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Criminal Defense Attorney in Knoxville, TN

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Being charged with a crime can be a difficult and life-changing event with serious consequences for your future. It may lead to the loss of freedom, damage to your reputation, and difficulties finding employment. When you are arrested or become aware of an investigation, you may feel anxious about going to prison, paying large fines, losing your job, and having a criminal record that follows you forever. Whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge, the criminal justice system seems intimidating and overwhelming, designed to prosecute rather than protect. Navigating its complex procedures and rules without legal representation puts you at a significant disadvantage.

At Easter & DeVore, our team of skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyers in Knoxville, Tennessee, can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. We provide aggressive and strategic representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Our legal team is dedicated to serving as your steadfast advocate, protecting your fundamental rights from the start, and relentlessly fighting for the best possible result in your case.

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    Have you been charged with a crime?

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    Understanding the Tennessee Criminal Justice Landscape

    The path of a criminal case in Tennessee, from investigation to potential trial, involves several critical stages where significant legal decisions need to be made. Initially, many people underestimate the seriousness of their situation, especially in minor cases, and might consider pleading guilty to “get it over with”. This is often a big mistake. A guilty plea results in a conviction with all its long-term consequences. Prosecutors and police are focused on securing convictions and are not considering your unique circumstances or future.

    We aim to interrupt this process and force the state to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt at every stage. We begin by building a strong defense from the first consultation, examining not only the alleged act but also the context, motives of the accusers, and conduct of law enforcement.

    • They helped me win my case and were very nice i would highly recommend them!

      Carol


    Read More Testimonials From Our Clients!

    Defending a Wide Range of Criminal Charges

    We represent clients facing a variety of state criminal charges, including but not limited to:

    • DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence)
    • Drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing
    • Domestic violence and assault
    • Theft, burglary, and property crimes
    • Disorderly conduct
    • Public intoxication
    • Stalking

    It is essential to understand that arrest does not necessarily mean conviction. Each case is unique, and we carefully tailor our defense strategy to the specific circumstances and nuances of each situation.

    We conduct a comprehensive investigation, which may include visiting the scene of the alleged incident, interviewing witnesses that the prosecution may have missed, and consulting with experts such as forensic toxicologists, accident reconstruction specialists, or digital media analysts. We thoroughly review the prosecution’s evidence, examining the chain of custody of evidence, the validity of search warrants, and calibration records of testing equipment. We explore all possible legal and factual defenses, from challenging the legality of initial stops or searches to presenting evidence of mistaken identity or an alibi.

    Protecting Your Rights at Every Stage

    From the moment of arrest or investigation, your constitutional rights must be upheld. At Easter & DeVore, we represent clients at every stage of the criminal process, including:

    • Initial arrest and bond hearings
    • Arraignments and pretrial conferences
    • Motion hearings and evidentiary challenges
    • Plea negotiations
    • Trials and sentencing

    DUI and Drug Offenses

    Driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs is a common offense in Tennessee, and it carries severe penalties that can escalate depending on the circumstances. A first-time DUI (driving under the influence) conviction can lead to license suspension, significant fines, mandatory alcohol education courses, ignition interlock device installation requirements, and even jail time.

    Tennessee’s implied consent law adds an additional layer of complexity to these penalties. Drug charges can have even more severe consequences, especially if they involve intent to distribute or occur in proximity to schools or parks, which can trigger enhanced sentencing.

    Our firm thoroughly examines every aspect of your case. We challenge the legality of the traffic stop, questioning whether there was valid probable cause or reasonable suspicion for the arrest. We scrutinize the accuracy and administration of field sobriety tests, which can be subjective and improperly conducted. We question the maintenance, calibration, and operation of breathalyzer and blood testing equipment, often finding procedural errors that make their results inadmissible in court.

    For drug cases, we challenge the validity of searches that led to the discovery of contraband, as well as the accuracy of forensic analysis on the substance. We work tirelessly to eliminate unlawfully obtained evidence, and we negotiate creative alternatives to incarceration when possible, such as Tennessee’s Recovery Court programs or other treatment-focused options that address underlying issues rather than simply applying punishment.

    Learn More About DUI Defense

    Domestic Violence Defense

    Accusations of domestic violence can be extremely challenging, often stemming from highly emotional family or relationship disputes. These accusations carry immediate and serious consequences, including mandatory arrest, emergency protective orders that can remove you from your home and restrict contact with family, and the possibility of losing custody or visitation rights for children.

    We understand the sensitive and high-stakes nature of these cases. We work to protect your rights from the beginning, seeking to modify or dissolve overly broad protective orders in order to allow communication, family stability, and access to essential belongings. We conduct a thorough investigation looking for evidence such as text messages, emails, or testimony that may contradict the original allegations or reveal a motive for falsification.

    Our approach combines a strong and strategic defense with an understanding of complex family dynamics, always seeking solutions that protect your freedom, reputation, and family relationships when possible.

    Misdemeanor Representation

    Misdemeanors are often misunderstood as minor offenses, but this perception is dangerously incorrect. A conviction for a misdemeanor can still result in significant fines, up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, probation, and a criminal record that will appear on employment background checks, professional license applications, and housing applications. Offenses such as disorderly conduct, simple assault, public intoxication, and stalking can haunt a person for years, limiting opportunities long after the case has been resolved.

    We believe that no charge, no matter how small, should go unprotected. For our clients facing misdemeanor charges, we work hard to minimize the long-term effects. This may include negotiating a deferred prosecution agreement, in which the charges are dropped if certain conditions are met, or seeking a judicial diversion that can lead to the eventual removal of the charge from the client’s record. We guide our clients through each step with clarity and confidence, helping them make informed decisions that protect their future.

    • This firm is a life saver. True professionals.

      Jacob

    Contact Easter & DeVore

    If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in the Knoxville, TN area, contact Easter & DeVore for experienced and effective legal defense. We are here to guide you through the legal process and fight to protect your rights, your record, and your future. Schedule a consultation today to get started.

    Common Criminal Defense FAQ

    What types of criminal cases do you handle?

    Our firm defends clients against a wide range of state criminal charges in Knoxville and throughout Tennessee. This includes DUI/DWI, drug offenses (possession, distribution, manufacturing), domestic violence, assault, theft and burglary, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and stalking. We tailor our defense strategy to the specific details of each unique case.

    Why do I need an attorney for a misdemeanor charge?

    Even misdemeanor convictions can have serious, long-lasting consequences, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Having skilled representation is crucial to potentially get charges reduced or dismissed, and to minimize the impact on your future.

    How do you handle DUI/DWI cases?

    We conduct a meticulous review of every aspect of your arrest. This includes challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety and chemical tests, and the handling of evidence. We work to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and often seek alternatives to jail, such as diversion programs, especially for first-time offenses.

    What should I do if I’m accused of domestic violence?

    Domestic violence accusations carry immediate penalties like protective orders. It is critical to contact an attorney immediately and not to contact the accuser. We protect your rights from the start, investigate the allegations thoroughly, and work toward a resolution that may involve challenging insufficient evidence or seeking reduced charges.

    At what stage in my case should I contact a lawyer?

    You should contact an attorney as soon as possible—from the moment you are under investigation, arrested, or charged. Early intervention allows us to protect your rights from the beginning, advise you during questioning, secure your release at bond hearings, and start building your defense strategy immediately.

    Will my case go to trial, or can it be resolved without one?

    While many cases are resolved through skilled negotiation, plea bargaining, or diversion programs, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our approach is to fight for the best possible outcome from the start, whether that is a dismissal, a favorable plea agreement, or an aggressive defense at trial.

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