James Young Reed, Criminal Defense Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Juvenile · 3.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
MemberatJames Y. "Bo" Reed
Knoxville, TN
Practicing criminal defense in Knoxville since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 3.3 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James Young Reed?
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Quick answer
James Young Reed is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Juvenile. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Y. "Bo" Reed. Rated 3.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Insurance · Juvenile
- Handles Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Juvenile matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Young Reed: James Young Reed is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Juvenile. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Y. "Bo" Reed. Rated 3.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on criminal defense, insurance, juvenile, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Insurance
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Juvenile
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Workers Comp
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Criminal Defense cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes criminal defense matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes insurance matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes juvenile matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes litigation matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes personal injury matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Young Reed — criminal defense lawyer in Knoxville
James Young Reed is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Juvenile. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Y. "Bo" Reed. Rated 3.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
James Young Reed is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, general civil practice, criminal defense in state and federal courts and 7 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from University of Tennessee in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. James practices at James Y. "Bo" Reed in Knoxville, TN.
James's approach to criminal defense cases
James Young Reed is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, general civil practice, criminal defense in state and federal courts and 7 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from University of Tennessee in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. James practices at James Y. "Bo" Reed in Knoxville, TN.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, insurance, and juvenile matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Tennessee
J.D. · 1981
University of Tennessee
B.S. · 1979
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1982 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. in University of Tennessee.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. in University of Tennessee. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Knoxville and Tennessee Bar Associations Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
membership
Locations
James Young Reed's office in Knoxville
James's primary office is at 720 S. Gay St., Knoxville, TN, 37901. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Young Reed — 3.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Knoxville.
3.3
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Young Reed claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Young Reed — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Young Reed
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
James is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Tennessee
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





