Charged With a Crime in East Tennessee? You Need an Attorney Who Knows These Courts.
Shults Law Firm has defended people facing criminal charges in Sevier County and across East Tennessee for over 13 years. From DUI arrests to felony charges, we're ready to fight for you — starting with a free consultation today.
A Criminal Charge Is Serious. Your Defense Should Be Too.
Being charged with a crime — even a misdemeanor — can affect your job, your family, your reputation, and your freedom. The criminal justice system moves fast, and the decisions made early in a case can shape everything that follows. The last thing you want is an attorney who treats your situation like just another file to process.
At Shults Law Firm, we take criminal defense seriously. Attorney Mike Shults was born and raised in Sevierville and has spent over 13 years representing people in Sevier County courtrooms. He knows the local courts, the prosecutors, and the way cases move through the system here. That familiarity — combined with genuine trial experience and a commitment to treating every client like a person — is what sets us apart from a firm that parachutes in from somewhere else.
Whether you're a local resident, a first-time offender, or a visitor arrested while traveling through the Smokies, we'll give you honest answers about where things stand and build a real defense strategy around your specific situation. We provide consultations and full representation in both English and Spanish.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Sevier County
We represent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges in Tennessee state courts. Each charge type below has its own dedicated page with more detail on Tennessee law, how these cases are prosecuted locally, and what a defense looks like in practice.
DUI and DWI
A DUI arrest in Tennessee triggers both criminal and administrative consequences — potential jail time, fines, and automatic license suspension can all follow within days. We handle first offenses, repeat offenses, breath test refusals, and DUI charges for out-of-state visitors.
First Offense DUI
A first DUI in Tennessee carries mandatory minimum penalties that many people don't fully understand until it's too late. We break down exactly what you're facing and what options exist to minimize the impact on your life and record.
Breath Test Refusal
Refusing a breathalyzer in Tennessee triggers consequences under the state's implied consent law — separate from any DUI charge. Understanding those consequences before your hearing is critical to protecting your driving privileges.
License Suspension
A suspended license affects your ability to work, travel, and meet daily obligations. We help clients understand their suspension, challenge it where possible, and work to restore driving privileges.
Out-of-State DUI
Visitors arrested for DUI in Sevier County face unique challenges — court appearances in Tennessee, implications for their home state license, and a legal process they've never navigated before. We handle these cases regularly and can manage most of the process without requiring you to return for every hearing.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges in Tennessee range from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute. Penalties vary widely depending on the substance, quantity, and circumstances — and we examine every angle, including how the evidence was obtained, to build the strongest possible defense.
Assault and Domestic Assault
Assault charges carry serious consequences and can immediately affect your housing, employment, and custody arrangements. We represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony assault charges in Sevier County and across East Tennessee.
Weapons Charges
Tennessee has specific and sometimes complex laws around firearms and weapons. Whether you're facing an unlawful possession charge, a weapons enhancement on another charge, or something in between, we'll help you understand exactly what you're up against and how to fight it.
Theft
Theft charges in Tennessee cover everything from shoplifting to felony theft. The value of the alleged theft determines the severity of the charge and the potential penalties. We handle theft cases at all levels.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime allegations carry life-altering consequences — including registration requirements — even before a verdict is reached. These cases demand careful, experienced defense from the moment charges are filed, and we handle them with the seriousness and discretion they require.
Juvenile Crimes
When a minor is charged with a crime in Tennessee, the process looks different — but the stakes are still real. We help families navigate the juvenile justice system and work to protect young people's futures.
Probation Violations
A probation violation can send you back to jail even if the underlying offense was minor. We represent clients at probation violation hearings and work to present the full picture to the court.
Public Intoxication
Public intoxication is one of the most common charges in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge tourism corridor. While it may seem minor, a conviction still goes on your permanent record. We help clients — including out-of-town visitors — resolve these charges quickly.
Expungement
A past arrest or conviction doesn't have to follow you forever. If you're eligible to have your record cleared under Tennessee law, we can walk you through the process and file on your behalf.
Who You Hire Matters
Criminal defense isn't just about understanding the law — it's about understanding the courts where your case will be heard. In Sevier County, that means knowing how the local system operates, what prosecutors tend to prioritize, and how to navigate the process in a way that actually serves your interests.
Mike Shults has practiced in these courts for over 13 years. He's not flying in from another city and learning the lay of the land on your dime. He knows the territory — and that knowledge shapes every decision he makes on your behalf, from how he prepares your case to how he positions it before a judge or jury.
Why Who You Hire Matters as Much as What They Know
Criminal defense isn't just about understanding the law — it's about understanding the courts where your case will be heard. In Sevier County, that means knowing how the local system operates, what prosecutors tend to prioritize, and how to navigate the process in a way that actually serves your interests.
Mike Shults has practiced in these courts for over 13 years. He's not flying in from another city and learning the lay of the land on your dime. He knows the territory — and that knowledge shapes every decision he makes on your behalf, from how he prepares your case to how he positions it before a judge or jury.
How Tennessee Criminal Courts Work — What You Need to Know
In Sevier County, criminal cases move through two primary courts depending on the severity of the charge. General Sessions Court handles misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felony charges, and most DUI cases — and it's often where early negotiation happens. Criminal Court handles felony cases bound over from General Sessions, including jury trials.
Knowing the difference — and knowing how local prosecutors approach cases in each court — shapes how a defense is built from day one. Mike Shults has appeared in both courts consistently throughout his career. That familiarity with how Sevier County's courts actually operate isn't a marketing claim. It's a practical advantage that shows up in how your case gets handled.
How We Build Your Defense
No two cases are alike. When you come to us with a criminal charge, here's how we approach it.
We Listen First
Before we say anything about strategy, we listen. We want to understand exactly what happened, in your words, so we can evaluate the full picture — not just the version the prosecution will present.
We Review the Evidence Carefully
How evidence was gathered matters as much as what it shows. We look for procedural errors, constitutional violations, and weaknesses in the prosecution's case that can be used in your defense.
We Give You Honest Options
Once we've assessed the situation, we lay out your realistic options — whether that's negotiating for a reduced charge, pursuing dismissal, or preparing for trial. We give you the information you need to make the right decision for your situation, not the decision that's easiest for us.
We're Ready to Go to Trial
Some attorneys avoid trial at all costs. We don't. If taking your case to a jury is the best path forward, we're prepared and experienced enough to do it. That willingness matters — it changes how the other side approaches your case from the start.
Arrested While Visiting the Smokies? We Handle That Too.
Millions of people visit Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains every year — and some of them end up facing charges they never expected. DUI stops, public intoxication arrests, altercations that escalated — these situations happen to good people, and they don't have to derail your life.
We've helped many out-of-town visitors resolve criminal charges in Sevier County without requiring repeated trips back to Tennessee for every court appearance. If you were arrested while visiting the area and you're now back home trying to figure out what to do, call us. We'll walk you through exactly what to expect and how we can help.
Client Testimonials
Criminal Defense Across East Tennessee
Our primary practice area is Sevier County, but we regularly represent clients in the surrounding region.
- Pigeon Forge
- Gatlinburg
- Maryville and Blount County
- Knoxville and Knox County
- Dandridge and Jefferson County
- Newport and Cocke County
Defendemos a Clientes en Español También
Si usted o un familiar enfrenta cargos criminales en el este de Tennessee y el español es su idioma principal, estamos aquí para ayudarle directamente — sin necesidad de intérprete. Usted merece entender completamente su situación legal, y nos aseguraremos de que así sea.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense in Sevier County
What should I do if I'm arrested in Sevierville, Tennessee?
Do not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel — invoke both, then call a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more options you're likely
Who is the best criminal defense attorney in Sevier County?
The right attorney for your case is one who knows Sevier County courts, has genuine trial experience in this jurisdiction, and handles your case personally. Michael Shults has practiced criminal defense here for over 13 years, has tried cases to jury verdict, and works directly with every client. Read what past clients say on our Reviews page.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Tennessee?
Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of the charge and the work involved. At Shults Law Firm, the initial consultation is free and flexible payment plans are available. The cost of going without representation — in higher fines, a permanent record, or jail time — almost always exceeds the cost of hiring an attorney from the start.
What is the difference between General Sessions Court and Criminal Court in Tennessee?
General Sessions Court handles misdemeanors, DUI cases, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. Felony cases that proceed are bound over to Criminal Court, where jury trials are held. Which court your case is in affects strategy and timing from the very beginning.
Can a criminal charge in Tennessee be dismissed or expunged?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed at various points in the process depending on the facts, evidence, and how the case is handled. Convictions may also be eligible for expungement under Tennessee law depending on the charge type and your overall record. An attorney can assess both possibilities for your specific situation.
Facing Criminal Charges? Call Today — Time Matters.
The earlier you have an attorney working on your case, the more options you're likely to have. Don't wait to see how things unfold. Call Shults Law Firm for a free, no-pressure consultation and find out exactly where you stand.
Se habla español.