1. Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney
Focus Area: Criminal defense with federal court admission and comprehensive East Tennessee coverage
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, federal crimes, college student crimes, traffic violations
Background: There is no question that a criminal conviction can alter the course of the rest of your life. In some cases, the allegation alone is enough to ruin your reputation and your career. Fortunately, help is available. At the Knox County law firm of Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, trusted guidance and skilled representation is provided to clients throughout East Tennessee in all types of criminal proceedings. The firm is highly experienced in criminal law, and has defended clients in a wide variety of cases. Whether you have been arrested for drunk driving, accused of committing assault or domestic violence, or are facing other types of charges, the firm is there to help you build an effective defense strategy. The state of Tennessee is home to some of the harshest drunk driving laws in the nation. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will go to jail, even if it is your first offense. Attorney Jeffrey Coller is admitted to practice in United States District Court for Eastern Tennessee, which means he and his team can assist you when you are facing federal criminal charges.
Location: First Horizon Plaza, 800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2000, Knoxville, TN 37929
Contact: (865) 281-1000 | https://www.knoxvillecriminaldefenselaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. The Bosch Law Firm, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with AV Martindale-Hubbell rating and 25+ years experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Background: At The Bosch Law Firm, P.C., the criminal defense lawyers in Knoxville are committed to the highest level of representation for all clients. The firm has been awarded the highest rating possible by Martindale-Hubbell (AV), identifying them as one of the preeminent firms in the region. With over 25 years of active law practice, they understand the personal peril that civil and criminal litigation places on clients and their families. This experience drives the commitment to thoughtful, extensive, and creative approaches in resolving all issues on behalf of clients. In the face of today’s culture of aggressive legal actions by law enforcement officials, prosecutors, other individuals, and businesses, The Bosch Law Firm, P.C. takes pride in continually striving to obtain remarkable results on behalf of clients. The firm uses cutting edge approaches in resolving legal issues and works with national and local experts as each case dictates. They also work exclusively with experienced investigators in specialized fields.
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Contact: (865) 225-6466 | https://www.boschlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Knox Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 75+ years combined experience and recognition in Best Lawyers in America
Practice Areas: DUI, homicide, sex offenses, drug crimes, assault, white collar crimes, weapons charges, felonies, misdemeanors, criminal appeals
Background: Knox Defense is the premier criminal defense law firm in East Tennessee. They bring together the individual talents of four prominent lawyers with decades of senior-level experience defending the rights of people accused of crimes in both state and federal courts. From conveniently located offices in the heart of downtown Knoxville, they serve clients from all walks of life all across East Tennessee. Their defense and appellate representations have been the subject matter of local, state, and national news, and through investigative reporting on television, in print, and on the web. The collective strengths of the attorneys include diverse backgrounds from outstanding academic institutions, and recognition through peer review at entities like Martindale Hubbell, Best Lawyers in America, and Tennessee Super Lawyers. Jeffrey Whitt, Jonathan Cooper, Joshua Hedrick, and Cullen Wojcik comprise Knoxville’s most succinct criminal defense services available. With more than three quarters of a century of combined experience, these lawyers provide comprehensive criminal defense services.
Location: Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee
Contact: (865) 269-9226 | https://knoxdefense.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. The Baker Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with award recognition and offices in Knoxville and Nashville
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, murder, assault, theft, white collar crimes, federal crimes, civil rights violations
Background: Whether you need to determine defense strategies in a criminal case, recover assets that have been seized by law enforcement, address violations of your rights, or recover compensation for a personal injury, you need an attorney who will work closely with you to address your needs. At The Baker Law Firm, they understand the difficulties you are facing, and are ready to help you resolve any legal concerns that you may encounter. From the beginning to the end of your case, they will make sure you understand what steps you can take to protect your rights and achieve your goals. Lance Baker is a highly respected attorney who has achieved recognition in Tennessee and throughout the United States. He has received numerous honors and awards recognizing his achievements. The firm serves clients throughout East and Middle Tennessee, including Knox County, Anderson County, Blount County, and many other counties. Criminal charges can turn your life upside down, and you will need to understand what steps you can take to protect your rights and defend against a conviction.
Location: First Horizon Plaza, 800 S. Gay Street, Suite 1950, Knoxville, TN 37929 (also Nashville office)
Contact: (865) 200-4117 | https://www.lbakerlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Law Office of Joseph A. Fanduzz
Focus Area: Criminal defense with National Criminal Defense College training and CASA board service
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, white collar crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: At the Law Office of Joseph A. Fanduzz, the firm is devoted to providing aggressive representation and strong defense for the criminally accused. They serve a wide-range of criminal cases, including DUI, drug crimes, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and more. The Knoxville criminal defense attorney is an elite trial lawyer who has proven his ability to take on even the most complex cases. They recognize how stressful it is to not know what the future holds but, in retaining representation, you do not have to face the Tennessee criminal justice system alone. Every case is different, and they ensure each client is provided with the individualized attention they need to receive the customized defense they deserve. Focused on building strong attorney-client relationships, they ensure clients have 24/7 access to the legal team. Joseph Fanduzz is a native East Tennessean who represents clients across the state. Throughout his career, Attorney Fanduzz has fought countless cases in Federal Court, Criminal Court, and General Session Court in which he has been able to obtain favorable results on behalf of his clients. Because the attorney attended and graduated from the National Criminal Defense College, he is in an elite group of trial lawyers.
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Contact: Available through website | https://www.knoxvillecriminalattorney.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation; 24/7 access to legal team
Criminal Defense Laws in Tennessee
Felony Classifications
Tennessee classifies felonies into five classes:
Class A Felony: Includes first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated rape. Penalty is 15-60 years imprisonment.
Class B Felony: Includes second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, and especially aggravated burglary. Penalty is 8-30 years imprisonment.
Class C Felony: Includes aggravated assault, theft over $60,000, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 3-15 years imprisonment.
Class D Felony: Includes theft $10,000-$60,000, aggravated criminal trespass, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 2-12 years imprisonment.
Class E Felony: Includes theft $2,500-$10,000, forgery, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 1-6 years imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes DUI (first and second offense), assault, and theft under $1,000. Maximum 11 months 29 days in jail and $2,500 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes reckless driving and harassment. Maximum 6 months in jail and $500 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Maximum 30 days in jail and $50 fine.
Expungement
Tennessee allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligible Records: Dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain first-time misdemeanor and felony convictions.
Eligible Convictions: Certain non-violent offenses, with waiting periods of 5 years for most eligible offenses.
Not Eligible: DUI, domestic violence, sex offenses, and certain violent offenses.
Effect: Record is removed from public access.
DUI Laws
Tennessee DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries mandatory 48 hours jail (7 days if BAC .20% or higher), $350-$1,500 fine, 1-year license revocation, and alcohol education program. Second offense carries mandatory 45 days jail, $600-$3,500 fine, 2-year license revocation, and possible vehicle seizure. Third offense carries mandatory 120 days jail, $1,100-$10,000 fine, 3-6 year license revocation, and vehicle seizure. Fourth offense is a Class E felony with mandatory 150 days jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Knoxville?
Criminal cases in Knoxville are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Knox County General Sessions Court handles preliminary hearings and misdemeanors. Knox County Criminal Court handles felony trials. The Sixth Judicial District serves Knox County. Knoxville City Court handles municipal violations. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, located in Knoxville. Having a Knoxville criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors in Knox County provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Tennessee?
Tennessee has strict drug laws. Simple possession of a controlled substance (including marijuana) is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 11 months 29 days jail and $2,500 fine for a first offense. Second offense is a Class E felony with 1-6 years prison. Third or subsequent offense is a Class D felony with 2-12 years prison. Possession with intent to sell carries enhanced penalties based on the substance and quantity. Tennessee does not have recreational marijuana legalization. Medical cannabis oil is permitted for very limited conditions. A Knoxville criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for drug court or diversion programs.
What is Tennessee’s Judicial Diversion program?
Tennessee’s Judicial Diversion (T.C.A. 40-35-313) is a program for eligible first-time offenders. The defendant pleads guilty, and the court defers further proceedings. Upon successful completion of probation, the case is dismissed and the defendant has no conviction on their record. Eligibility requires: no prior felony convictions, not a Class A or B felony, and the court finds the defendant is a suitable candidate. Not eligible are DUI offenses, sex offenses, and certain domestic violence offenses. A Knoxville criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and advocate for diversion.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Knox County?
A DUI charge in Knox County carries serious consequences. Tennessee has mandatory minimum jail sentences for all DUI convictions. First offense carries mandatory 48 hours jail (7 days if BAC .20% or higher), $350-$1,500 fine, 1-year license revocation, and alcohol education program. A restricted license may be available after a period of revocation. Second offense within 10 years carries mandatory 45 days jail, $600-$3,500 fine, 2-year license revocation, and possible vehicle seizure. Tennessee has an implied consent law, and refusing a chemical test results in automatic license revocation. A Knoxville criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.
Can I get my Tennessee criminal record expunged?
Tennessee allows expungement of certain criminal records. Eligible records include dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain first-time misdemeanor and felony convictions. Waiting periods apply: typically 5 years after completion of sentence for most eligible offenses. Eligible convictions include certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies listed in the statute. Not eligible are DUI, domestic violence, sex offenses, and certain violent offenses. Filing fees apply (currently $280-$350 depending on offense type). The effect of expungement is that the record is removed from public access but may still be considered for sentencing enhancement. A Knoxville criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.