Posts by Web Administrator
Celebrating 25 Years of Fierce Advocacy and Unwavering Integrity
February 1, 2026, marks 25 years since the founding of the law firm now known as Knox Defense. What began in 2001 as a partnership between Jonathan Cooper and Jeffrey Whitt has grown into one of Tennessee’s most respected criminal defense firms—built on trial-tested advocacy, relentless preparation, and an unshakable commitment to the rights of the accused. Over…
Read This ArticleKnox Defense Attorneys Named to Mid-South Super Lawyers 2025
Knox Defense is proud to announce that Jonathan Cooper, Jeffrey Whitt, and Joshua Hedrick have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyers® list. A respected and widely recognized national rating service, the Mid-South Super Lawyers list covers lawyers in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee This honor reflects peer recognition…
Read This ArticleKnox Defense Leadership in Knoxville Bar Association Transitions
The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) recently held its Annual Meeting on December 12, 2025, marking a transition in leadership and continued involvement from Knox Defense attorneys in the governance of the region’s legal community. Outgoing President Jonathan D. Cooper concluded his year of service leading one of Tennessee’s most respected local bar associations. During his…
Read This ArticleKnox Defense Earns Tier 1 Ranking in 2026 Best Law Firms for Criminal Defense
Knox Defense is proud to announce its continued recognition in the 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers in America, earning Metropolitan Tier 1 rankings in Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, and DUI/DWI Defense for the Knoxville Metropolitan Area. This distinction highlights the firm’s consistent excellence and trusted reputation as one…
Read This ArticleKnox Defense Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers in America® 2026
Knox Defense is proud to announce that all four of its attorneys—Jonathan D. Cooper, Joshua D. Hedrick, M. Jeffrey Whitt, and Cullen M. Wojcik—have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Each attorney is recognized in multiple criminal defense categories, a testament to the depth of skill and…
Read This ArticleFighting the Death Penalty
In April 2024, a 22-year-old woman was tragically killed in Knoxville, Tennessee. Latawyne Osborne was arrested and charged in her death. Authorities alleged that she had accused him of rape and that he had broken into her house and killed her. Osborne was charged with first-degree murder and faced the possibility of the death penalty.…
Read This ArticleNavigating False Accusations of Rape or Sexual Assault in Knoxville
Being falsely accused of rape or sexual assault is one of the most devastating and life-altering experiences a person can face. These allegations carry immediate social stigma, potential loss of employment or housing, and the looming threat of prison time and mandatory registration on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. In Tennessee, where prosecutors aggressively pursue…
Read This ArticleUnderstanding Tennessee Sex Offender Registry Laws and Requirements
Being charged with or convicted of a sex offense in Tennessee carries severe and lasting consequences, including mandatory registration with the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. This registry is a public, state-maintained database that tracks individuals convicted of qualifying sex crimes. For those listed, the impact on housing, employment, and privacy is significant—and often lifelong. If…
Read This ArticleUnderstanding the Penalties for Embezzlement in Tennessee
Embezzlement is a serious white-collar crime in Tennessee that involves the misappropriation of funds or property by someone entrusted with its care—often in a professional or fiduciary setting. While it is categorized under theft offenses in Tennessee law, embezzlement carries unique consequences based on the amount involved and the relationship between the parties. If you’ve…
Read This ArticleWhat is White-Collar Crime? A Comprehensive Guide for Tennessee Residents
White-collar crime refers to a range of non-violent offenses typically committed in commercial or professional settings. These crimes often involve deceit, breach of trust, or concealment rather than physical force or threats. In Tennessee, individuals charged with white-collar crimes face serious consequences including fines, restitution, and potentially lengthy prison sentences—especially if the offense falls under…
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