With over 37 years of experience, attorney Michael J. Stengel is a distinguished and forward-thinking lawyer that concentrates his practice on matters involving criminal defense, criminal appeals, and tax penalty litigation in the state of Tennessee and the federal courts. His success is due, in significant part, to the detailed, hands-on representation he provides to a his clients. When a client retains Mr. Stengel, they are receiving top-tier legal guidance from the founder himself, not an associate with less experience.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Mr. Stengel graduated from the University of Rochester with his bachelor’s degree in 1983 before heading south to Memphis, Tennessee, for law school. In 1986, he earned his law degree from the University of Memphis, where he was a member of the Memphis State Law Review and Moot Court Board.

In 1994, Mr. Stengel founded Stengel Law Firm in Memphis, where he combined his passion for criminal defense and tax law to fight and protect the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. Contact Stengel Law Firm to learn more regarding Mr. Stengel and how he can help you.

Representative Cases

  • United States v. Fields, 53 F.4th 1027(6th Cir. 2022)
  • United States v. Fields, 44 F.4th 490 (6th Cir. 2022)
  • United States v. Cooper, 24 F.4th 1086 (6th Cir. 2022)
  • Atkins v. Crowell, 945 F.3d 476 (6th Cir. 2019)
  • United States v. Petlechkov, 922 F.3d 762 (6th Cir. 2019)
  • United States v. Ataya, 884 F.3d 318 (6th Cir. 2018)
  • United States v. Ataya, 869 F.3d 401 (6th Cir. 2017)
  • United States v. Fields, 763 F.3d 443 (6th Cir. 2014)
  • United States v. Reid, 751 F.3d 763 (6th Cir. 2014)
  • United States v. Pritchett, 749 F.3d 417 (6th Cir. 2014)
  • JTK Masonry Co., Inc. v. Commissioner, TC Memo 2012-175 (2012)
  • United States v. Brinley, 684 F.3d 629 (6th Cir. 2012)
  • United States v. Tate, 516 F.3d 459 (6th Cir. 2008)
  • United States v. Miller, 434 F.3d 820 (6th Cir. 2006)
  • Okerson v. Commissioner, 123 T.C. No. 14 (2004)
  • United States v. Faison, 339 F.3d 518 (6th Cir. 2003)
  • United States v. Elkins, 300 F.3d 638 (6th Cir. 2002)
  • United States v. Saari, 272 F.3d 804 (6th Cir. 2001)
  • United States v. Mask, 154 F.Supp.2d 1344 (W.D. Tenn. 2001)
  • United States v. Bush, 252 F.3d 959 (8th Cir. 2001)
  • United States v. Curtis, 237 F.3d 598 (6th Cir. 2001)
  • United States v. Mask, 101 F. Supp. 2d 673 (W.D., Tenn. 2000)
  • United States v. Elkins, 95 F. Supp. 2d 796 (W.D. Tenn. 2000)
  • United States v. Curly, 167 F.3d 316 (6th Cir. 1999)
  • United States v. Johnson, 152 F.3d 553 (6th 1998)
  • United States v. Robinson, 152 F.3d 507 (6th Cir. 1998)
  • United States v. Fleming, 128 F. 3d 285 (6th Cir. 1997)
  • Walco Investments, Inc. v. Thenen, 947 F. Supp. 491 (S.D. Fla. 1996)
  • Walco Investments, Inc. v. Thenen, 168 F.R.D. 315 (S.D. Fla. 1996)
  • United States v. Flowers, 55 F. 3d 218 (6th Cir. 1995)
  • Hannahs v. United States, 75 AFTR 2d 95-1150 (W.D. Tenn. 1995)
  • United States v. Karen Berry, 807 F. Supp. 442 (W.D. Tenn. 1992)
  • United States v. John Berry, 807 F.Supp. 439 (W.D. Tenn. 1992)
  • Graphic Systems v. Taylor, 791 S.W.2d 27 (1990)
  • Parks v. Commissioner, 94 T.C. No. 38 (1990)

Memberships

  • Western District of Tennessee, CJA Panel Representative, 2008 to 2021
  • Western District of Tennessee, Standing Local Rules Committee Member (Chair, Criminal Local Rules Subcommittee), 2012 – 2018
  • Memphis Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • The Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inn of Court
    • Master, 2009 -2012
    • Barrister, 1997 – 2000
  • Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 1986 to present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Lifetime Membership
  • Tennessee Bar Association 1987 to present
  • Memphis Bar Association 1986 to present
    • Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee Chairman, 1998 – 1999
    • Legal Fee Dispute Committee Chairman, 2000
    • CLE Committee Co-Chair, 2001 – 2002
  • Western District of Tennessee, Federal Public Defender, Merit Review Panel Member, 2004
  • 6th Judicial Circuit Conference Delegate, 2004
  • Moot Court Board Member  1984-1986
  • Memphis State Law Review, 1984 – 1986