Steve Oberman has been practicing law, primarily as a DUI lawyer in Tennessee, since 1980. He began his practice with W. Zane Daniel, John J. Duncan Jr., and Glen Claiborne under the firm name of Daniel, Duncan & Claiborne. Due to Mr. Duncan being elected Knox County Criminal Court Judge, and later our U.S. Congressman, Zane Daniel and Steve Oberman began their own firm in 1986, Daniel and Oberman. Sara Compher-Rice joined the firm in 2002 to assist Steve while developing a practice of her own as a DUI attorney in Knoxville, TN.

After twenty-six years of practicing together, Zane Daniel passed away in 2006 after succumbing to cancer. The Oberman Law Firm was founded in 2008. To honor his long-time association with Ms. Compher-Rice, in 2010 the firm was renamed Oberman & Rice. Mr. Arrin “A.Z.” Zadeh was asked to join the firm as an associate lawyer in 2014 and was later asked to become partner in 2017.

The mission of our law firm is to zealously represent our clients while maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility and ethics. Of equal importance, our lawyers and staff strive to provide exceptional service to our clients and pride ourselves on prompt and thorough communication with our clients.

Additionally, our lawyers have a strong commitment to scholarship–volunteering their time to educate other member of the bar (lawyers and judges) as well as the general public on a variety of legal topics. Our lawyers have combined to deliver hundreds of presentations. Please review our lawyers’ biographies for more details: Steve Oberman, Sara Compher-Rice and Arrin “A.Z.” Zadeh.

Due in part to the work ethic and dedication of the Oberman & Rice law firm to our clients, many different organizations have bestowed the firm with their highest ratings for law firms. Individually, each of our Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyers have received many honors from numerous other organizations.

Knoxville Criminal Defense Lawyers

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, our Criminal Defense Attorneys provide services throughout East Tennessee, including, but not limited to, Knox County, Loudon County, Blount County, Sevier County, Roane County, and Anderson County. The Oberman & Rice Law Firm represents citizens charged with all types of Tennessee crimes, including Traffic Offenses, Misdemeanor Offenses, and serious Felony Offenses. We are committed to zealously representing our clients while providing unparalleled attention and communication to help relieve the anxiety associated with being accused of a Tennessee crime.

Our lawyers work hard to achieve the best results possible for our clients. One way to accomplish this is to make good communication a priority. Steve, Sara, and A.Z know that any criminal charge causes fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. They take the time and effort to educate, inform, and advise clients about their cases – from the first interview until the case is concluded.

The Oberman & Rice Law Firm is committed to providing our clients timely responses to their questions as the case progresses. There are no insignificant questions—our lawyers are always ready and wiling to assist you. After all, that’s why we trademarked the motto “Your Future Is Our Present Concern.”

Our Attorneys (Please click on the photo for more information)

Our Practice Areas

All Tennessee criminal cases, even misdemeanor offenses, require a thorough review and investigation, as well as an aggressive defense in court. Our Tennessee criminal defense attorneys represent those charged with a variety of Tennessee felony crimes, misdemeanor crimes, and traffic offenses including, but not limited to:

• Felony Offenses
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Conspiracy
  • Evading Arrest
  • Felony Drug Offense
  • Kidnapping
  • Possession of Prohibited Weapons
  • Robbery
  • Theft
  • Unlawful Carrying or Possessing Weapons
  • Vandalism
  • Vehicular Assault
• Misdemeanor Offenses
  • Assault & Domestic Assault
  • Criminal Impersonation
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Driving on a Suspended License
  • Domestic Violence
  • DUI
  • Evading Arrest
  • Implied Consent Violations
  • Obstruction of Justice
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Possession of Prohibited Weapons
  • Public Intoxication
  • Reckless Driving
  • Reckless Endangerment
  • Simple Possession of Drugs
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Underage Consumption
  • Underage Possession of Alcohol
  • Unlawful Carrying or Possessing Weapons
• Traffic Offenses
  • Careless Driving
  • Drag Racing
  • Driving on a Suspended/Revoked License
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device
  • Failure to Yield
  • Following Too Closely
  • Improper Turn
  • Insurance Violation
  • Lane Violation
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Reckless Driving
  • Speeding