From first-time misdemeanors to capital murder and federal charges, our entire team handles criminal defense, bringing courtroom experience that is genuinely rare in East Tennessee.
Don Spurrell and Grace Studer represent clients in the most serious cases before Federal District Court. A former prosecutor on staff. All three work together on your case.
From simple possession to trafficking and distribution, we challenge every aspect of the state’s case: stop validity, search and seizure, chain of custody, and lab procedures. Every detail matters.
Assault and violent crime charges often turn on disputed facts and witness credibility. We investigate thoroughly, challenge weak evidence, and prepare for trial from day one.
From shoplifting to felony theft and burglary, we work to protect your record, your employment, and your future from charges that carry lasting consequences.
Fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes require attorneys who understand complex financial evidence. Don Spurrell brings decades of federal court experience to every white-collar matter.
Federal prosecution carries longer sentences and significantly more resources against you. Don Spurrell and Grace Studer are both CJA Panel members for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Don Spurrell is capital case qualified and has served as trial counsel in capital and first-degree murder cases. When the stakes are this high, you need an attorney who has been there before.
A conviction is not always final. We identify legal errors, constitutional violations, and new evidence issues in post-conviction matters at both state and federal levels.
A probation violation allegation can result in immediate incarceration. We respond quickly to protect your liberty and assert every available defense under your supervision conditions.
Eligible charges can be cleared from your record, opening doors to employment, housing, and licensing that a criminal record can close. Call us to find out if you qualify.
When a conviction or plea is inevitable, the sentence is not. Our attorneys consult on sentencing matters in state and federal courts, providing second opinions and creative mitigation strategies to pursue the best possible outcome from a difficult situation.
Don has been a fixture in Tri-Cities courtrooms since 1987. Capital case qualified and trained at the National Criminal Defense College, he has tried over 100 jury trials to verdict across state and federal courts. He brings nearly four decades of criminal defense experience to every case he touches.
Grace handles criminal defense matters across the board and brings the same aggressive advocacy she is known for in civil and family court. A member of the CJA Panel for the Eastern District of Tennessee alongside Don, Grace is qualified and experienced in federal criminal defense matters.
Matt spent years building and prosecuting the same types of cases he now defends. As a former Assistant District Attorney, he knows exactly how law enforcement constructs a case and where it can fall apart. That inside knowledge is your advantage from day one.
Both attorneys appear regularly before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in serious federal criminal matters. Their appointment to the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel reflects a formal determination by the federal court that they meet the experience and competency required for the most complex federal criminal cases. CJA Panel membership is not self-declared. It is recognized by the court.
Don and Grace also consult on criminal sentencing in state and federal cases where they are not the attorney of record. Federal sentencing under the guidelines is a specialized area. If you or your attorney want a second perspective on mitigation strategy before a sentencing hearing, call us.
Not every criminal defense firm in East Tennessee practices in state and federal courts at the highest level, holds CJA Panel appointments, and has a former prosecutor on staff. At SSM, all three are true, and they work together on your case.
Don Spurrell has served as trial counsel in capital murder, first-degree murder, and the most serious federal criminal cases. There is no charge too serious for this team.
Grace Studer and Don Spurrell represent clients before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Their CJA Panel appointments are a federal court recognition of the experience and skill required for the most serious federal criminal matters.
Matt Matney built cases for the State of Tennessee as an Assistant District Attorney. He knows what evidence prosecutors lean on and exactly where the holes are.
We handle post-conviction appeals at both state and federal levels. Improper jury instructions, constitutional violations, prosecutorial misconduct. If there’s a meritorious issue, we find it.
Our entire team is ready. Don’t navigate a criminal charge alone.
423-CALL-LAW