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James Richie Owen

also known as James R. Owen
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Avvo Rating10
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed for 23 years
  • Free consultation

Legal guides written by James Owen

James Richie Owen
James Richie Owen
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About James

Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney. Call Now For A Free Phone Consultation.

James R. Owen has successfully defended more than 3000 DUI cases in East Tennessee and Knox County.

Practice areas

OtherWhite collar crimeViolent crimeCriminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 40%

    23 years, 5,000 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 25%

    Experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer.

    23 years, 5,000 cases

  3. Violent crime: 10%

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  4. White collar crime: 5%

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  1. Expungement: 5%

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Speeding and traffic ticket: 5%

    23 years, 5,000 cases

  3. Juvenile law: 5%

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  4. Domestic violence: 5%

    23 years, 1,000 cases

Languages spoken

English

Client's Choice 2020
Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice 2015

Photos and videos

1696412 1422650723

1696412 1422651604

Contact

550 W. Main St., Ste. 950
address map

The Owen Law Firm

550 W. Main St., Ste. 950
Knoxville, TN, 37902

Office (865) 440-6345
Office (865) 240-0319

Website

http://www.jamesrowenlaw.com

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
TNActive199706/26/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers48
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
BV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2018
Top 100 LawyersAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2018
BV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
ASLA Top 100 LawyerAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2017
Top Ten DUI/DWI AttorneyAmerican Institute of Legal Counsel2017
Superior DWI AttorneyNational Advocacy for DUI Defense2017
High Professional Achievement and High Ethical StandingMartindale-Hubbell2016
Top Ten DUI/DWI AttorneyAmerican Institute of Legal Counsel2016
Top AttorneyCityView Magazine2015
Certified DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety TestingNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration2014
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerOwen Law Firm2016 - Present
Founding Board Member and SecretaryFriends of Knox County Recovery Court, Inc.2015 - Present
AttorneyThe Garza Law Firm, PLLC2014 - 2016
Supervisor for DUI Court LawyersKnox County Public Defender Community Law Office1997 - 2014
Law ClerkLaw Office of William F. Travis1995 - 1997
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Advocacy for DUI DefenseSuperior DUI Defense2017 - Present
National Academy of Criminal Defense AttorneysTop Attorney2017 - Present
American Society of Legal AdvocatesMember2016 - Present
American Institute of DUI/DWI AttorneysTop Attorney2016 - Present
American Institute of DUI/DWI AttorneysMemeber2016 - Present
Friends of Knox County Recovery CourtFounding Member2015 - Present
Friends of Knox County Recovery CourtSecretary2015 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember2014 - Present
Knoxville Bar AssociationMember2007 - Present
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember1997 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
City ViewTop Attorneys2015
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Memphis - Cecil C. Humphreys School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1997
East Tennessee State UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science1994
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Mock Trial Competion JudgeTrial Advocacy2013
CLO New Lawyer Training SessionIntroduction to DUI practice in Knox County2011
UT Legal ClinicJuvenile Court Practice2006
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State Of Tennessee versus DavisAppeal dismissed in favor of the Defendant
State of Tennessee v. J.M.DUI charge reduced to Public Intoxication, 30 days unsupervised probation.
State of Tennessee v. F.S.Case dismissed at motion to suppress because Tennessee law states that a red light violation does not occur when the driver enters the intersection on yellow.
State of Tennessee v. B.L.Not guilty after trial.

Reviews

(80)
5 Star
96%
4 Star
4%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review James Owen

Excellent outcome!

Posted by

James was able to get my DUI case dismissed completely. He has always been friendly and professional. I highly recommend him, you won't be disappointed!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Extremely satisfied

Posted by

James was up front about what he expected as a result of my case, with likely outcomes. He got me the best case scenario, and his price was reasonable.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Case dismissed

Posted by

Mr. Owen represented me in a case which was my first offense, and by following his recommendations my case got dismissed entirely. He is professional and efficient, and essentially handled everything.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Atticus Finch

Posted by

In my opinion, the best way to describe James Richie Owen lies in a quote (regarding the lawyer Atticus Finch) from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” That’s the kind of lawyer James Richie Owen is. I’d never been arrested and was extremely scared of what would happen to me. From the day I met James (in my first consultation) all the way to him getting my case dismissed many months later, I always felt James listened to me describe the details of my case as if it was happening to him; and I strongly believe that’s how my case ended with a dismissal. James Richie Owen will fight for you as if he’s fighting for himself. I highly recommend and respect him as a lawyer and a person.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
James Owen's response: Thank you for your kind words. I am so happy we got your case dismissed.

Speeding citation

Posted by

Initially met with Mr. Owen, he explained what “could” happen and what could be done. He is a very clear and direct counsel. He requests what he needs from you and takes care of the rest. All or most communications will be handled through Ms. Jody, his paralegal or aid, but he will make himself available to speak if you make that request. Thank you for being very informative throughout the process. The consistent line of communication and response to emails gives reassurance to your clients during the stressful moments.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Teacher

Posted by

Mr. Owen was wonderful. He represented me in a traffic citation. I was able to simply turn the matter over to him and did not have to worry about anything. He took care of the case and I had no more worries! I would hire him again in an instant.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Attorney

Posted by

mr. Owen did exactly what he said he could do, and a mans word is everything I need to know and he nwent above and beyo0nd nwith me and just letting you know he is one of the best in Knoxville and I wojuld recommend him for anyone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Couldn't be happier

Posted by

I hired Mr. Owen to take care of 2 tickets for me. One was in a personal vehicle for 17 over and the other was in a commercial vehicle for failure to stop at a stop sign. The speeding ticket was reduced to 4 over and the commercial ticket was dismissed altogether. I 100% would suggest him to anyone and will definitely call on him in the future if I need his services.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Made the right choice

Posted by

James Owen and team handled a minor in possession case for us. Removed the fear and worry and guided us to an excellent outcome. Professional, friendly and great with parent and young adult both. Highly recommended!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Easily Had My Charges Dropped

Posted by

I hired James to fight for me against my accused drag racing charges. I talked to many attorneys, most seemed unsure or skeptical because of where I received the ticket and how tough their court/judge in that city can be, and while Mr. Owen obviously couldn’t make any promises, he was confident enough in his abilities to make me decide to go with him over the others. It was mandatory that I not get any type of moving violation because my job requires me to drive. Court session was quick and easy as he took care of everything and managed to get all of my charges dropped and expunged off my record. Very happy with the outcome, I would definitely recommend him to others, the money you spend is worth it to have a clean record!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
James Owen's response: Thank you for your kind words. I was so happy that we were able to keep you driving and keep your record clean. Drive Safe!
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(19)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Sam English, Child custody Attorney on Aug 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Owen is a highly intelligent and aggressive trial lawyer. He is very experienced and among the toughest in the courtroom. The representation you will receive from him is top notch.

Shannon Holland, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse James Owen. I have seen James in court for his clients many times, and he is an experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected attorney who works hard to zealously advocate for his clients. I would be pleased to recommend him to my own clients for consideration whenever the need arose for his criminal defense expertise.

Jedidiah McKeehan, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 24, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have seen Mr. Owen in action and he zealously represents his clients and consistently receives positive results for them. I wholeheartedly endorse him.

Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Real estate Attorney on Jan 10, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Stephen McGrath, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Jim Owen, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 10, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Military law Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Shannon Holland, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse James Owen. I have seen James in court for his clients many times, and he is an experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected attorney who works hard to zealously advocate for his clients. I would be pleased to recommend him to my own clients for consideration whenever the need arose for his criminal defense expertise.

Whitney Polson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 12, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. As a member of the DUIDLA, Mr. Owen is committed to excellence in defending DUI cases.

Jill Rogers, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 10, 2015
Relationship: Other

Highly respected and overall a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Douglas Borthwick, Family Attorney on Feb 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Pezhman Pakneshan, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 6, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Jesse Lords, Family Attorney on Feb 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James is a highly skilled and respected lawyer

Jonathan Rooker, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 31, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. As a fellow member of DUIDLA, I can attest that this lawyer knows how to defend his clients. Education, passion, and hard work.

Matthew Brock, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James and I attended the NHTSA DUI Standardized Field Sobriety Training together as well as the TACDL DUI seminar. His knowledge of DUI law is second to none. Not only is James an excellent attorney but he is also a great person who is easy to talk to. I have no doubt that any client faced with criminal charges is in good hands with James.

Laura Metcalf, Car accident Attorney on Dec 31, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Troy Bowlin, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 23, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I had the fantastic opportunity to work with James early in my legal career. James is passionate about providing quality legal representation to his Clients.

Rachel Lambert

James is a fantastic lawyer who has the experience and know-how to accomplish amazing results for his clients. You will have a hard time finding a better, more likeable attorney to handle your defense.

Sam English, Child custody Attorney on Aug 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Owen is a highly intelligent and aggressive trial lawyer. He is very experienced and among the toughest in the courtroom. The representation you will receive from him is top notch.

J House, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 15, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Owen has handled thousands of DUI cases in Knox County as well as general criminal cases over the years. His extensive exposure to the court system in Knox County through his years as a former public defender have also made him very familiar with all the judges and prosecutors and with what can be done with a case.

Edwin Anderson, Social security Attorney on Aug 15, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

James and I have handled cases together and I have had the opportunity to see him in action many times in DUI Court. James had handled thousands of DUI cases during his career in Knoxville and Knox County. He takes the time to help his clients understand what they are up against, goes through the evidence against them with a fine-toothed comb, and isn't afraid to take them to trial. He is well-respected by the judges and prosecutors. He is worth every penny of his fee.

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    Legal guides written by James Owen