Criminal Defense Lawyer · Knoxville, TN/Updated June 13, 2026
The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Knoxville, TN
Finding the right criminal defense lawyer in Knoxville can be a daunting task. Here are the top picks to help you make an informed decision.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceT. Scott Jones, Esq
95Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Knoxville-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.
Coping with legal issues can be incredibly stressful, especially when it comes to criminal defense. Having a skilled lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In Knoxville, there are numerous options, but knowing which lawyers stand out is key to your defense.
To determine the best criminal defense lawyers in Knoxville, we evaluated multiple factors, including client reviews, success rates, and overall reputation. Our list reflects the most respected professionals in the field, ensuring you have access to top-tier legal representation.
9criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Knoxville
4.86average rating across the field
1.7Kcustomer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
Each lawyer was assessed based on their Vetted Score, which combines client ratings and the number of reviews received. We only include businesses that meet our stringent criteria, ensuring that no one pays for placement in our rankings. This monthly refresh guarantees that the information remains current and relevant.
By focusing on transparency and thoroughness, we aim to provide you with an accurate representation of the best criminal defense lawyers in Knoxville. Our goal is to empower you with the information needed to make the best choice for your legal needs.
The Vetted Score: six weighted factors
Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%
Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.
With a stellar rating of 5 and 558 reviews, T. Scott Jones, Esq. is highly regarded for his dedication and effective defense strategies. Clients appreciate his personable approach and thorough understanding of criminal law, making him an excellent choice for those facing serious legal challenges. However, his high demand may lead to limited availability for new clients.
Pros
Outstanding client reviews
Personable approach
Extensive experience
Cons
Limited availability for new clients
Potentially higher fees
Best forSerious legal challenges requiring personalized attention
Barnes & Fersten, PLLC boasts a perfect rating of 5 from 362 reviews, reflecting their commitment to client satisfaction. Reviewers highlight their thorough preparation and strong courtroom presence, making them ideal for various criminal defense cases. One downside is their focus on a high volume of cases, which may affect individualized attention.
Pros
Highly rated by clients
Strong courtroom presence
Thorough preparation
Cons
High volume of cases
Potential for less individualized attention
Best forClients seeking strong courtroom representation
With a rating of 4.9 from 238 reviews, the Law Office of Joseph A. Fanduzz is praised for its attentive service and effective defense strategies. Clients appreciate the lawyer's ability to simplify complex legal matters, making it easier to understand their options. However, the relatively smaller number of reviews may suggest a less established presence compared to others.
The Law Offices Of James A.H. Bell, P.C. holds a rating of 4.9 from 144 reviews, with clients noting the firm's comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and commitment to their cases. They are particularly noted for their strong negotiation skills. However, the limited number of reviews might indicate a less extensive client history.
Pros
Comprehensive legal knowledge
Strong negotiation skills
Dedicated service
Cons
Limited review history
Potentially less visibility
Best forClients needing strong negotiation in their cases
Burks & Ogle has earned a rating of 4.9 from 121 reviews, with clients praising their thorough case preparation and approachable demeanor. They are well-regarded for their ability to handle a variety of criminal cases. However, their smaller review base may leave some potential clients wanting more evidence of their success.
Pros
Thorough case preparation
Approachable demeanor
Versatile in handling cases
Cons
Smaller review base
Less established reputation
Best forClients looking for a friendly yet professional approach
Jeffrey Coller is rated 4.9 based on 119 reviews, with clients highlighting his insightful legal advice and calm demeanor. He is known for his strategic approach to criminal defense. However, the limited number of reviews may not fully reflect his capabilities. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients seeking a calm and strategic defender. It serves Knoxville and surrounding areas, with $100 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review history and less visibility in the market.
Pros
Insightful legal advice
Calm and composed demeanor
Strategic defense planning
Cons
Limited review history
Less visibility in the market
Best forClients seeking a calm and strategic defender
The Baker Law Firm has a rating of 4.7 from 91 reviews, praised for their thorough and effective representation. Clients appreciate their responsiveness and commitment to achieving positive outcomes. However, the smaller number of reviews may raise concerns about their client base. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients who value clear communication and thorough representation. It serves Knoxville and surrounding areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and less established presence.
Pros
Responsive and communicative
Thorough representation
Commitment to positive outcomes
Cons
Smaller review base
Less established presence
Best forClients who value clear communication and thorough representation
Butler Law, LLC holds a perfect rating of 5 from just 10 reviews. Clients commend their focused expertise in DUI and criminal defense cases. While their performance is impressive, the very thin review base may leave potential clients looking for more extensive feedback. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing specialized DUI defense. It serves Knoxville area, with $150 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very thin review base and limited visibility in the market.
The Lanzon Firm has a rating of 4.4 from 72 reviews, recognized for its aggressive defense strategies. Clients appreciate the firm's tenacity in representing their interests. However, with a moderate rating and review count, some may prefer to seek more established options. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing aggressive defense in their cases. It serves Knoxville and surrounding areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are moderate rating and less extensive review history.
Pros
Aggressive defense strategies
Tenacious representation
Focus on client interests
Cons
Moderate rating
Less extensive review history
Best forClients needing aggressive defense in their cases
How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Knoxville
Selecting the right criminal defense lawyer is crucial for navigating your legal challenges. Here are some tips to guide your decision-making process.
Look for experience
Choose a lawyer with extensive experience in criminal defense to ensure they understand the intricacies of the law.
Check client reviews
Read reviews from previous clients to gain insight into the lawyer's effectiveness and communication style.
Consider specialization
Some lawyers specialize in specific areas of criminal law. Find one that aligns with your particular needs.
Evaluate communication
A good lawyer should communicate clearly and be responsive to your questions and concerns throughout the process.
What it costs
What criminal defense lawyers cost in Knoxville
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer can vary widely based on experience, case complexity, and location. Understanding the typical pricing can help you budget effectively.
Initial consultation$100 to $300 for an initial consultation, which can help you assess your case and the lawyer's fit.
Hourly ratesExpect hourly rates to range from $150 to $500, depending on the lawyer's experience and reputation.
Flat feesFor specific cases, some lawyers may offer flat fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
Retainer feesA retainer fee might be required upfront, typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the case.
Frequently asked questions
How much does criminal defense lawyers cost in Knoxville?
Costs can range from $100 to $500 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your case.
What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?
Focus on experience, client reviews, specialization, and communication skills.
How often is this ranking updated?
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
Our verdict
For most Knoxville clients: T. Scott Jones, Esq.
The top three criminal defense lawyers in Knoxville are T. Scott Jones, Esq., Barnes & Fersten, PLLC, and Law Office of Joseph A. Fanduzz. Each offers exceptional service, with T. Scott Jones, Esq. standing out for his comprehensive approach and client satisfaction.