At Stephens & DiRado, LLP, we fight for people facing criminal charges across East Tennessee. Whether you’re under investigation or already arrested, you deserve a team that knows how to win in court—and won’t back down when the stakes are high.

Stephens & DiRado, LLP

Criminal Defense for East Tennessee

What We Defend

Drug Crimes

Charged with drug possession or trafficking? We defend drug crimes across East Tennessee with proven legal strategies.



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DUI Defense

Arrested for DUI in Knoxville or the surrounding counties? Our DUI defense team works quickly to protect your rights and challenge the evidence against you.

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Violent Crimes

Accused of assault, aggravated assault, robbery, or homicide offense? Our violent crime lawyers build strong defense strategies to rebut these charges in court.

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Juvenile Defense

Protecting minors’ rights and futures with compassionate, effective juvenile court representation.

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Sex Crimes

Charged with a sex offense in Tennessee? We offer discreet, strategic defense for these high-stakes cases.

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Gun Charges

Stephens and DiRado’s lawyers know Tennessee’s gun laws and how to fight back.



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Statue of Lady Justice on a wooden table, holding scales, in a dimly lit room.

Stephens & DiRado, LLP

Focused, Aggressive, Strategic Lawyering

Stephens & DiRado, LLP is a Knoxville-based law firm focused exclusively on criminal defense. With decades of trial experience and thousands of cases handled, our attorneys bring strategic, competent, zealous representation to every client we serve.


Whether you are charged with speeding or homicide, the lawyers at Stephens & DiRado, LLP are committed to providing you the best legal representation that produces the best outcome possible.

Our Team

Our attorneys bring together decades of combined experience and an unwavering passion for criminal defense. We take a team-driven approach that leverages our collective strength while keeping our clients at the center of everything we do.

Mark E. Stephens

Managing Partner
Meet the Team

Melissa C. DiRado

Founding Partner
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Martha O. Dinwiddie

Associate Attorney
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What Clients Say About Us

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Why Choose Stephens & DiRado, LLP

Criminal Defense Is All We Do

Our practice is focused entirely on criminal law. From misdemeanors to major felonies, we bring deep legal knowledge and real courtroom experience to every case.

Proven Results in Serious Cases

We’ve defended clients in drug crimes, violent offenses, sex crime cases, DUIs, and gun charges—successfully.

Trial-Tested Attorneys

Our team has handled hundreds of trials and isn't afraid to push back when your future is at stake.

Respected in East Tennessee Courts

We know how things work in Knox, Anderson, Loudon Counties and all of East Tennessee. That local knowledge makes a difference when your case gets personal.

Straight Talk, Start to Finish

You’ll work directly with your attorney and get honest guidance every step of the way.

serious Defense

Charged with a Serious Crime? We’re Ready.

Drug charges. Gun offenses. Violent crimes. DUI. Sex crimes. These are high-stakes situations—and the team at Stephens & DiRado, LLP is built to handle them.


We know what it takes to defend tough cases across East Tennessee. Our trial experience, strategic approach, and commitment to our clients set us apart.


Request a free consultation today—and let’s start building your defense.