2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 18
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Knoxville DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Why choose this provider?
Based in Knoxville, the Ooten Law Firm helps defendants overcome various legal situations involving criminal activity and vehicle accident cases. Its practice areas include family law, personal injury, DUI, traffic violations, and Social Security disability. Its legal team also handles drug crimes, gun possession, and parole violation. The firm uses a client-focused approach in protecting the freedom and rights of its defendants through vigorous representation and strategic defenses to reduce fines and eliminate jail time.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Matthew Ooten - Owner | Active | 12 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (3)
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 1998 and located in Gatlinburg, the Myrick Law Firm serves the Knoxville, Tennessee, area, defending clients charged with DUIs. The firm seeks to mitigate against negative outcomes that can include revocation or suspension of driver's licenses, jail time, and fines. The Myrick Law Firm also provides legal assistance with cases involving basic estate planning, public intoxication, contract disputes, general civil litigation and defense, bankruptcy, child custody, and divorce.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Julie Myrick - Principal | Active | 27 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Bullock Law Firm was founded by attorney Adam Bullock in 2016. The firm’s DWI lawyers in Knoxville offer legal services to the residents of East Tennessee, including Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Bullock Law Firm defends the rights of clients charged with driving under the influence and boating under the influence. The firm also represents clients in probate and trust administration, family and business law, estate planning, and Social Security disability.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Adam Bullock - Founder | Active | 11 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Wykoff & Sikes PLLC is a DUI law company that has provided legal services to the residents of Knoxville, Tennessee, for over a decade. The firm handles DUI defense, insurance company negotiation, and courtroom representation. Its attorneys seek to mitigate the negative effects of DUI arrests, including jail time and fines. The firm also practices Social Security disability, bankruptcy, child support, and family law. Attorneys Cort Sikes and Wayne Wykoff are admitted to the Tennessee Bar.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Cort Sikes - Partner | Active | 20 yrs |
Wayne Wykoff - Partner | Active | 32 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Baker Law Firm provides driving under the influence legal representation services to clients in the greater Knoxville, Tennessee, community. The one-attorney firm attempts to help clients receive reduced sentences and fines by determining if the DUI arresting officer's stop and arrest was lawful, and if client breathalyzer and field sobriety tests were administered properly. Sole proprietor Lance K. Baker is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also takes personal injury and civil rights cases.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Lance Baker - Principal | Active | 11 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Sexton Law Firm handles criminal defense matters in the Knoxville metro and surrounding areas. It assists individuals who are arrested for DUI charges that may lead to jail sentences, fines, and loss of driving privileges. Its professionals, led by founder David Sexton, guide clients in navigating the legal process and develop customized solutions tailored to each client's situation. Sexton has been practicing law for more than 25 years and also handles disability and family law cases.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
The Haines Firm is a Knoxville-based firm that offers legal counsel and defense for individuals charged with DUI. Its attorney, John Haines, questions each step of the process so that the arresting officer follows the constitution and the procedures involved with the administration of any tests. He also represents petitioners of protection orders. In addition, he deals with other legal areas, such as family law, divorce, personal injury, probate and wills, and civil claims and appeals.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
John Haines - Principal | Active | 7 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Jeffrey Coller is a criminal defense attorney that serves individuals in Knoxville. He represents individuals charged with DUI violations for the first, second, or multiple times. Coller strives to help them minimize their charges and provide representation during driver's license reinstatement. In one of his cases, he incorporated his negotiation skills to dismiss the DUI charges of a client who was allegedly taking drugs. Coller also handles cases involving domestic violence, traffic violation, federal crimes, and juvenile charges.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Jeffrey Coller - Principal | Active | 13 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Stone Law Firm, PLLC, serves individuals facing DUI charges in Knoxville. The firm handles criminal, personal injury, and real estate matters, including DUIs, juvenile delinquency, slips and falls, and boundary disputes. Its attorney represents defendants of misdemeanor, multiple-offense, underage, and commercial DUI cases. The firm also helps those who have already been convicted of DUI file for an appeal of their case ruling. Sole practitioner Wesley Stone has 20 years of experience advocating for clients in both federal and state courts.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Wesley Stone - Principal | Active | 25 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (16)
Why choose this provider?
The Evans Law Firm advocates for the individual rights of residents in Knoxville. It represents drivers charged with DUI/DWI offenses, ranging from misdemeanors and felonies to underage drinking, that could result in license loss or jail time. Nate Evans and his team guide clients in navigating the justice system from case assessment to hearings and litigation preparation. Evans was admitted to the bar in 2011 and serves as a board member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Why choose this provider?
Eldridge & Blakney, PC, Attorneys at Law, is a legal office serving clients in Knoxville. It handles various criminal cases, such as DUI or DWI offenses. The firm protects the rights of accused individuals whose lives have been adversely affected by arrests, false accusations, or unwelcome police actions. It investigates the incident and helps build a strong case that will support the defense. David Eldridge, the firm's managing partner, has been certified as a criminal trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
David Eldridge - Managing Partner | Active | 38 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Randall E Ragen Attorney at Law provides legal services to clients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and its surrounding communities. The firm offers a variety of services and has over 40 years of experience providing them. Some services offered relate to criminal defense and DUI offenses. The knowledgeable DUI attorneys in Knoxville are fully equipped to handle both federal and misdemeanor DUI cases, as well as other alcohol and drug-related charges. Other services include appeals and personal injury claims.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Randall Reagan - Principal | Active | 47 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
For over a decade, The Oberman & Rice Law Firm — a trusted group of skilled DUI lawyers in Knoxville, Tennessee — has been serving clients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The firm focuses on the defense of those charged with driving under the influence and related crimes, including underage DWI, boating under the influence, and underage consumption. Founding attorney Steve Oberman has over 30 years of experience practicing law and has represented over two thousand clients charged with DUI.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Arrin Zadeh - Partner | Active | 18 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Hagood Moody Hodge PLC provides legal counsel to communities around Knoxville and the nearby areas of Union, Blount, and Claiborne. It represents individuals in DUI cases, and also assists with other traffic violations and charges like underage consumption and simple drug possession. The firm's advocates come from diverse backgrounds and are trained in various legal disciplines. It is currently led by Jeffrey Hagood, a negotiator, and Todd Moody, an injury litigator. Bradley Hodge, who has a background in federal courts, joined the company in 2015.
- DWI
Why choose this provider?
The Bosch Law Firm has been serving Knoxville for over 25 years, offering legal guidance and representation for DUI charges. It assists its clients by investigating all facts and circ*mstances surrounding the case in order to present convincing evidence and defense in court. The firm also handles other cases such as domestic violence and federal crimes like identity theft, investment scams, and money laundering. Donald A. Bosch, the founder, has been practicing for over 30 years.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Donald Bosch - Founding Partner | Active | 37 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 2001, the Law Office of Paul Hensley defends the rights of people accused of driving under the influence throughout the Knoxville, Tennessee, area and beyond. The business deploys its experienced legal professionals to assist with DMV hearings and various types of DWI penalties, such as court appearances, license suspensions, and record expungements. Clients can count on the firm to handle commercial driver DUI cases, misdemeanors, DUIs involving catastrophic injuries and felonies, and child endangerment charges.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Paul Hensley - Principal | Active | 32 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
Kristie L. Haack, Esq. is a law firm that serves individuals and families in Knoxville and neighboring areas. It provides clients with legal representation in various matters, including those involving DUI, public intoxication, drunk and disorderly conduct, and underage consumption. It also handles cases relating to family law, estate planning, expungements, and civil matters. Kristie L. Haack, the owner and founder of the firm, has been practicing law in the state of New York since 2005 until she moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2014.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
The Bell Law Firm provides legal defense and representation to Knoxville residents with criminal cases, which involve DUI offenses, gun charges, and robbery. It provides assistance to DUI defendants by conducting thorough case investigations to ensure that no procedural errors were committed during the administration of breathalyzer tests or field sobriety tests. It also helps clients in lessening their penalties, which range from mandatory jail time to driver's license revocation. Founding attorney, Justin Bell, has previously represented underserved clients as a young lawyer.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Justin Bell - Principal | Active | 11 yrs |
Compare our Top DUI Lawyers
Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Ooten Law Firm | 1341 Branton Boulevard Suite 105, Knoxville, TN37922 | View More | ||
The Myrick Law Firm | PO Box 768 962 Parkway Ste C, Gatlinburg, TN37738 | View More | ||
Bullock Law Firm, PLLC | 124 Independence Lane, LaFollette, TN37766 | View More | ||
Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC | 135 Fox Road Suite B, Knoxville, TN37922 | View More | ||
The Baker Law Firm | 550 W Main St Ste 600, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
The Sexton Law Firm | 9145 Cross Park Drive, Knoxville, TN37922 | View More | ||
The Haines Firm | 109 S Northshore Dr Ste-401, Knoxville, TN37919 | View More | ||
Jeffrey Coller | 800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2000, Knoxville, TN37929 | View More | ||
Stone Law Firm PLLC | 100 W Summit Hill Dr SW, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
The Evans Law Firm | 625 Market Street Suite 404, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
Eldridge & Blakney, PC Attorneys at Law | 400 W Church Ave, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
Randall E. Reagan Attorney At Law | 100 W. Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
The Oberman & Rice Law Firm | 550 Main St. Suite 730, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
Hagood Moody Hodge PLC | 900 South Gay Street Suite 2100, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
The Bosch Law Firm | 712 S Gay Street, Knoxville, TN37902 | View More | ||
The Law Office of Paul Hensley | 800 S Gay St Ste 1810, Knoxville, TN37929 | View More | ||
Kristie L. Haack, Esq. | 1308 Wilson Road Suite 102, Knoxville, TN37912 | View More | ||
The Bell Law Firm | 9111 Cross Park Dr Suite D-200, Knoxville, TN37923 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Knoxville, Tennessee?
Call 865-215-4010 to reach the Knoxville Police Department fornon-emergency concerns.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Knoxville, Tennessee?
The Knoxville Police Headquarters' Records Office at 800 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915, will provide incident reports to applicants who provide their white case Information card. The document can also be requested by mail.
What happens duringa KnoxvilleDUI checkpoint?
During a Knoxville DUI checkpoint, you must show the officer your driver's license, registration, and insurance information. The enforcer may also question you, but you are free to remain silent. The police will require you to submit to field or chemical sobriety testing if there is probable cause to suspect intoxication and conduct an arrest. You may refuse to take the tests; however, if you refuse a chemical sobriety test, your license will be suspended automatically.
Is there such a thing as a DUI for cyclists in Knoxville?
You cannot get a DUI while cycling in Knoxville because the DUI statute only applies to those who operate motor-driven vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, golf carts, and electronic foot scooters. Although DUI charges are unlikely to result from an intoxicated cycling incident, other crimes such as reckless endangerment and public intoxication can be brought against you.
Can a vehicle passenger face criminal charges in a DUI incident in Knoxville?
A vehicle passenger in Knoxville may face DUI by Consent charges if they allow an intoxicated person to operate the vehicle. In some cases, police arrest passengers because it is unclear who was driving and both the passenger and the driver are intoxicated. The penalties for this offense are similar to those for a standard DUI, with penalties increasing with each subsequent violation.
What standardized field sobriety tests are performed by a driver suspected of DUI in Knoxville?
Knoxville authorities conductthree field sobriety tests to establish reasonable suspicion of DUI:
- One-leg stand test is a procedure where the suspected drunk driver is asked to balance on one leg until instructed otherwise.
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, where the policeman waves an item in front of the motorist to assess for an involuntary eye movement indicative of intoxication.
- Walk-and-turn test, during which thesuspect must walk a certain distance in a straight line before returning around.
Can you be arrested for a DUI for operating a vehicle after taking prescribed drugs in Knoxville?
Whether or not the driver has a prescription for the medication, a high drug concentration in a DUI screening test will result in arrest. According to Tennessee Code 55-10-401, any intoxicant or drug combination that has stimulant, hypnotic, or somnifacient effects on the central nervous system is illegal because it impairs the driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
What does a DUI charge involve?
DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.
How do I choose a DUI attorney?
Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:
- Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
- Ask for referrals from family and friends
- Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
- Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
- Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
- Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
What happens when you get a DUI?
Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.
Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.
Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?
While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.
How much does a DUI cost?
DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.
When does a DUI become a felony?
Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:
- It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
- The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
- The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.
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