Stephens & DiRado, LLP

Stephens & DiRado, LLP Defending Your Rights in Knoxville and the surrounding counties.

An officer asks to take a "quick look" at your phone, your car, or your home. It sounds routine, but it can be anything ...
08/18/2026

An officer asks to take a "quick look" at your phone, your car, or your home.

It sounds routine, but it can be anything but. Requests involving your property can become an important part of a criminal investigation, and the rules governing searches, warrants, and consent depend heavily on the circumstances.

Treating an informal request as legally insignificant is a risk, because what feels minor in the moment can matter quite a bit later.

If you are unsure how to respond, talk to a defense attorney first. Call (865) 426-1646.

Big congratulations to Associate Attorney Martha O. Dinwiddie on receiving the Stars of Light Award at last week's T.A.C...
08/07/2026

Big congratulations to Associate Attorney Martha O. Dinwiddie on receiving the Stars of Light Award at last week's T.A.C.D.L. Annual Awards Banquet! This award recognizes a young T.A.C.D.L. member who shows exemplary leadership and zeal — and Martha earned it: two motions for new trial granted, CLE presentations, publication contributions, and jury trials litigated through direct appeal, all in 2025 alone.

We couldn't be prouder of the work she does for our clients every day.

Being investigated is not the same as being charged, but it's still important. Police may gather information long before...
08/04/2026

Being investigated is not the same as being charged, but it's still important. Police may gather information long before a warrant or a formal charge exists.

You might be asked for an interview, invited to "clear things up," or learn that officers have already spoken with people close to you. None of that means a decision has been made, which is exactly why it deserves to be taken seriously.

Before you make substantive statements, get individualized advice. Get in touch with our team by visiting sdlawtn.com/contact.

"How much time am I looking at?" is usually the first question after a felony charge in Tennessee. It is also the hardes...
07/29/2026

"How much time am I looking at?" is usually the first question after a felony charge in Tennessee. It is also the hardest one to answer from the charge alone.

The felony class and your offender range set the broad limits, but case-specific factors shape where an actual sentence could fall. A generic sentencing chart cannot account for your history or the facts of your case, which is why a prediction pulled from the internet can be misleading.

Start with a reliable overview instead: sdlawtn.com/blogs/tennessee-felony-sentencing-ranges-explained

A grand jury does not determine whether someone is guilty or innocent. Instead, it reviews evidence presented by the pro...
07/21/2026

A grand jury does not determine whether someone is guilty or innocent. Instead, it reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and decides whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that criminal charges should move forward into criminal court.

Because grand jury proceedings take place outside of public view, the process can feel confusing and uncertain for those involved.
That's why experienced legal guidance is so important. We can help by:

🔹 Explaining what to expect throughout the process.
🔹 Evaluating the allegations and available evidence.
🔹 Preparing for potential indictments or other outcomes.
🔹 Developing a strategy to protect your rights moving forward.

If you learn that your case is being presented to a grand jury, having knowledgeable legal counsel on your side can make a significant difference in navigating the next steps..

Learn more: https://www.sdlawtn.com/

🚔 Many traffic stops can be avoided with a few simple precautions.Knowing what commonly leads to a traffic stop can help...
07/13/2026

🚔 Many traffic stops can be avoided with a few simple precautions.

Knowing what commonly leads to a traffic stop can help you stay aware and avoid unnecessary issues on the road. Some of the most common reasons drivers are pulled over include:

⚠️ Expired registration or tags
⚠️ Broken headlights or taillights
⚠️ Speeding, even slightly over the limit
⚠️ Failing to signal or rolling through a stop sign

Taking a few minutes to keep your vehicle in good working order, stay current on registration requirements, and practice safe driving habits can help reduce your chances of being stopped.

If you have been cited for a traffic violation or arrested following a traffic stop, contact our office to discuss your rights and legal options.

For more information about traffic stops, citations, and your legal rights, visit our website, sdlawtn.com.

🚨 Do You Have an Active Warrant? Here's What to Do. 🚨Finding out there's a warrant for your arrest can be overwhelming, ...
07/08/2026

🚨 Do You Have an Active Warrant? Here's What to Do. 🚨

Finding out there's a warrant for your arrest can be overwhelming, but how you respond matters.
If you believe you have an active warrant:

✔️ Speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible
✔️ Confirm the warrant and understand the charges involved
✔️ Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney
✔️ Be prepared for the possibility of arrest and take proactive steps to address the situation
✔️ Make sure you attend all required court appearances

Taking action early can help you better understand your options and avoid making mistakes that could affect your case.
If you have questions about an active warrant or need guidance on the next steps, our team is here to help.

📞 Contact S|D Law to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.

This July, we’re not just celebrating Independence Day — we’re also celebrating 250 years as a nation, a truly once-in-a...
07/03/2026

This July, we’re not just celebrating Independence Day — we’re also celebrating 250 years as a nation, a truly once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Our team wishes each of you a happy, safe, and memorable Fourth of July!

If you run into legal trouble over the holiday weekend, give our office a call at (865) 545-0909 so we can help protect your rights!

A jury trial is where preparation, strategy, and experience come together. This is often the most critical stage of a cr...
06/24/2026

A jury trial is where preparation, strategy, and experience come together. This is often the most critical stage of a criminal case, where your story is presented, evidence is challenged, and a jury decides the outcome.

During a trial:

🔹 Attorneys present arguments and examine witnesses.
🔹 Evidence is closely scrutinized.
🔹 A jury determines the verdict.

This is not the time for guesswork. It requires a defense team that is prepared, confident, and ready to advocate in the courtroom. If your case is heading to trial, we are ready to stand with you.

Learn more: https://www.sdlawtn.com/

Your first court date can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect makes a difference. General Sessions Court is ty...
06/17/2026

Your first court date can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect makes a difference. General Sessions Court is typically the first stop after an arrest. It’s where important early decisions are made that can shape the direction of your case.

At this stage:

🔹 Charges are formally addressed.
🔹 Bond conditions may be reviewed.
🔹 Next steps in your case are determined.

While it may seem routine, what happens here matters. Having strong representation early on can help protect your rights and position your case for the best possible outcome. If you have questions about your case, we’re here to help.

Learn more: https://www.sdlawtn.com/

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606 W. Main Street, Suite 250
Knoxville, TN
37902

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

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