M. Tanner Clagett

White Collar & Criminal Defense Law

Tanner strongly believes that anyone accused of a crime should have someone in their corner. To be accused of a crime, no matter how minor, is a lonely and challenging thing. Tanner has handled cases all across the criminal spectrum, and he cares deeply about helping his clients not only get the best possible outcome, but also about setting them up to succeed in the future.

Tanner’s criminal defense practice includes:

• DUI defense
• Drug possession and distribution
• Domestic violence
• Burglary
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Probation violations

Recent notable outcomes include:

• Obtaining a “not guilty” verdict at jury trial for a client accused of DUI simply for taking lawfully prescribed medications.
• Securing dismissal of an alleged protective order violation at preliminary hearing by demonstrating that the state lacked even probable cause evidence.
• Securing a pretrial diversion (resulting in immediate dismissal) for two clients accused of 2nd Degree Felony robbery.

Civil Rights Law & Litigation

Tanner’s civil rights work covers a wide range of cases, including 1st Amendment infringements, 4th Amendment unlawful search and seizure cases (including wrongful arrest and unlawful use of force), and associated state constitutional claims.

Recent notable outcomes include:

• Securing $175,000 judgment for clients who were wrongfully held at gunpoint by police due to police mistaking the make, model, and color of their allegedly “stolen” vehicle.
• Suing (and later settling out of court) for a client who was harassed and had her parental rights threatened by police due to having “dirty” feet.
• Securing a pre-filing settlement on behalf of clients whose property was unlawfully raided by overzealous city code-enforcement officials.

Business & Commercial Litigation

Tanner also handles various other civil litigation matters, from contract litigation and property issues to defamation.

Recent notable outcomes include:

• Successfully defending his client at bench trial against 11 causes of action alleging, among other things, fraud and breach of contract.
• Obtaining a verdict in favor of a national clothing brand at jury trial where it was accused of breaching the terms of a commercial lease agreement.
• Securing $200,000 judgment (including $100,000 in punitive damages) for client whose image was wrongly published in a mugshot tabloid with the incorrect attribution of a crime he was never charged or convicted of.
• Prevailing at bench trial in case of two adjoining agricultural landowners where the historical property line had become overgrown and come into dispute.
• Prevailing at bench trial when client, as the purchaser of a home under a seller financed purchase contract, was sued for eviction and forfeiture of equity by seller who sought to construe the terms of the agreement in a novel way.
• Obtaining summary judgment in favor of client who purchased residential/agricultural property with the understanding that agricultural water shares were to be included, where seller later contended that the shares were withheld from the sale.