Barnes & Fersten, PLLC

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Barnes & Fersten, PLLC East Tennessee’s #1 Most Reviewed Exclusively DUI Defense, Criminal Defense & Family Law Firm Located In Knoxville, TN Mr.

The Barnes Law Firm was founded on the belief that every person we represent should get a high quality, personalized, and aggressive representation, that they should be able to speak with their attorney directly about their case to get the information and advice they need in a timely manner, and that that they should be able to afford excellent representation without mortgaging their future. We are absolutely committed to going above and beyond to assure the best possible representation for every client. We take on a comparatively smaller number of cases to make sure that each client gets personal and focused service, which leads to better results and more peace of mind. We have developed a focus on DUI defense and have been trained extensively in that field. We continually attend conferences and seminars nationwide to stay on the cutting edge of that always evolving field. The court system often seems to be working directly against the interests of our clients. We work to make sure that each client gets the full advantage of the rights and protections afforded by our system of justice. Barnes is a two time graduate of the University of Tennessee, earning both a bachelor's degree and my law degree with honors from UT. He is an avid participant in crossfit, plays electric guitar and is engaged to the love of his life and is planning to be married in September 2017.

10/16/2026

If one spouse is the primary breadwinner, what happens when the other spouse files for divorce and suddenly worries about losing access to money, housing, or basic living expenses?

In this video, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten discuss the financial fears that often come up for stay-at-home parents and lower-earning spouses during divorce. We cover what can happen if a spouse stops depositing money into a joint account, how courts can help maintain the financial status quo, when temporary support may be available, and whether a spouse can be required to help cover housing, car payments, groceries, or attorney’s fees while the case is pending.

For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: ⁠https://knoxcrimdefense.com/financial-support-during-a-tennessee-divorce-what-are-your-options/

10/14/2026

Issues with Non-Standard FSTs: The Modified Romberg Test

What if you’re not impaired… you’re just really bad at counting?

In this video, Brandon and Brittany demonstrate the Modified Romberg test, where a person tilts their head back, closes their eyes, and internally counts to 30 seconds. But here’s the problem: how do officers know if someone’s timing is actually off?

As Brandon explains, vague instructions can leave a lot of room for interpretation. Some people naturally count faster than others, while caffeine, nerves, and other factors can affect performance. (Brittany might just have had a little too much caffeine! )

So, what does that mean for a DUI case? An experienced DUI defense attorney knows how to look beyond the results of a field sobriety test and examine whether the test actually provides reliable evidence of impairment.

Have a question about one of the SFSTs we’ve covered so far or another DUI-related topic? Leave a comment below! We may answer your question in a future video.

Thank you for choosing Barnes & Fersten and for sharing these kind words about Brandon and our team. When someone is wor...
10/14/2026

Thank you for choosing Barnes & Fersten and for sharing these kind words about Brandon and our team. When someone is worried about a legal matter, getting answers quickly and having an attorney who is there when questions come up can make a real difference in the experience. We appreciate the trust you placed in us and are grateful we had the opportunity to help you from that first phone call through the conclusion of your case.

Good food, great company, and a team worth celebrating! We spent some time together at one of our favorite spots, Abridg...
10/13/2026

Good food, great company, and a team worth celebrating!

We spent some time together at one of our favorite spots, Abridged, for our Q3 team meeting last Friday. It was a chance to look back on the past few months, talk about all we’ve accomplished, and celebrate the people who make it all happen.

We’re proud of what this team has done this quarter and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside one another. Here’s to finishing the year strong!

10/09/2026

What does the discovery process actually look like during a Tennessee divorce?

In this video, the attorneys at Barnes & Fersten break down how discovery works, what kinds of financial records and information may be requested, and why the process can become especially important when spouses disagree about income, property, business interests, or hidden assets.

For a more detailed breakdown on this topic, read our blog: https://knoxcrimdefense.com/what-is-the-discovery-process-in-a-tennessee-divorce/

We’re grateful to our client for this 5-star review and for choosing Barnes & Fersten when he needed an attorney. From t...
10/07/2026

We’re grateful to our client for this 5-star review and for choosing Barnes & Fersten when he needed an attorney. From that first conversation with Dakota through the resolution of his case, our goal was to make sure he understood the process, knew what to expect, and had someone available to answer his questions. Thank you for taking time to recommend our firm to others who may need help.

10/06/2026

SFST Series: The One-Leg Stand Test

Think the One-Leg Stand test is as simple as lifting one foot and counting to 30? There’s more to it than you might think!

In this week’s video, Brandon and Brittany break down the One-Leg Stand test and explain what officers are looking for and what can affect the test’s validity.

Officers look for four clues during this test:
▪️ Swaying while balancing
▪️ Using arms for balance
▪️ Hopping
▪️ Putting the raised foot down

But there’s more to consider than just the clues! Brandon also discusses how improper instruction from an officer can create issues with the validity of the test. The way a test is administered matters, and understanding the proper procedures is an important part of evaluating the results.

Stay tuned for next week! We’ll begin our discussion of the three Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) evaluations and what they involve.

10/05/2026

October Checkpoint Watch 🚨

Why does THP post DUI checkpoint locations? It’s a question we hear often, and Brandon explains the answer in this month’s video!

DUI checkpoints are considered suspicionless stops, meaning officers stop drivers without needing individualized suspicion that a particular driver has committed a violation. Because these stops raise constitutional concerns, law enforcement must follow specific guidelines for a checkpoint to be lawful, including requirements regarding how checkpoints are conducted and publicized.

In this month’s video, Brandon breaks down why these checkpoints are announced and why the rules surrounding them matter.

📍 Upcoming October DUI Checkpoints in East Tennessee:

Friday, October 9
Anderson County: New Henderson Road at TVA Boat Launch
Cumberland County: US Highway 70E at Schaffer's Rock Yard

Saturday, October 10
McMinn County: State Route 305 at County Road 250

Wednesday, October 14
Knox County: Mascot Road at McBee Lane

Friday, October 16
Loudon County: Highway 72 at Steekee Road
Monroe County: State Route 68 at Christianburg Road

Friday, October 23
Cumberland County: State Highway 299 at Airport Road

Save this post and share it to help others stay informed! As always, enjoy the fall festivities and Vols football, and remember to make safe choices.

Have questions about DUI checkpoints or Tennessee DUI law? Barnes & Fersten is here to help. Call our office at 865-805-5703 with questions or if you need assistance with a DUI.

Grateful to have the best team in East Tennessee! These people are so much more than co-workers—they’re family. As much ...
10/04/2026

Grateful to have the best team in East Tennessee! These people are so much more than co-workers—they’re family.

As much as I love the work we do together at Barnes & Fersten, I also love watching our kids grow up together and sharing days like these cheering on our Tennessee Volunteers. Those memories make this team even more special.

Thankful for our work family and the friendships that extend far beyond the office. Go Vols! 🍊🏈

Address

109 S. Northshore Drive, Suite 310
Knoxville, TN
37919

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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