District Attorney General Glenn Funk

The District Attorney General for the 20th Judicial District is responsible for the prosecution of all alleged violations of state criminal laws that occur within Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. Both felony and misdemeanor crimes are prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office as well as the criminal acts of juveniles (persons less than eighteen (18) years of age). District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk was sworn in to office on August 28, 2014. He became Davidson County’s 36th District Attorney and only the third since 1966. General Funk was re-elected to another eight-year term in 2022.  Under his leadership, the District Attorney’s Office is focused on prosecuting violent crime in our community and protecting vulnerable victims.

“The District Attorney’s Office is committed to public service, fairness and justice for all. Our focus is on protecting vulnerable victims from violent crimes and to make sure victims have the best lawyer in the courtroom. Our mission is to make Nashville a safe place to raise a family and grow a business.”

–Glenn R. Funk, District Attorney

 

 

District Attorney Funk Announces New Initiative to allow Free Court Access to Witnesses and Victims

The Nashville District Attorney’s Office has now partnered with Nashville’s WeGo Public Transit System to allow victims and witnesses free access to the courts who would otherwise not be able to attend.  WeGo Access will provide free transportation through the rideshare partner zTrip for individuals for whom transportation is a barrier to court proceedings and attending in person in mandatory. 

Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk praised the program, stating:  “Accessibility to our courts is critical to our criminal justice system.  All too often, our elderly or vulnerable adults are unable to make it to court, diminishing the likelihood of a successful prosecution that holds the offenders accountable.  This partnership closes that gap and supports victims by providing the access they need, making our community safer.” 

WeGo CEO Steve Bland echoed those words:  “WeGo Access provides an important service for riders in Davidson County who can’t use our fixed-route buses.  We appreciate the partnership with the Office of the District Attorney to support this part of the criminal justice system.” 

WeGo and zTrip Staff with members of the District Attorney’s Office 

 

 

2025 Day of Appreciation for Caregivers 

The Nashville District Attorney’s Office was proud to take part in the Day of Appreciation for Caregivers, an annual ceremony each April that honors the ‘second responders’ who assist victims after the initial crime or crisis.   Criminal Court Division III Team Leader Megan King spoke on behalf of the Nashville District Attorney’s Office, emphasizing our continued efforts to support victims while also holding offenders accountable.  Along with General King, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell spoke, along with Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake and other dignitaries. Several Victim Witness Coordinators from the Nashville DA’s office were also present and recognized for their work in supporting victims.  

 

 Community Impact

Behavioral Care Center

The much anticipated Behavioral Care Center opened its doors in the fall of 2020, serving as an alternative to jail for mentally ill arrestees. The facility, which began as a dream in 2015, serves 30 men and 30 women in a therapeutic environment, providing short-term treatment, counseling, and follow up services to residents. The goal of the BCC is the decriminalization of mental illness. Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk worked extensively with Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, Metro Police, the Public Defender’s Office, and well-care providers to make the BCC not only a reality, but a state of the art facility now being modeled by other cities across the nation. A designated prosecutor from the District Attorney’s office is assigned to the BCC each morning to assist with assessment on which arrestees qualify to take part in the Behavioral Care Center. Early results from residents has been astounding, with a recidivism rate of a mere 7 percent. The BCC is a big step in true Criminal Justice Reform: Providing proper care and support for those with mental health issues, instead of costly incarceration that ignores the underlying issues that led to their arrest in the first place.

VIOLENT CRIME CONVICTION RATES

Nashville is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, with an average of 100 people a day moving to the Capitol city of Tennessee.  However, with that increased population, crime is a growing concern.  Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk has taken the resources of his office and focused on curbing any potential crime problem by successfully prosecuting violent offenders.  His staff of more than 70 prosecutors and 30 victim witness coordinators work tirelessly to ensure that violent criminals face their consequences and victims are supported throughout the entire judicial process.  The conviction rates of up to 95% for the past 6 years show how those who commit the most serious crimes in our community (murder, robbery, rape, and gun violence) are paying the price for their crimes.  This success shows prosecutorial excellence and helps ensure Nashville remains the safe, vibrant, and desirable city that has become the envy of the nation.

Focusing on Violent Crime

2015 – 2020 Indictments Guilty / Pending Dismissed by Grand Jury or State Found Not Guilty
Murder 95% 4% 1%
Robbery 94% 8% 1%
Rape 87% 13% 0%
Guns 90% 10% 0%

Newschannel 5 Plus interview on fighting crime, while also showing true Criminal Justice Reform and sound financial stewardship through alternatives to mass incarceration for non-violent offenders.

Domestic Violence Awareness

The District Attorney’s Office is committed to assisting victims of domestic violence and enhancing the public’s awareness of an issue that impacts thousands of Nashville families. One of the most powerful method’s of control and coercion in domestic violence cases is strangulation.  Strangulation is an expression of an abuser’s ability and willingness to take their victims’ lives at any time. SIX THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT STRANGULATION.

ELDER ABUSE

One of the fastest growing crimes in Tennessee.  We need YOUR help to stop it!

Adult Protective Services  1-888-APS-TENN or 1-888-277-8366

Elder Abuse also involves scams against vulnerable adults. Our office is dedicated to protecting citizens against these types of crimes.   We appreciate the news media helping spread a message of caution to help keep our citizens safe. 

https://www.wkrn.com/special-reports/metro-das-office-helps-elderly-victims-of-scams/

MNPD Officer-Involved Shootings

TBI File from November 12, 2022 Officer Involved Shooting with Senquarius D. Williams

Pursuant to T.C.A. 38-8-311, The Nashville District Attorney’s Office is releasing the full Tennessee Bureau of Investigation file regarding the November 12, 2022 Officer Involved Shooting of Senquarius D. Williams. After a review of the TBI investigation, Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk has determined that no criminal charges will be filed against any of the law enforcement officers in this incident. The TBI file is included.
Read the TBI Investigative file here.

For more TBI Files regarding officer involved shootings, please visit the TBI Reports page.