Jes Beard/Attorney at Law

Whether you're in trial, or hope to settle your case without one, you deserve someone who will fight for your rights, who isn't afraid to stand up for you in the courtroom.  Don't accept anything less than a lawyer who puts your needs first.

Personal Background
Licensed in Tennessee State and Federal District Courts; Obtained $2,000,000.00 judgment in personal injury case (Hamilton County Circuit Court case #92CV2426); J.D. 1981, University of San Diego; 1980-81 Regulatory Law Reporter; B.A.1978, Indiana University (Journalism & Economics); Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA); Chattanooga Trial Lawyers; Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Chattanooga Bar Association; Cyberspace Bar Association; former lobbyist. MORE PERSONAL INFO

Practice Areas
Domestic Relations: Divorce, Child Custody, Paternity, Support, Visitation, Adoption, Dependency & Neglect, Child Abuse, Child Molestation, Domestic Violence; Criminal Law: Misdemeanors to Felonies, shoplifting to murder; Traffic Offenses; Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated (DUI or DWI); Personal Injury and Wrongful Death; Will challenges (information in the links on Wills and Probate and estate planning is all accurate, but these are really not my practice areas).

$$ Fees
I will work with clients regarding payment, but it is impossible to quote a fee without hearing and considering the facts of the case.  Criminal matters are generally flat fees, and domestic matters are generally hourly; but my flat fees, retainers and hourly rates all vary according to the case; my hourly rate normally ranges between $145 and $175 an hour, my retainers and minimum criminal case fees usually start at $500.  Personal injury cases (and some others) are generally handled on a contingent fee basis  -- I only get paid if I get something for you, though you're still responsible for costs.  But there is never any charge to initially discuss a matter by phone or to determine if you would be comfortable with me as your attorney.  Mastercard & Visa accepted. MORE INFO ON FEES

Here When Needed
If it's an emergency and you need to reach me immediately, simply call.  If I'm not in court, the odds are I'm in the office, regardless the hour; if it's urgent, you can also reach me on my cell phone.  I'll also accommodate your work schedule for office conferences.

Geographic Area
Chattanooga is in Hamilton County, Tennessee, adjacent to Bradley County, McMinn County, Rhea County, Sequatchie County, Bledsoe County and Marion County.  I have handled cases in all of them.  Chattanooga is also about 120 miles from both Knoxville and Nashville (Knox County and Davidson County) which also makes it possible to handle cases there if needed.  Atlanta attorney Mark Hill has similar practice areas in Georgia and associates with this office as needed.

Cases In The News
Some of the cases I have handled have resulted in news coverage, including the following:
 

Arrests of Girls Called `Illegal'    9/1/99	Debtor Jailed Over Fines Wins Reprieve    3/9/99
Jurisdiction Issue in ID For Voter Case   10/30/98	Suit For Police Excessive Force  3/24/2000

Woman Victimized by Con-Man 6/15/2000

Legal Questions & Answers
Most of the links I offer are to pages I have prepared to specifically address Tennessee law in my practice areas.  While the law in many of these areas may be the same in other states, all of the information I have prepared at the links below address Tennessee law and Tennessee law only.  A few of the links are to web sites prepared by others, either offering general legal information or offering more detail.  To make sure you can find your way back to this site, bookmark this page for easy return (hitting Ctrl-D will do it).  Return to top of page.

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To view this page with ALL links listed at once, click here.

For comments or questions, click here to reach me by e-mail.  (But remember that even though information you send is protected by attorney client privilege, since you are seeking legal advice, the fact that you send a question or even if I respond, does not create an attorney-client relationship.  Do not consider me as your attorney or representing you or expect me to appear for you in court unless you have come in to my office, spoken with me in person, signed a written Representation Agreement, and paid me an agreed fee.  There are many cases I do not take, so it is important to remember sending an e-mail does not mean I represent you.)

(423) 267-4391/(423) 267-4394 Fax/(423) 635-2068 Cell

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    This is presented as general legal information on the law in Tennessee and the local court environment as existing when this was written late in 1997 thru late in 1999, but it's impossible to give meaningful legal advice for your specific situation without ever speaking to you.  Under no circumstances should this be taken as reflecting the law anywhere outside of Tennessee (it might be the same.... but it might not).  Please also remember that every situation is unique, and that the law constantly changes.  General information setting out the law at a given point in time is not the same as specific advice at the time your problem arises.
        Before offering advice for you individually, I'll need to talk with you directly so I can ask questions to develop the relevant facts.  I would be happy to schedule an office appointment to discuss your questions in detail. See Disclosure on Non-Representation Link

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Certifications of Specialization are available to Tennessee lawyers in all areas of practice relating to or included in the areas of Civil Trial, Criminal Trial, Business Bankruptcy, Consumer Bankruptcy, Creditor's Rights, Medical Malpractice,  Legal Malpractice, Accounting Malpractice, Elder Law and Estate Planning.  Listing of related or included practice areas herein does not constitute or imply a representation of certification of specialization.

http://www.jesbeard.com    Return to top of page.