Michael Shults —
Sevierville Attorney. East Tennessee Native. Your Neighbor in the Courtroom.
For over 13 years, Mike Shults has defended people through some of the most stressful moments of their lives. He grew up here, he practices here, and he genuinely cares about the people he represents.
About Michael Shults
Mike Shults was born and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee. He's not someone who moved here for work or chose this area because it was a good market. He's from here — and that shapes everything about how he practices law.
After earning his law degree, Mike returned to East Tennessee and built his practice from the ground up in the community where he was raised. Over 13 years, he has represented clients in Sevier County and the surrounding region — people facing DUI charges, drug crimes, assault, weapons charges, probation violations, juvenile cases, family law disputes, and more. He has appeared in Sevier County General Sessions Court and Criminal Court, as well as courts across East Tennessee, consistently and without interruption for his entire career.
What you won't find with Mike is a lawyer who sees your case as just another file to process. He takes time to understand your situation, explains your options in plain language, and gives you his honest read on where things stand — even when that's a difficult conversation.
Credentials and Court Admissions
Licensed to practice law in Tennessee
Member, Tennessee Bar Association
Member, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL)
Admitted: Sevier County General Sessions Court and Criminal Court
Admitted: Courts across East Tennessee, including Knox, Blount, Jefferson, and Cocke Counties
13+ years of continuous practice in Sevier County and the surrounding region
How Mike Approaches Every Case
Every Case Deserves a Real Defense
Being charged with a crime doesn't mean you're guilty, and it doesn't mean you should accept the first offer on the table. Mike evaluates every case on its own facts and builds a strategy around the best possible outcome — whether that means negotiating a reduction, challenging the evidence, or taking the case to trial.
Clients Deserve Straight Answers
Legal situations are stressful enough without your attorney being vague or hard to reach. Mike is direct about what you're facing, what your options are, and what he thinks the realistic path forward looks like. You won't be kept in the dark about your own case.
Trial Readiness Changes Everything
A lawyer who never goes to trial has limited leverage in negotiations. Mike is a practicing trial attorney with courtroom wins in Sevier County. That willingness to take a case to verdict — when it's in the client's best interest — is part of what makes him effective even in cases that ultimately settle.
Local Knowledge Is a Real Advantage
Knowing the courthouse, the judges, and the prosecutors in Sevier County isn't a small thing. It shapes strategy, timing, and how cases get handled day to day. Mike has spent his entire career building that knowledge in this specific community — and it shows in how his cases are prepared and argued.
What Mike Handles
Mike represents clients across criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters throughout East Tennessee.
Criminal Defense
DUI and DWI, breath test refusals, license suspension, drug crimes, assault and domestic assault, weapons charges, theft, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, probation violations, public intoxication, and expungement.
Family Law
Divorce, child custody, child support, and alimony.
Personal Injury
Car accidents and slip and fall claims.
Rooted in Sevierville, Ready for the Smokies Corridor
Mike isn't just an attorney who works in Sevierville — he's a part of this community. He understands what it means to live and raise a family here, and he brings that perspective to every client he represents.
That connection also means he understands the unique legal landscape of the tourism corridor. Millions of visitors pass through Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies every year — and some of them end up in legal trouble far from home. Mike has helped many out-of-town clients navigate charges in Sevier County and resolve their cases with as little disruption to their lives as possible.
Whether you're a lifelong Sevier County resident or someone who was arrested while visiting the area, you'll be treated the same way — with honesty, directness, and the full attention your situation deserves.
Serving Spanish-Speaking Clients Directly
Mike's office provides legal services in both English and Spanish. Spanish-speaking clients receive the same direct access and personal service — no interpreter needed, no communication lost between you and the attorney handling your case.
Se habla español. Llámenos: 865-428-2345.
Client Testimonials
Common Questions About Michael Shults
Who is Michael Shults, the lawyer in Sevierville, Tennessee?
Michael Shults is a criminal defense attorney and the founder of Shults Law Firm in Sevierville, TN. He was born and raised in Sevierville, has practiced law in East Tennessee for over 13 years, and handles criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases across Sevier County and the surrounding region.
What are Michael Shults's reviews like in East Tennessee?
Mike's Google reviews consistently describe an attorney who is responsive, direct, and personally invested in each client's outcome. Clients frequently mention being treated with respect, receiving honest assessments, and having their calls returned promptly. You can read reviews in full on our Reviews page.
Is Michael Shults a good criminal defense attorney?
Mike has built a 13-year record in Sevier County courts, including jury trial wins on criminal cases. He is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and his clients' reviews speak directly to his preparation, honesty, and results.
Does Michael Shults handle cases personally?
Yes. Client calls are returned by Mike, case strategy is built by Mike, and courtroom appearances are made by Mike. Clients at Shults Law Firm work with their attorney directly — not through a layer of support staff or junior associates.
What courts does Michael Shults practice in?
Mike practices in Sevier County General Sessions Court and Criminal Court, as well as courts across East Tennessee including Knox, Blount, Jefferson, and Cocke Counties. He has appeared in these courts consistently for over 13 years.
Get Honest Legal Help From Someone Who Knows East Tennessee
If you're facing a criminal charge, a family law matter, or a personal injury claim in East Tennessee, Mike is ready to talk. Call for a free consultation — no pressure, no obligation, just straight answers from a local attorney who knows this area and genuinely wants to help.
Se habla español.