William J. Brown, Criminal Defense Attorney in Cleveland, Tennessee
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatWilliam J. Brown & Associates
Cleveland, TN
Practicing criminal defense in Cleveland since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William J. Brown?
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Quick answer
William J. Brown is a member based in Cleveland, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William J. Brown & Associates. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Cleveland, TN
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Family Law · Personal Injury
- Handles Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury matters from Cleveland, TN.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About William J. Brown: William J. Brown is a member based in Cleveland, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William J. Brown & Associates. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William J. Brown
William concentrates on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Personal Injury
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Criminal Defense cases in Cleveland, Tennessee
William takes criminal defense matters in Cleveland, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Cleveland, Tennessee
William takes family law matters in Cleveland, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Cleveland, Tennessee
William takes personal injury matters in Cleveland, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William J. Brown — Over 49 years of Tennessee criminal defense experience
William J. Brown is a member based in Cleveland, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William J. Brown & Associates. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Brown's practice focuses in the areas of civil litigation, domestic relations, personal injury, products liability, workers compensation, and civil rights. Over the past 30 years of Mr. Brown's legal career he has tried and won hundreds of cases ranging from simple contract disputes to civil rights actions before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Mr. Brown was born in Cleveland, Tennessee. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Tennessee Technological University and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. During his time as an undergraduate at Tennessee Tech University, Mr. Brown simultaneously joined the United States Army Reserves and was commissioned at a 2nd Lieutenant. He went on to receive the rank of Captain and commanded three cavalry troops for the United States National Guard 278th Armored Cavalry Unit.
Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Brown spent 10 years as an Assistant District Attorney handling cases from simple assault to capital murder. He has since gone on to distinguish himself as one of the premier attorneys in southeast Tennessee, most notably arguing and winning the landmark ADA civil rights case of Tennessee v. Lane before the Supreme Court of the United States.
How William handles criminal defense matters
Mr. Brown's practice focuses in the areas of civil litigation, domestic relations, personal injury, products liability, workers compensation, and civil rights. Over the past 30 years of Mr. Brown's legal career he has tried and won hundreds of cases ranging from simple contract disputes to civil rights actions before the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Brown was born in Cleveland,…
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
William J. Brown's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee
J.D. · 1977
Tennessee Technological University
B.S. Political · 1974
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
1978 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1977 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. Political in Tennessee Technological University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. Political in Tennessee Technological University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William J. Brown
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
William J. Brown's office in Cleveland
William's primary office is at 23 N. Ocoee, Cleveland, TN, 37364-1001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William J. Brown — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Cleveland.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William J. Brown claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William J. Brown — 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 William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Cleveland, 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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William J. Brown
How much does it cost to hire William for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check William'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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
William'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 Cleveland, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
William 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 William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
