Knoxville Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

Stephens & DiRado, LLP

Police officer with gun arresting a person with hands cuffed behind back, outdoors.

Stephens & DiRado, LLP: Experienced, Aggressive, and Creative Drug Crime Defense Attorneys in Knox, Loudon and Anderson Counties and throughout all of East Tennessee.

If you are under investigation for drug activity or have been formally charged with a drug related offense, the potential loss of your liberty can be devastating. Many drug convictions leave a person ineligible for probation and carry Draconian sentences and excessive fines. They also carry with them the possibility of a federal prosecution. The lawyers at Stephens & DiRado, LLP have considerable experience handling drug cases in Tennessee. Whether you are charged alone, or a member of a multi-defendant conspiracy, we know how to protect your liberty. If you have been charged with a drug related offense, contact a Knoxville drug attorney at Stephens & DiRado, LLP now.

Arrested for drug possession or distribution? Speak to a Knoxville drug attorney now.

Drug Charges We Defend in East Tennessee

Our experienced team handles the full spectrum of Tennessee drug offenses, including both state and federal charges:

Possession of Controlled Substances

We defend against charges involving fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and prescription drug possession—working to reduce or dismiss charges entirely.

Possession with the Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver


Every sale and delivery case looks different. Sale and delivery cases are incredibly fact specific. Let our lawyers review your situation and design a plan to defend you in court.


Drugs and Firearms

Being charged with felony drug offenses in conjunction with possession of a firearm places you in jeopardy of facing severe potential sentences. Understanding your exposure and how to navigate these cases should be trusted to the experienced drug defense lawyers at Stephens & DiRado. 

Federal Drug Charges

Federal prosecutors are aggressive, but so are we. We understand sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, and how to fight federal drug cases effectively.

Overdose Homicides

In Tennessee and Federal Court, you can be liable for someone’s death if you distribute drugs to a person who died of a drug overdose. It is important to involve the drug defense lawyers at Stephens & DiRado as early as possible to protect your rights. 

Understanding the Tennessee Drug Crime Process

Here's what happens —generally— after a drug arrest:

Arrest & Booking
Every word matters. Contact a lawyer at Stephens & DiRado, LLP to avoid saying something that could hurt your case.

Bond Hearings
We advocate for low or unsecured bonds and work to get you released quickly.

Preliminary Hearings
This hearing is a critical step in challenging drug offenses. It is important to have experienced drug defense lawyers at Stephens & DiRado LLP represent you in Sessions Court to ensure this hearing is handled in a way that protects your rights and ensures that any potential suppression issues are preserved.

Motions to Suppress
We challenge unconstitutional searches, unreliable informants, and improperly obtained evidence.

Negotiation or Trial
Many drug cases are resolved through plea deals, pre-trial diversion, or dismissal. But we’re always ready to take your case to trial if it’s in your best interest.

Appeals
If you've been convicted, our team can review your case to identify errors and fight to secure for you a new trial, reduced sentence, or overturn your conviction. We stand by you through the appellate process to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.

Expungement
Everyone deserves a second chance. We help eligible clients clear their criminal records, remove barriers to employment, and move forward with a clean slate.

Why Choose Stephens & DiRado, LLP for drug Crime Defense?

  • Drug Offenses are a Priority at Stephens & DiRado, LLP.

    We understand the way police operate in these types of cases. The lawyers at Stephens & DiRado LLP, are highly skilled at recognizing potential evidence suppression issues. They know how to assess your potential sentencing exposure to ensure you are completely informed and well prepared to make sound decisions about your future.  Finally, Drug cases involve the implementation of unique litigation strategies. The lawyers at Stephens and DiRado LLP are trained to provide you with the best legal representation in these cases.

  • Trial-Tested Defense Lawyers

    We’ve tried over a hundred jury trials in addition to countless substantive Motions Hearings in Criminal Court and preliminary hearings in Sessions Court. Prosecutors know we’re ready to fight – because we do it every day

  • Team Defense

    The strength of Stephens & DiRado LLP., is their team defense approach to make sure no issue goes unnoticed. We work together as a team on serious cases to ensure you have the best lawyers in your corner.

  • Results That Matter

    From avoiding jail time to complete case dismissals, our results speak for themselves. We aim for outcomes that protect your freedom, family, and future.

→ Don’t wait. Schedule your free drug crime consultation now.

FAQs Drug Charges in Knoxville, TN

  • Will I go to jail for first-time drug possession in Tennessee?

    It depends. Drug cases are very fact driven. With Stephens and Dorado LLP's, team defense we will make sure that every issue is fully investigated in an effort to obtain an outright dismissal. If that's not possible however, diversion and probation programs are sometimes available for first-time offenders.

  • Can police search my car or home without a warrant?

    Police will often times want to search your car even when they don't have a lawful reason. During a stop, police can develop a lawful reason to search your car without a search warrant. However, you don't need to help them or make it easy for them. You do not have to give officers permission to search your car, your home, or your cell phone. If they tell you either give permission or they will get a search warrant, tell them to go get a search warrant. When you give permission for the police to search your property, you give up your right to later challenge an unlawful search

  • How serious are felony drug charges in Tennessee?

    Very. Felony drug offenses in Tennessee can carry years in prison. In addition, more time can be added to a sentence with enhancements involving prior convictions or possessing a weapon during the commission of a drug offense. The lawyers at Stephens & DiRado LLP., are highly skilled to provide the best legal representation for your drug offense.

→ Visit our Criminal Defense Blog to learn about search and seizure, probation, and defense strategies in Tennessee.

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Protect Your RecorD

Call the Drug Defense Lawyers at Stephens & DiRado Today

Even a minor drug charge can impact your career, family, and future. Call us first, and we will walk through this process with you to ensure your rights are protected by our skilled experienced team of criminal defense lawyers.


→ Call (865) 545-0909 or request your free consultation online. Your defense starts now.

→ Request a Free Consultation