$ 125-300 per hour
About Samuel
Biography
At the Law Office of Sam Byrd in Chattanooga, Tennessee, we provide knowledgeable and experienced legal representation for Family Law (Divorce & Child Custody), DUI and Criminal Defense. Attorney Sam Byrd is a second-generation lawyer, following in the footsteps of his father, Mitchell A. Byrd.
Sam Byrd and his legal team provide highly personalized legal representation. A quick glance through the yellow pages or attorney directory makes it clear that many attorneys handle a wide array of legal matters. However, Mr. Byrd believes he better serves his clients by focusing on obtaining an advanced level of skill and expertise in a limited number of practice areas, those being DUI and Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Mr. Byrd frequently attends local and national seminars in these areas to keep informed of the latest trends and changes in law and policy.
DUI and Criminal Defense
Sam Byrd is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College of DUI Defense. His membership in these organizations keeps him involved the ever changing laws and regulations in these fields. For example, Mr. Byrd recently completed an extensive three day course by the NCDD on mastering scientific evidence in DUI cases where he learned cutting edge methods for challenging breath, blood, and field sobriety tests in DUI cases.
Mr. Byrd also represents persons charged with felonies and misdemeanors from theft, assault, drugs, sex crimes and more.
Family Law
Mr. Byrd also represents clients involving family law issues, including divorce, child custody, child support, modifications of existing divorce decrees and more. He is a member of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association and frequently attends events for additional training and knowledge in this area of law.
Family law case involve families - real people and real lives. Their lives are not just impacted in the "now problem" but can have a lasting impact on the rest of their lives. Divorcing or separating couples face a lifetime of having to work with each other as they care for their children. There are an infinite number of lifetime events of their children that are impacted, such as Child irthdays, Holidays, School & extracurricular events, Weddings... babies… lifetimes. This far reaching impact requires constructive solutions.
We don’t want to waste your time, your money, or emotional energy. Our mission is to resolve your problem as fast and efficient as possible under the circumstances. Let us help you:
* Reduce the conflict, cost & duration of the legal process
* Avoid hurt driven decisions that you will pay for financially & emotionally for years to come;
* Protect & nurture your kids through the changes
- Divorce
- Child custody and support
- Modifications of parenting schedules
- Establishing paternity of a child
- Relocation: parents right to move away with a child
- Stepparent adoptions
- Grandparent rights with children
- Guardianship: giving the legal rights to care for a child to a non-parent
More about Attorney Sam Byrd
Mr. Byrd served in the U.S. Marines following high school graduation. He received his introduction to law while working as a paralegal for his father's Chattanooga law firm. He earned his law degree from his father's Alma mater, the University of Memphis School of Law in Tennessee.
He gained additional family law experience working for the University of Memphis Child and Family Litigation Clinic, where he represented children suffering from abuse and neglect situations, and helped families with special needs children acquire appropriate education and the state benefits they deserve. He has received additional training and education throughout his career in the areas of DUI, criminal defense, and family law.
Mr. Byrd takes great care to understand each client's unique needs in order to provide legal representation that is tailored to achieve those objectives. Attorney Byrd works directly with every client from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 14 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Samuel Aaron Byrd
3828 Dayton Blvd, Chattanooga, TN, 37415-4011
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Samuel Aaron Byrd's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 61 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Ashley | January 24, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Best Lawyer in Chattanooga
Sam Byrd was extremely helpful and made sure he did everything he could to assist me with my legal issues. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone needing a knowledgeable lawyer. Sam and his team were very friendly and easy to talk to which makes a huge difference when you are needing help.
Posted by Jessica | November 5, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best in Chattanooga!
You won’t find a better lawyer! Sam really goes above and beyond to build a relationship with you and build your confidence which inevitably suffers when dealing with difficult legal matters. I couldn’t have gotten a better outcome from the family legal matter he helped me with, and can’t imagine a...
Posted by Stephen | June 2, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
No
Charged me $309.00 for a five min consultation just to tell me it was going to cost three times more than most lawyers. All for a simple divorce. Not pleased.
Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Im a grandmoter that Sam helped me see my granddaughter.
Sam and his staff helped me in the most difficult time of my life. My daughter died and had a 3 yrs old child that I wasnt allowed to see. Him and his staff never stopped fighting for me It was a long hard process but in the end he was able to get me visitation with my grandchild. Sam and his sta...
Posted by Dustin | January 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Review
Excellent attorneys...hard workers, thorough research and communication...there for you for your justice you deserve...Thank You Covert Law Group
Samuel Aaron Byrd's Lawyer Endorsements
"Sam is an expert in DUI and DWI defense, and has attended the same training taken by police officers who conduct field sobriety tests. He has the specialized knowledge to successfully fight the government's DUI prosecutions. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"Sam has proven he's committed to DUI practice by attending the specialized NHTSA Standard Field Sobriety Testing course. He's shown he's serious about taking his practice to the next level by taking the same 24 hour training class the cops take. He can now pick apart the holes in the prosecutor's case and get better results for his clients."
"I highly recommend Sam to anyone and everyone facing a DWI/DUI/OVI case. Sam has a very specialized skill set that a lot of attorney’s do not have. Sam has completed the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test certification course and knows exactly what to look for when handling these cases."
"Sam is certified to conduct standardized field sobriety tests using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. Because of this certification Sam is the go-to man for any OVI/DUI/DWI case. I highly recommend this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a strong advocate for his clients. He consistently keeps up with the latest updates with law to help his clients. If I were to need an attorney to defend me, Sam would be the top choice."
"I have known Sam for several years. I frequently see him in court, advocating zealously for his clients. He is professional, and well respected in the community by other lawyers and by judges. I definitely recommend Sam."
"Sam Byrd is an excellent attorney. His commitment to expert legal representation is evident at every court appearance. I highly recommend him."
"Samuel Byrd is a dedicated DUI defense lawyer. A lot of lawyers may claim to be "DUI" lawyers, but only a small percentage of them are really dedicated to DUI defense. (That's because it take a huge investment of time and finances to truly master DUI defense.) I'm proud to endorse Samuel as a lawyer who is serious about DUI defense. As a member of The National College for DUI Defense, Samuel is committed to DUI defense, and will work hard to help you through this stressful situation. If you've been charged with a Chattanooga DUI, call Samuel and ask for help."
"I have worked with Sam as a prosecutor and a fellow defense attorney. He is a hardworking, zealous advocate for his clients. I recommend him for anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Sam is a fellow attorney in the Chattanooga community. He is well respected for his work in the criminal courts, and is a zealous advocate for his clients. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"Mr. Byrd is a great guy and an intelligent lawyer. He is a passionate and effective advocate for his clients."
"I have had the luxury of working with Mr. Byrd on several cases. He dedicates his work to ensure his clients rights are protected. He speaks with conviction and looks you right in the eye when he talks. This attorney means business when protecting his client. I endorse this lawyer."
"Sam is competent in both procedure and law, but his keen negotiating skills and compassion for his clients are his most prominent features. In court, I have seen Sam argue fervently on behalf of his clients. He is a well respected member of the Chattanooga legal community. I recommend Sam without reservation."
"Mr. Byrd is a skilled advocate in representing those charged with drunk driving. He spends his own money and time going to national conferences to better his ability. He's an A plus attorney that I recommend."
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation!"
"Mr. Byrd is a skilled attorney and a zealous advocate. I would highly recommend him."
"Samuel Byrd is not only a fantastic attorney, he is a fantastic person. I wouldn't hesitate to retain him if I was ever in need of representation."
"I endorse Samuel. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have had the privilege of knowing Sam for almost 5 years now, first as a law student and now as an attorney. He is highly intelligent, diligent, positive, and committed to excellence. If I had a friend in the Chattanooga area in need of legal services, I would share Sam's contact information without hesitation."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practicioner, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
2018
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018
DUI Defense Summer Session Curriculum at Harvard law School, National College of DUI
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2016
Ranked #2 on the 2016 Top DWI Attorneys - Chattanooga TN, Top DWI Attorneys in Chattanooga Tennessee
2016
10 Best, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2016
Top Ten Ranking, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2016
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2015
10 Best, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2015
10 Best Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2015
AVVO Client Choice Award, AVVO
2015
Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases, cert. of completion, National College of DUI Defense
2010
Dean's Award: Best Legal Memo, University of Memphis School of Law
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Sam Byrd
2014 - 2015
Adjunct Professor for Criminal Law, University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
2012 - 2012
Student Attorney, Child and Family Legal Clinic
2002 - 2011
Paralegal, Mitchell A. Byrd, Attorney
1999 - 2002
Infantry/ TOW Gunner, United States Marine Corps
Associations
2014 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - Present
American Institute of DUI/DWI AttorneysMember
2012 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
Family Law Section, American and TN Bar AssociationsMember
2012 - 2014
UnBroken Kids (501c3)Secretary
Sample of Legal Cases
Lovers quarrel gets both arrested
Case dismissed and mugshot taken off internet
Felony 4th Offense DUI reduced to misdemeanor
Felony DUI reduced to misdemeanor and saved client's job
Wrong place, wrong time
Felony drug and gun charges dismissed
DUI Dismissed
DUI Dismissed after proving officer improperly initiated search
Father abandons wife and kids
Mother gets the kids, all the property, and alimony. Father gets 60 days in jail and zero visitation days with kids
Education
2012
University of Memphis
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
University of Tennessee
BS - Bachelor of Science
N/A
National College of DUI Defense
Speaking Engagements
2014
Oral Arument
Appeal of Property Distribution in Divorce Case
2014
Intro to Criminal Justice, adjunct professor
Criminal Justice
2010
Moot Court
Fourth Amendment Search and Siezure Law
Publications
2015
www.chatt-law.com
Jail time for first-offense DUI convictions in Tennessee
2015
www.chatt-law.com
Rights in juvenile court
2015
www.chatt-law.com
When accused of drug crimes, the details matter
2015
www.chatt-law.com
'Zero tolerance' impaired driving charges for underage drivers
2015
2014
The Interweb
Www.chatt-law.com
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Ex wife claiming disability to avoid paying child support. How can I prove it's a lie? Any way to make her to pay anything now?
15 Jun 2014
Q&A
Will i be able to bond out?
13 Jun 2014
Q&A
Abandonment in the state of Tennessee
06 Jun 2014