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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Knoxville

Our Recommended Top 12

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

145

Reviewed

91

Curated

12

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
The Ooten Law Firm 9111 Cross Park Drive Knoxville , TN , 37923 Office (865) 259-0999 Fax (865) 259-0998, Knoxville, TN 37923

Why choose this provider?

The Ooten Law Firm provides criminal defense representation services in Knoxville. It defends individuals accused of breaking felony and misdemeanor law, including assault, theft, possession of cannabis, gun possession, and violating probation or parole terms. The firm helps convicted clients regain freedom by appealing convictions in U.S. District Courts. It also assists clients with filing for Social Security Disability. Matt Ooten, a criminal lawyer in Knoxville, is a General Member of the National College for DUI Defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Matthew Ooten - Owner11 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2125 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921

Why choose this provider?

Banks & Jones, Attorneys at Law, is a law firm based in Knoxville with a group of lawyers who have more than 90 years of combined legal experience. The firm handles complex criminal defense cases involving assault, possession of illegal drugs, homicide, reckless driving, theft, and rape. Its lawyers build the best defense for those accused of white-collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. Additionally, Banks & Jones provides legal representation to young people charged with committing juvenile crimes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Terence Jones - Partner33 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (169)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
800 South Gay Street Suite 1650 First Tennessee Plaza Knoxville , TN 37929 - 9706, Knoxville, TN 37929

Why choose this provider?

For over 40 years, the Law Office of Allen E. Schwartz in Knoxville has represented clients facing serious criminal charges. Allen Schwartz is an experienced defense attorney who defends the rights of those charged with drunk driving, drug trafficking, fraud, embezzlement, and assault. The firm represents minors who have been accused of underage drinking, shoplifting, and vandalism. In and out of the courtroom, Mr. Schwartz pursues all legal options to have the criminal charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Allen Schwartz - Principal55 yrs
Allen Schwartz - Principal55 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
100 East Main Street, Sevierville, TN 37862

Why choose this provider?

Ogle, Rowell & Penland PC is a criminal defense attorney firm near Knoxville. The firm represents clients charged or under investigation for felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, and DUIs. The firm was founded in 1980 by W. Henry Ogle. Attorney Nathan Rowell and Attorney Anna Catherine Penland, partners of the firm, are members of the Tennessee Bar Association. Other fields of legal practice provided by the firm including family law and divorce, personal injury, wills and estates, and business litigation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nathan Rowell - Partner29 yrs
Nathan Rowell - Partner29 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
800 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37929

Why choose this provider?

The Bowlin Law Firm provides clients with access to a criminal lawyer in Knoxville. Its areas of practice include assault, DUI, and drug crimes. The firm also takes on cases involving internet crimes and fraud. Additionally, it advocates on behalf of clients facing charges of theft, murder, weapon offenses, and white collar crimes. Additional areas of focus include juvenile crimes and judicial diversion and expungement. It has experience with federal crimes and probation violations as well.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Troy Bowlin - Principal and Founding Attorney17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.1 / 5 (16)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (8)
Justia
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
10 Emory Place, Knoxville, TN 37917

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of James A.H. Bell PC is dedicated to representing the best interests of its clients. The criminal law firm's attorneys handle a diverse range of misdemeanor and felony cases, including DUIs, sex offenses, white collar crimes, drug charges, and violent felonies. They work with the team to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding each case. The firm examines arrest reports, conducts interviews, analyzes date, and reconstructs scenes to provide its clients with the most effective strategies.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Bell - Principal50 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.1
Google
5.0 / 5 (57)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (22)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1111 North Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919

Why choose this provider?

Jedidiah C. McKeehan, Esq. has represented the best interests of his clients for more than 14 years. The criminal law attorney in Knoxville helps individuals navigate the complex legal system when they've been charged with misdemeanors, such as minor drug charges and DUIs as well as violent felonies. Mr. McKeehan thoroughly investigates all aspects of each case in order to develop the most effective strategy. The firm's other practice areas include personal injury and divorce law as well as mediation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jedidiah Mckeehan - Principal17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.8 / 5 (157)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)
Yelp
2.5 / 5 (3)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
109 S Northshore Dr #310, Knoxville, TN 37919

Why choose this provider?

Barnes Law Firm represents clients throughout the Knoxville metro and the surrounding areas. It defends the rights of individuals facing criminal offenses to help them reduce legal consequences or obtain dismissals of the charges. It handles cases involving drug possessions, violent crimes, juvenile delinquency, shoplifting, and identity theft. The firm also represents clients charged with federal crimes and DUI cases. Barnes Law Firm extends its legal practice to the Roane, Sevier, Anderson, and Blount counties. John Barnes, one of the attorneys, has been named to the Top 40 Under 40 - National Trial Lawyers.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (73)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
422 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Why choose this provider?

Robert R. Kurtz, Attorney at Law has defended the rights of those charged with criminal offenses in Knoxville for more than 14 years. Mr. Kurtz represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony convictions for crimes ranging from DUIs and drug violations to carjackings and other violent felonies. He has successfully tried cases at the state and federal levels. Robert R. Kurtz is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association and holds a BV Distinguished peer-review rating with Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Robert Kurtz - Principal24 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (31)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
800 S Gay St 1810, Knoxville, TN 37929

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Paul Hensley has represented the best interests of its clients for more than 20 years. The Knoxville criminal defense attorney thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding each case. Mr. Hensley develops the best possible strategies for the reduction or dismissal of charges. He's successfully advocated for clients in cases involving DUIs, underage alcohol consumption, public intoxication, drug possession, theft, and assault. The Law Office of Paul Hensley's other practice areas include personal injury law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Paul Hensley - Principal31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (16)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1710 Oak Ridge Highway, Clinton, TN 37716

Why choose this provider?

Biloski & Miller advocates for clients in criminal cases, including those involving driving on suspended or revoked license, drug trafficking, vehicular homicide, juvenile crimes, and probation violations. It also assists with orders of protection and expungements. Its other practice areas include family law, estate planning, and civil law, including personal injury. Lauren Biloski is a criminal defense attorney near Knoxville and is a member of Knox County and Tennessee Bar Associations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Lauren Biloski - Partner18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (89)
Google
4.4 / 5 (34)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (34)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
618 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Why choose this provider?

The Isaacs Law Firm has provided criminal law defense in Knoxville and throughout the southeast for more than 28 years. The firm's attorneys handle a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases, including DUIs and other driving offenses, sex crimes, theft and burglary, and homicide. The team conducts a thorough investigation into each case, providing the necessary evidence to develop an effective strategy. The Issacs Law Firm has successfully tried cases at the state and federal levels.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gregory Isaacs - Founding and Managing Partner36 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (62)
Avvo
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Knoxville, Tennessee?

    The local police station in Knoxville can be reached at 865-215-4010 for non-emergency cases.

  • Should you call a lawyer or a family member after an arrest in Knoxville?

    If you are arrested in Knoxville, it is generally recommended to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If you cannot call a criminal defense lawyer directly, you may contact a family member or friend who can help you find and hire a criminal defense attorney on your behalf. A lawyer can analyze the evidence, conduct their investigation, and negotiate with the prosecutor in an attempt to reach a favorable outcome.

  • Do you still need a lawyer if you are under investigation in Knoxville but have not been arrested?

    If you are under investigation in Knoxville but have not been arrested, it is still advisable to consult with a criminal defense lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you are not unfairly or unjustly incriminated. A well-crafted defense strategy can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, potentially leading to a reduction or dismissal of charges or even an acquittal.

  • Can a person be indicted in Knoxville if the case was already dismissed at the lower court?

    In Knoxville, a person can be indicted even if their case was previously dismissed in a lower court. Double jeopardy, which prohibits trying an individual twice for the same crime, only applies after a final judgment of acquittal by a court with the authority to determine guilt. A lower court dismissal does not trigger double jeopardy. However, if the grand jury refuses to indict, the individual cannot be tried again for the same offense.

  • Is automatic probation granted for a first offense in Knoxville?

    Automatic probation is not guaranteed for a first offense in Knoxville. The availability of probation is contingent upon various factors, including the type and severity of the crime committed. Certain offenses, such as aggravated robbery, may not qualify for probation, regardless of whether it is the individual's first or subsequent offense. To better understand the specific laws and sentencing guidelines relevant to your case, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a criminal defense attorney.

  • How long does a Knoxville conviction remain on a criminal record?

    In Knoxville, the length of time a conviction remains on a criminal record depends on various factors, including the type of offense and the specific laws in place. Once an Order to Expunge in Knoxville has been filed, the process can take anywhere from two to six months to complete. Most convictions will remain on an individual's criminal record indefinitely unless they are expunged or sealed.