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also known as Steve Oberman
Since graduating from the University of Tennessee Law School in 1980, I have worked diligently to establish myself nationally as an authority on the intricacies of DUI law. My background in the sciences gave me a unique perspective in defending those accused of DUI. I have successfully represented over two thousand clients charged with DUI. In 2006, I became the first DUI lawyer in Tennessee to be recognized by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization as a certified specialist in the area of DUI Defense law.
I am the author of the state treatise entitled, "DUI: The Crimes & Consequences in Tennessee"; and since 2003, have been the co-author of the national treatise "Drunk Driving Defense" with Lawrence Taylor of Long Beach, California. Both texts are widely relied upon by judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers. In 1995, I became a founding member of The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. and have served on their Board of Regents since 1999. During 2009-2010 I had the honor to serve as Dean of the College. I have also served as chair or co-chair of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' DUI Committee since 1995. For more details about my background and experience as a Tennessee DUI attorney, you may view my resume / vitae.
I am also a frequent contributor to The Champion, the official publication of The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I am one of only a few lawyers in the nation who have been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. I have also been trained as a Drug Recognition Evaluator and have taught thousands of lawyers on the Field Sobriety Tests and hundreds on the Drug Recognition Tests.
I have handled cases from the General Sessions Court (our lowest court in Tennessee) all the way to the Tennessee Supreme Court. After my argument in a DUI case before the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Court unanimously dismissed the charge against my client.
I have been honored by many national rating systems for decades. In 2004, Business Tennessee Magazine described me as:
"'Godfather statewide in the area of DUI.' With his treatise on DUI in Tennessee, which debuted in 1991 and has appeared annually since then, stays at the forefront of drunk driving defense in the state. Represents high-profile clients in Knoxville and across the eastern part of the country. 'Brilliant lawyer, great teacher.' Well-regarded trial attorney with 'professorial' demeanor. . ." Alexei Smirnov, Best Lawyers in Tennessee, Business Tennessee Magazine, p. 50 (January 2004). I was also named Knoxville's 2013 Lawyer of the Year by the "Best Lawyers" organization in the area of Criminal Defense, Non-White-Collar Crime. Moreover, "U.S. News and World Report" designated Oberman & Rice as a "Tier 1 Best Law Firm" in Tennessee for DUI Defense and Criminal Defense.
Some of my other honors include: Receiving the highest rating from the renown Martindale-Hubbell™ and AVVO rating system; Named as a "Mid-South Super Lawyer," a "Top 100 Trial Lawyer" by the American Trial Lawyers Association, a "Best Lawyer in America" by a publication of the same name, and one of Knoxville CityView Magazine's "Top Attorneys."
Moreover, I have enjoyed my work as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee Law School since 1993 and have received prestigious awards for my faculty contributions. One of my most enjoyable experiences, though, was teaching in 2019 as a Fulbright Scholar when I was a visiting professor at The University of Latvia in the capital city of Riga, Latvia (near Russia). There I taught two classes: American Criminal Law and American Trial Advocacy.
I spend my "spare time" speaking at seminars throughout the United States on various topics relating to DUI defense. My audiences have included seminar attendees of the National College for DUI Defense, Inc., the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. As of 2019, I have been honored to speak over 130 times to various bar associations, police training classes, judicial conferences and other seminars in more than 30 states and six foreign countries. In 2002, I was honored to demonstrate cross-examination techniques and lecture at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia on the topic of courtroom testimony and in 2006, I was appointed to the Governor’s Task Force on DUI Laws in Tennessee and was elected Vice-Chair of the Committee by my peers.
I hope you will take the opportunity to contact me to discuss your case. The chances of obtaining a successful result will increase dramatically if you obtain representation within a few days of your arrest. DUI and other criminal charges can affect your career and your life—forever. While I can never guarantee a result, you have my assurance that no one will give you or your case more attention. Steve Oberman
4
Practice Areas
45 years | 3,000 cases
45 years
45 years
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Chat withState: Tennessee
Acquired: 1980
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550 Main Street, Suite 730, Knoxville, TN, 37902-2567
Showing 1 - 5 of 108 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Mary | November 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Steve Oberman is the only attorney you want and need when charged with DUI and related criminal charges. He is very thorough, extremely knowledgeable, very straightforward and honest, and will go above and beyond to provide the best possible defense. He thinks outside the box but within the law to ...
Posted by Jade | August 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Steve Oberman literally wrote the book on DUI Defense that all the other TN attorneys utilize as their playbook while defending DUI clients. He is the “DUI Godfather,” and is objectively *the* most bulletproof shield you could possibly obtain if you are charged with this crime. He is expensive, but...
Posted by anonymous | February 3, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Steve Oberman and his team came highly recommended to me when I found myself in an unexpected and serious legal situation. At the very first meeting, Steve laid out the intricacies of my case and all of the potential outcomes. Throughout the legal process, he was systematic in his approach, honest in...
Posted by anonymous | July 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Oberman assisted me in a difficult case, and got me an extremely favorable outcome. He was very knowledgeable and helpful when it came to making decisions on my case.
Posted by Houston | July 1, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Young people do not always make the best decisions or exercise prudent judgment. Such was the case for my son that found himself charged with DUI; a potentially detrimental start to adulthood. Steve not only helped him reach the absolute best outcome, he also was part of my son rising to a new leve...
"Steve fights for his clients both in and out of court. He is extremely well respected by judges and his fellow attorneys. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"II meet this lawyer at a seminar at the campus of Harvard law school. I had heard of his reputation as an exceptional lawyer and i was very impressed with his character. He is not only a fine lawyer but he is an exceptional human being. endorse this lawyer."
"Steve wrote the book on DUI/DWI. We all have his book. We all use his book. Steve is a fantastic lawyer with a first class mind. He is a tremendous advocate and a solid human being. Nobody does it better."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Oberman for his outstanding contributions to the field of Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI defense. Not only does Mr. Oberman do an excellent job of zealously representing his own clients, but he generously lends his time to help train other attorneys and law students on becoming great defenders of the criminally accused."
"While Steve Oberman's practice is centered in Knoxville Tennessee, his skills are admired by lawyers from across the Country. His lectures in Manhattan for the New York State Bar Association have been well attended and greatly appreciated. Steve is a national resource, not just for the clients that he represents, but for all the clients who have benefited from the skills that he has imparted to their lawyers. The quality of DWI defense of the citizen accused has been greatly enhanced by the contributions of this great and dedicated lawyer."
"I've learned very much about DUI defense from Mr. Oberman in Las Vegas and in Boston. Steve is the man whose book and DVD I use to sharpen my cross of the field sobriety test. He is a great lawyer and a teacher.I endorse this lawyer."
"I first became acquainted with Steve while attending a DUI seminar in Las Vegas that he sponsors. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable, hard-working and literally on the "cutting edge" of DUI laws and defenses. We are working together now on a matter and I have found Steve to be extremely prepared and diligent. He is well-known throughout the country for his expertise and I would not hesitate to hire him."
"Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for over 10 years now, and as an annual attendee of two to three national DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged to get to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. Steve Oberman is not only universally thought of by his peers as part of this select group, but is the gold standard of our group. HIs legacy of professional excellence both in and out of the courtroom is legendary from coast to coast for anyone that has practiced DUI defense for more than 30 seconds. His Drunk Driving Defense book sits on the shelf of every serious DUI practioner from coast to coast. Simply put, a citizen accused could be in no better hands than Steve Oberman. It is with greatest of honor that I proudly endorse this DUI defense master! The fact he is a personal friend is but a bonus."
"Brilliant is the only way to describe Steve. He is a great teacher, leader, and mentor. Steve's creativity in teaching court room techniques is second to none. He has the ability to captivate his audiences in delivering his messages. He works tirelessly at organizing seminars nation wide and demands the best. It is without hesitation that I endorse Steve Oberman."
"I have known Steve Oberman through his years of active participation and leadership in the National College for DUI Defense. Steve is a nationally recognized DUI defense attorney. Sitting behind me as I write this endorsement is Steve's book, Drunk Driving Defense. I review his book frequently and I tell other lawyers to purchase the book because it is so helpful. I have great respect for Steve because of what he has given me. His lectures and insights have made me a better lawyer. My clients have benefited from his wisdom and experience. When Steve participates in a conference I know I will be challenged because of his intense desire to educate lawyers defending those accused of DUI. Steve is a great lawyer and I hold him in high regard. I recommend Steve Oberman."
"Steve is known by all DUI/DWI attorneys as one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in Tennessee and in the country. I say so because he is in fact the Dean of the National College for DUI Defense, the most prestigious DUI Attorney association in the United States. Simply put, Steve is the Dean of DUI!"
"I have know and worked with Steve over the last 7 years. I have had the pleasure of working with him on cases. I refer all of my Knoxville cases to Steve and have had the pleasure of working out of his office on cases I was in Knoxville. Steve is the ultimate proffesional."
"Steven Oberman is one the most respected DUI defense attorneys in America. He is second to none in his skill and knowledge. His book Drunk Driving Defense (with Lawrence Taylor) is the bible of the field. I would gladly refer a family member to Mr. Oberman."
"Steve has been one of my teachers at the National College of DUI Defense for years. He will soon be the Dean of the college, a well-deserved honor that is only bestowed upon the best of the best. He explains science to juries in a way they understand. I would trust him to represent my friend or family member."
Employment and labor lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
2020
The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers
2020
Best Lawyers in Knoxville, Knoxville News Sentinel & Greater Knoxville Business Journal
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers Association
2019
Super Lawyer, Mid-South Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Top Attorney, Knoxville City View Magazine
2008
The President's Legal Education Achievement Award, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2007
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers Association
2006
Certified as a Specialist in DUI Defense, Tennessee Commission on CLE & Specialization
2006
Award for Leadership in Attorney Certification, Tennessee Commission on CLE & Specialization
2006
Best Lawyers List, Business Tennessee Magazine
2004
Bernstein-Ritchie Award for Extraordinary Service, University of Tennessee Law School Legal Clinic
2002
Outstanding Adjunct Professor, University of Tennessee College of Law
2000
Certified as a Specialist in DUI Defense, National College for DUI Defense
1996
Special Service Award for Outstanding Contributions, Moot Court Board
1995
Special Service Award for Outstanding Contributions, Moot Court Board
1994
Forrest W. Lacey Award for Outstanding Faculty Contribution, University of Tennessee College of Law Moot Court Program
1993
Forrest W. Lacey Award for Outstanding Faculty Contribution, University of Tennessee College of Law Moot Court Program
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Who's Who in America, Marquis
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Who's Who in American Law, Marquis
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Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Marquis
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Who's Who in the World, Marquis
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Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America, Marquis
2008 - Present
Principal, The Oberman & Rice Law Firm
1993 - Present
Adjunct Professor, The University of Tennessee College of Law
1986 - 2008
Principal, Daniel & Oberman An Association of Trial Attorneys
1983 - 1985
Principal, Daniel, Claiborne, Oberman & Buuck
1980 - 1982
Associate, Daniel, Claiborne & Lewallen Attorneys at Law
1999 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAdvisory Board Member to The Champion (Official Publication)
1995 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseFounding Member
1995 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersDUI Committee Chair
1993 - Present
University of Tennessee College of LawAdjunct Professor
1987 - Present
General Sessions Court of Knox County, Tennessee, Criminal DivisionSpecial Judge
1982 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1980 - Present
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaTrial Lawyer
2009 - 2010
National College for DUI DefenseDean
2008 - 2009
National College for DUI DefenseAssistant Dean
2006 - 2006
Governor Phil Bredesen’s Task Force on DUI Laws in TennesseeCommittee Vice-Chair
1999 - 2011
National College for DUI DefenseRegent
1998 - 2000
Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee, IncorporatedPresident
1997 - 2001
Knoxville Bar AssociationCo-Chair Judicial Committee
1994 - 1998
Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee, IncorporatedVice President
1993 - 2000
Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee, IncorporatedBoard of Directors
1991 - 1996
University of Tennessee Law School National Trial TeamCoach
1983 - 1983
Tennessee Governor’s StaffColonel Aide de Camp
1983 - 1989
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
Case against client was dismissed by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
1980
Juris Doctorate
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2010
DUI Legislative Update: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly; Drug Recognition Evaluation & Classification
2010
Crossing the Officer on Field Sobriety Tests: Throw the Book at Them
2010
Opening Statements: Cross-Examination; Closing Arguments (Workshop Instructor)
2010
Finding & Preparing Your Blood Test Expert for Trial; The Nuts & Bolts of PowerPoint to Make the Story Come Alive
2010
Cross Examining the DRE
2010
Crossing the FST Officer (Workshop Instructor)
2010
Enhancing Your Trial with PowerPoint
2010
Crossing the Officer on Field Sobriety Tests: Throw the Book at Them
2009
Finding and Preparing Your Blood Test Expert for Trial
2009
Workshop Instructor: Cross-Examining the DRE Officer; Opening Statements; Closing Arguments
2009
Crossing the Officer on FSTs: Throw the Book at Them
2008
Micro-Specialties: Insights from The National College for DUI Defense, Inc.
2008
The Science of Classical Persuasion: Lessons for the Trial Lawyer
2008
Crossing the Officer on FSTs: Throw the Book at Them
2008
Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Overview
2008
Seminar Moderator and Workshop Instructor
2008
Crossing the Officer on FSTs: Throw the Book at Them
2007
Field Sobriety Tests
2007
Workshop Instructor: Breath Testing; Problem Witnesses; Field Sobriety Test Impeachment;
2007
Examining the EC/IR
2007
Seminar Moderator and Workshop Instructor
2007
Enhancing Your Trial with PowerPoint®
2007
Micro-Specialties: Insights from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc.
2006
Everything the Insurance Defense Lawyer Needs to Know About Field Sobriety Tests but is Afraid to Ask
2006
Workshop Instructor: Cross-Examining the Arresting Officer
2006
Seminar Moderator and Workshop Instructor
2006
Effective Use of PowerPoint at Trial & Beating the Field Sobriety Tests with Statistics
2005
DUI Defense
2005
Crossing the Officer on Field Sobriety Tests: Throw the Book at Them
2005
“The ‘Science’ Behind Standardized Field Sobriety Tests,” “Using a Holistic Approach to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests,” “Cross of the Cops on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests,” and “Questions and Answers, Roundtable”
2005
Tennessee Law Relating to Probable Cause in a DUI Case
2005
Moderator and Workshop Instructor
2004
Field Sobriety Tests and Cross-Examination of the Arresting Officer
2004
Defense Counsel for DUI Case Mock Bench Trial
2004
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2004
Seminar Moderator
2004
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2003
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2003
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2003
The Art of the Opening Statement
2003
The Art of the Opening Statement
2003
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2003
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2003
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2003
Seminar Moderator and Workshop Instructor
2003
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2002
Cross-Examination of the State’s Blood and Urine Test Expert
2002
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2002
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2002
Opening Statements: Your First Opportunity to “Win Over” the Jury
2002
Courtroom Testimony
2002
Seminar Moderator and Workshop Instructor
2002
The Art of Opening and Closing Statements
2001
Field Sobriety Tests
2001
Field Sobriety Tests — Panel Member
2001
Cross-Examination of the State’s Blood Test Expert
2001
The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests: Throw the Book at Them
2001
Everything You Wanted to Know About Field Sobriety Tests But Were Afraid to Ask
2001
Seminar Moderator
2000
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About DUI, But Were Afraid to Ask
2000
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About DUI, But Were Afraid to Ask
2000
Recent Developments in Tennessee DUI Law
2000
Cross-Examination of the State’s Breath Test Expert
2000
The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests: Throw the Book at Them
2000
Drunk or Drowsy? How Fatigue Can Be Mistaken for Intoxication
1999
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About DUI, But Were Afraid to Ask
1999
Closing Arguments
1999
Field Sobriety Tests: A View From a Different Perspective
1998
Ethical Issues for the DUI Practitioner, Panel Discussion Regarding Chemical Testing
1998
Preparing to Defend DUI Cases in Tennessee
1998
Pre-Trial Investigation and Discovery
1997
DUI Defense
1997
Field Sobriety Tests
1997
A Complete Arsenal for DUI Defense
1997
Investigating the DUI Case: People to See, Places to Go, Things to Do
1997
Investigating the DUI Case; Demonstrating Field Sobriety Tests
1996
Criminal Representation
1996
Ethical Considerations of Retainer Fees in a Criminal Case
1996
The Art of the Opening Statement for DUI Defense
1996
General Sessions Court Criminal Practice
1996
Defending the Drinking Driver
1995
DUI Defense
1995
Investigating the DUI Case
1991
DUI Defense
1991
Defending the Drinking Driver
1990
Criminal Law — Rights of the Accused
1989
Criminal Law — Rights of the Accused
1988
Criminal Law — Rights of the Accused
1988
Defending the Drinking Driver
1988
Defending the Drinking Driver
1987
DUI Defense
1987
DUI Defense
1986
DUI Defense
1985
DUI Defense
1985
General Sessions Court Criminal Practice
1984
Criminal Procedure
1984
Recent Tennessee Legislative and Case Law Developments in the Defense of DUI
1984
Defending Drinking Drivers in the United States
1983
Criminal Procedure
2010
2010
2009
2008
2006
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2001
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1972
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