Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, White Collar Crimes
Licensed in Tennessee since: 1991
Education: Samford University Cumberland School of Law
Knox Defense
607 Market StreetSuite 1100
Knoxville, TN 37902 Phone: 865-524-8106 Email: M. Jeffrey Whitt Visit website
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.
First Admitted: 1991, Tennessee
Professional Webpage: https://knoxdefense.com/team/jeffrey-whitt/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Knoxville Bar Association, since 1991, 1991
- Tennessee Bar Association, since 1987, 1987
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, since 1987 Board of Directors 2003-2006, 1987
- Loudon County Bar Association
Educational Background
- Maryville CollegeBachelor of Arts, 1987 All-Conference Honors Collegiate Academic All America, 1983-1987
Honors
- Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2020-2022, since 2024, Super Lawyers, Mid-South Super Lawyers
- Hamilton-Burnett American Inn of Court, since 1995, Hamilton-Burnett American Inn of Court, American Inns of Court, 1995
- Best Lawyers in America Criminal Defense: General Practice, since 2025 Criminal Defense: White Collar Crimes, since 2025, Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, 2025
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2022, 2024 - 2025