, strategic litigation, and a relentless commitment to protecting our clients’ rights,” said Hodde. “We are grateful that the court carefully considered the evidence and rejected the contractor fraud allegations in their entirety.”
The defense intends to appeal the remaining count of conviction.
Nationally recognized for her trial work, Hodde has built a reputation for successfully representing clients in complex, high-stakes criminal matters across the country. Her practice focuses on criminal defense, investigations, crisis management, and trial advocacy.
The case also marks an important milestone for Meister Seelig & Schuster’s recently launched Nashville office, representing the office’s first trial since opening and its first courtroom victory.
“Kim’s success in this case is an extraordinary way to begin the next chapter of our firm’s expansion,” said Mitch Schuster, Administrative Partner of Meister Seelig & Schuster. “This victory not only highlights Kim’s exceptional trial skills, but also validates our decision to establish a presence in Nashville. It demonstrates that our growth strategy is working and reinforces our commitment to bringing the firm’s nationally recognized advocacy to clients throughout Tennessee and the Southeast.”
“This outcome demonstrates the depth of trial experience our Nashville team brings to clients facing serious legal challenges,” said Hodde.
Meister Seelig & Schuster’s Nashville office continues to expand its presence throughout Tennessee and across the Southeast, providing clients with sophisticated representation in criminal defense, investigations, crisis management, and complex litigation matters.