Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted DUI Defense Team in Knoxville, TN
Oberman & Rice is a Tennessee-based law firm specializing in DUI defense, criminal defense, and traffic law. Founded in 2008, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to representing clients charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic violations. We are recognized leaders in DUI defense, with board-certified specialists and award-winning practitioners who have authored national legal treatises.Our firm prioritizes client communication, innovative defense strategies, and community education through hundreds of legal presentations. We maintain the highest ethical standards while advocating zealously for clients' rights in courtrooms across East Tennessee.
Services
DUI Defense
Criminal Defense
Expungement
Traffic Tickets
Forfeiture Defense
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Board-certified DUI defense specialists with national recognition
- Award-winning attorneys with decades of Tennessee courtroom experience
- 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters and consultations
- Proven track record in complex criminal defense cases
- Commitment to community education through hundreds of legal presentations
Associations and certifications
- National College for DUI Defense
- Best Lawyers
What people say
Board-certified specialists
24/7 availability
Proven track record
Award-winning attorneys
Compassionate representation
Services
DUI Defense
Our board-certified DUI specialists defend clients facing alcohol and drug-related driving charges. We challenge chemical test accuracy, procedural violations, and officer testimony. With decades of Tennessee courtroom experience, we protect clients' licenses and freedom through strategic defense tailored to each case's unique circumstances.
Criminal Defense
We represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies including assault, drug offenses, and theft. Our attorneys leverage deep knowledge of Tennessee criminal law to negotiate dismissals, reduce charges, and secure acquittals. We handle cases from initial investigation through trial and appeals.
Expungement
Our firm assists clients in clearing criminal records through Tennessee's expungement process. We handle all steps from eligibility assessment to court filings, helping clients remove barriers to employment, housing, and professional licensing while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Traffic Tickets
We defend traffic violations including speeding, reckless driving, and license suspensions. Our attorneys minimize penalties, prevent insurance rate increases, and protect driving privileges through court negotiations and strategic defense tailored to each client's needs.
Forfeiture Defense
We challenge unlawful property seizures related to DUI and drug charges. Our attorneys protect clients' rights to vehicles and assets through timely legal action, ensuring compliance with Tennessee's complex forfeiture procedures and constitutional protections.
People
Steve Oberman
Managing Partner
Practicing since 1980, Steve Oberman is Tennessee's first board-certified DUI defense specialist. He co-authored national DUI treatises and lectures nationwide. Recognized as Best Lawyers' 2020 Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year and 2022 DUI/DWI Lawyer of the Year.
Sara Compher-Rice
Partner
Joining in 2002, Sara became partner in 2010. She focuses on DUI defense and criminal law, earning Best Lawyers' 2021 DUI/DWI Lawyer of the Year recognition. She combines courtroom experience with client-centered advocacy across East Tennessee.
Arrin A.Z. Zadeh
Partner
Became partner in 2017 after joining in 2014. Known for successful DUI and criminal defense cases, he brings technical expertise and innovative strategies to complex legal challenges while maintaining strong client relationships.
Questions
What makes Oberman & Rice different from other DUI attorneys?
We combine board-certified expertise, national legal authorship, and decades of Tennessee courtroom experience with personalized client service and innovative defense strategies.
Do you handle cases outside Knoxville?
Yes, we represent clients across East Tennessee including Knox, Loudon, Blount, Sevier, Roane, and Anderson counties.
Can a DUI charge be expunged from my record?
Expungement depends on case outcome. We guide clients through Tennessee's expungement process to clear eligible arrests or dismissed charges.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test?
Refusal triggers automatic license suspension under Tennessee's implied consent law, even if DUI charges are dismissed. We challenge these administrative penalties.
How do you handle first-time DUI offenses?
We focus on minimizing penalties, protecting driving privileges, and preventing long-term consequences through strategic negotiations and evidence challenges.
Are your attorneys available for emergencies?
Yes, we provide 24/7 legal representation for urgent matters including post-arrest defense and bond hearings.
