About Us

The Watson Law Firm is a Knoxville, Tennessee criminal defense firm representing individuals at every stage of a criminal matter, from investigation and arrest through hearings, negotiations, and trial. Founded by Michael D. Watson after his graduation from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, The Watson Law Firm is dedicated exclusively to criminal defense. The firm serves clients in matters ranging from misdemeanours and DUI allegations to complex felony, white collar, domestic violence, drug, weapons, and sex-crime cases.

With years of courtroom experience and an exclusive focus on criminal defense, our team brings focused preparation to cases that general-practice firms may not routinely handle. This standing within the criminal-defense community is reflected in our recognition by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

Criminal allegations can carry immediate and long-term consequences for a client’s freedom, employment, professional standing, family relationships, and future opportunities. Our role is to help you understand the legal process, assess your options, and move forward with informed decisions at every stage of your case.

The Watson Law Firm Approach to Legal Representation

Criminal cases require disciplined preparation, sound judgment, and direct communication. The Watson Law Firm begins by examining the individual circumstances of each matter: the allegation, the evidence, the procedure followed by law enforcement, and the legal issues that may affect the case.

The firm provides clients with clear explanations of the process, the decisions ahead, and the legal options available. This includes discussing issues such as arrest procedures, searches and seizures, evidence, court appearances, plea negotiations, and trial preparation in straightforward terms. In preparing each case, the firm evaluates the legal, factual, and, where relevant, forensic issues that may affect the defence, allowing its attorneys to provide informed and case-specific representation.

Confidentiality, respect, and careful case preparation guide every client relationship. Rather than treating a charge as a routine file, the firm considers the practical effects a criminal case can have on a client’s life and develops a strategy suited to the facts and objectives of that individual matter.

Our Practice Areas

The Watson Law Firm represents clients in a broad range of criminal defence matters, including:

Felony and misdemeanour defence
DUI and felony DUI defence
Drug crimes, including possession, manufacturing, trafficking, and related allegations
Domestic violence charges and restraining-order matters
White collar crime, including embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, money laundering, and fraud allegations
Violent crimes, sex crimes, weapons charges, traffic offences, probation violations, and juvenile matters

Speak With Our Team

If you need to discuss a criminal matter in Knoxville or elsewhere in Tennessee, contact The Watson Law Firm to arrange a free initial consultation.

Call (865) 259-0948 or reach out through our contact form to speak with our team.

Michael D. Watson

Mr. Watson is originally from Columbus Ohio. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University. He obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Lincoln Memorial Duncan School of Law. Upon graduation Mr. Watson opened The Watson Law Firm, where he has dedicated his time as a criminal defense attorney. Michael or “Mike” as his friends and family call him has defended hundreds of clients ranging from a simple misdemeanor to the most serious felonies.

When Mr. Watson is not in the courtroom advocating for his clients he enjoys spending time outdoors, in particular playing golf and traveling.

Memberships

Knoxville Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National College for DUI Defense

Awards

2024 Top 40 under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney
2024 Nation Trial Lawyers Top 100

Victoria B. Ungos

Victoria Ungos is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and graduated with a B.S. in Political Science: Legal Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice.

She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Lincoln Memorial Duncan School of Law in May 2022 where she was awarded the Lincoln Award for Leadership. She was admitted to the State Bar of Tennessee in Spring 2024. Ms. Ungos is dedicated to criminal defense matters. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and dogs, traveling, being a Swiftie, and cheering on the Volunteers.

Memberships:

Knoxville Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National College for DUI Defense