Attorney Phil Spitalny

Associate Attorney

Phil Spitalny is a Chattanooga criminal defense attorney at Best And Brock who focuses his practice on criminal defense in Tennessee and Georgia. Born and raised in Chattanooga, Phil has built his career representing people accused of crimes and helping clients and their families understand each stage of the criminal process.

Before joining Best And Brock in 2023, Phil spent years working in public defense, where he gained courtroom and litigation experience handling matters involving allegations of violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI, drug charges, property crimes, and other criminal offenses.

Education and Early Legal Experience

Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Colorado. He later attended the University of Georgia School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2013 and graduated cum laude.

After law school, Phil interned for a federal magistrate judge at the United States Courthouse in Chattanooga. During that time, he gained firsthand exposure to federal court proceedings and developed a strong interest in criminal defense.

Public Defender Experience

Phil began representing clients in 2014 at the Whitfield County Public Defender’s Office. His work included defending people accused of violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI and drug charges, and property crimes.

In 2019, Phil was promoted to Senior Attorney in the Catoosa County Public Defender’s Office. In that role, he continued representing accused individuals and building experience handling criminal matters at different stages of the court process.

Phil joined Best And Brock in 2023 and now focuses his practice on criminal defense in both Tennessee and Georgia.

Criminal Defense in Tennessee and Georgia

Phil’s practice includes DUI defense, drug cases, allegations of assault and other violent offenses, sex-crime accusations, theft and property offenses, probation-related matters, and other criminal charges.

His work includes reviewing the evidence, identifying legal and factual issues, explaining the court process, and helping clients understand the options available in their particular case. Depending on the circumstances, that can include examining police reports, video evidence, witness accounts, laboratory records, search-and-seizure issues, and statements made during an investigation.

DUI Training

Phil is NHTSA certified in DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. That training provides additional background for reviewing DUI investigations involving traffic stops, officer observations, field sobriety exercises, and related evidence.

His experience as a former public defender also gives him a practical understanding of how criminal cases move through the court system and the importance of preparing each case based on its specific facts and evidence.

A Steady Approach to Criminal Defense

Being accused of a crime can create uncertainty for a client and the client’s family. Phil works to explain the process clearly, prepare clients for court, and help them understand the decisions that may arise as a case progresses.

Phil has developed a reputation for remaining composed in difficult situations and staying focused on the facts of the case. His role is to examine the prosecution’s evidence, protect the client’s rights, and pursue the strongest lawful defense available under the circumstances.

People seeking help with a criminal accusation in Tennessee or Georgia can contact Best And Brock to discuss the situation and learn about the next steps.

Education, Admissions, and Memberships

• B.A. in Political Science, University of Colorado
• Juris Doctor, cum laude, University of Georgia School of Law, 2013
• Admitted to the Georgia Bar, 2013
• Licensed in Tennessee, 2022
• Admitted to practice before the Tennessee Supreme Court
• Admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2018
• Member, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• NHTSA Certified in DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing