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WE ARE KNOX DEFENSE.
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M. Jeffrey Whitt
Jeffrey Whitt is a highly respected criminal defense attorney based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Known for his formidable presence in state and federal courtrooms across Tennessee, he has built a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and relentless advocate for his clients.
Jeff earned his law degree from Samford University in 1991 and holds a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, where he was an Academic All-American and All-Conference honoree in both football and tennis.
An active leader in the legal community, Jeff is serving his third term on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL). His professional excellence has been recognized by:
- Mid-South Super Lawyers
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Advocacy for DUI Defense – Top 100 DUI Attorneys
- Best Lawyers in America – Recognized in Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar Crimes
After transitioning into private practice in 1994, Jeff co-founded Knox Defense in 2001, alongside his longtime partner, Jonathan Cooper. The firm has since become a pillar of criminal defense in Tennessee, known for its tenacious advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice.
EDUCATION:
Samford University School of Law
- Doctorate of Jurisprudence, 1991
Maryville College
- Bachelor of Arts, 1987
- All-Conference Honors
- Collegiate Academic All America
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION:
- Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2020-2022, since 2024
- Martindale Hubbell, BV Distinguished Peer Rated Lawyer, 2016
- Avvo 8.7 Excellent Rating
- Hamilton-Burnett American Inn of Court, 1995
- Best Lawyers in America
- Criminal Defense: General Practice, since 2025
- Criminal Defense: White Collar Crimes, since 2025
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
- Tennessee Bar Association, since 1991
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, since 1991
- Board of Directors 2003-2006
- Knoxville Bar Association, since 1991
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers, 2016
- National Advocacy for DUI Defense, Top 100 Lawyers, 2015
- Loudon County Bar Association
BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS:
- Tennessee Supreme Court, since 1991
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
- United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
VERDICTS & DECISIONS:
- United States v. Dustin Jarrett
The Jury could not unanimously agree on a verdict. Case was ultimately transferred to state court where it was later dismissed after completing judicial diversion. - State of Tennessee v. William Martin
Jury found defendant not guilty on all counts - State v. Chester A. Long
Jury returned verdict of not guilty
EXPERIENCE:
- Knox Defense, Knoxville, TN, since
- 2019 - present, Whitt, Cooper, Hedrick & Wojcik
- 2014-2019, Whitt, Cooper, Trant & Hedrick
- 2001-2014, Stacy Whitt Cooper & Trant
- 1999-2001, Stacy & Whitt
- Law Office of Jeffrey Whitt, 1994-1999
- Waters, Reagan & Creekmore, Associate, 1992-1994
- Law Offices of Peter Angelos, 1991-1992
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