Ruchee J. Patel

Attorney Ruchee J. Patel is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges. She is a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee and has been recognized for her legal acumen and community involvement.

Patel is joining Donati Law Firm in January 2024, where she will primarily focus her practice on federal and state criminal defense. She handles cases through all stages of litigation, from arraignment through jury trial. Patel is a highly skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who has been practicing law since 2007. She has defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including drug trafficking, firearms violations, crimes of violence, mail fraud, organized crime, RICO, and white-collar crime. Patel is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for her clients. She is committed to providing her clients with the highest quality legal representation and to ensuring that their rights are protected.

Patel has served as a member of the Criminal Justice Act CJA Panel for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee since 2015 (Western Division) and 2017 (Eastern Division). CJA Panel attorneys are highly qualified, private attorneys who must possess strong litigation skills and demonstrate proficiency with the federal sentencing guidelines, federal sentencing procedures, the Bail Reform Act, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the Federal Rules of Evidence, and who must have significant experience representing persons charged with serious criminal offenses and demonstrate a commitment to criminal defense. CJA panel members must provide high quality representation consistent with the best practices of the legal profession and must conform to the highest standards of professional conduct. Attorneys on the CJA Panel are expected to remain current with developments in federal criminal defense law, practice, and procedure. These lawyers play a critical role in protecting a defendant’s constitutional rights, including their right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment.

Patel has been recognized for her legal acumen and community involvement, including inclusion in Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Memphis Bar Association’s Leadership Forum, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Trial College, and YMCA of Memphis & Mid-South Volunteer of the Year. She serves on the boards of the Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and Playhouse on the Square.

Patel is from Bolivar, Tennessee by way of Chicago. She is a graduate of University School of Jackson. She earned her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee School of Business and Juris Doctor of Law from the University of Mississippi School of Law. She is licensed and admitted to practice in all Tennessee state courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, Eastern and Western Divisions.

Patel and her dog PACER have made Memphis their home, and she is an active member of the South Main Memphis Neighborhood Association.

Areas of Practice

• Criminal Defense
• DUI/DWI Defense
• Drug Crimes
• Theft Crimes
• Violent Crimes
• Sex Crimes
• Appeals
• Expungements

Experience

• Ruchee J. Patel - Attorney at Law (2008 - present)
• Criminal Justice Act Panel Attorney, United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee (2015 - present)