PRO

Licensed for 29 years

Litigation Lawyer at Oxford, MS
Practice Areas: Litigation, Spinal Cord Injury, Animal & Dog Bites ... +16 more

About J

Biography

Rhea Tannehill has been practicing law in Oxford since he graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1996. The first six years of his legal career Rhea worked for a firm representing individuals primarily in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense from 1996 until 2002. Rhea ventured out on his own and opened the Tannehill Law Firm, PLLC in Oxford in January 2003. In his solo practice, Rhea successfully served individuals in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, collection law (creditors), and estate planning and probate. Rhea was honored with an appointment to serve as Board Attorney for the Oxford Housing Authority and Mississippi Region II Housing Authority, both of whom he still represents today.

In the last 20 years Rhea’s practice has gravitated toward personal injury and criminal defense work because of the fulfillment that comes from helping individuals and families facing difficult situations. Some people are quick to pass judgment on others who have been charged with a crime, but those same people are quick to look for the best legal representation they can find when they or someone in their family has been caught drinking and driving or worse.

The same is true for personal injury cases. People often jeer at trial lawyers as “ambulance chasers,” yet they are quick to call one if they, or someone in their family, is in a car wreck or feels they have been wronged in some way. Rhea’s experience and success has allowed him to be recognized by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America every year since 2009 in the area of personal injury.
In addition to his civil practice, Rhea has served as Municipal Court Judge of Sardis, Mississippi since 2007 where he previously served as Municipal Court Prosecutor.

Rhea is a native of Union, Mississippi, and a graduate of Union High School. His parents, Jack Rhea Tannehill and Jane Tannehill owned and operated The Union Appeal, which is a weekly newspaper, while he was growing up. Rhea helped in the family business with the printing and distribution of the newspapers and other printed materials until he graduated from high school. Jack Tannehill owned and operated The Newton County Appeal (the successor of The Union Appeal) until he retired in 2012 – 44 years after taking over The Union Appeal.

Rhea received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Mississippi in 1991 and 1992, respectively. While an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi, Rhea was elected President of the Associated Student Body and inducted into the Student Hall of Fame. Rhea was an active member of the Mississippi Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, for which he served as Vice-President.

Rhea recently retired from a 28 year career in the Mississippi Army National Guard at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Most recently Rhea served as Military Judge for the Mississippi Military. He completed the Military Judge’s Course in 2018 as one of only three members of the National Guard in the class. The Military Judge’s Course is notorious for being the most challenging and difficult military legal courses, with service members from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. As Military Judge, Rhea heard all courts-martials in Mississippi and presided over administrative hearings regarding National Guard Soldiers.

Rhea’s most challenging role in the military was his service as Brigade Trial Counsel for the 168th Engineering Brigade headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi during a thirteen month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2008 until December 2010. Rhea was stationed at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan Rhea served as the only JAG Officer on Forward Operating Base Sharana and rendered legal assistance to all Soldiers, civilians, and contractors on the FOB. Rhea also advised the Commanders within his Brigade on military justice and general legal matters. Rhea and his wife, Robyn, maintained a website during his deployment where they share photographs and their experiences at . During his deployment to Afghanistan, Rhea was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Rhea was also mobilized with the Mississippi Army National Guard in 2005 for almost two months with Headquarters Battery, 631st Field Artillery Brigade after Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His unit performed disaster relief and clean-up operations, and he was awarded the Mississippi Magnolia Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Mississippi Commendation Medal and the Mississippi Emergency Service Medal for his service.

During his military service Rhea was also awarded the Mississippi War Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (2), Army Commendation Medal, Mississippi Commendation Medal (2) and the Mississippi Recruiting Medal.

Rhea has been an active member of The Mississippi Bar during his entire career. Rhea served as President of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Mississippi Bar during 2006-2007, Commissioner of The Mississippi Bar and Executive Committee of the Mississippi Bar from 2006-2008. In 2011 Rhea was selected as a Fellow of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Mississippi Bar.

Rhea has served on the Mississippi Bars Ethics’ Committee, which issues “advisory opinions” for its members regarding complex and contentious ethical issues. Prior to his service on the Ethics Committee, Rhea served five years on The Mississippi Bar’s Professional Responsibility Committee. This committee reviews all complaints filed against lawyers in Mississippi, and Rhea was honored to serve as Chairman in 2008.

Rhea was selected by his peers as a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar in 2011, which is the Foundation’s highest honor. Fellows only represent approximately 10% of the Mississippi Bar’s membership, who have achieved the “highest level of professionalism, competence, and leadership. Fellows are selected for membership based not only on their excellence as a lawyer but also by their dedication and service to the public and profession.”

In 2020, Rhea was appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court to serve as a member of the Complaint Tribunal. “The 27-member Complaint Tribunal is made up of nine judges and 18 lawyers selected by the nine members of the Supreme Court from three Supreme Court districts. The Complaint Tribunal sits in panels of three, with each panel comprised of two attorneys and one judge…. Members of the Complaint Tribunal hear and decide disciplinary matters arising from complaints against attorneys. Discipline may range from private reprimand to disbarment.”

Rhea also served on Board of Bar Commissioner’s Committee on Character and Fitness for 12 years. He has been honored to participate in the James O. Dukes Professionalism Program for first year law students at the University of Mississippi since its inception. Rhea is a member of and has served as President of the Lafayette County Bar and the Tri-County Jr. Bar Associations.

The biggest honor of Rhea's career was being elected by his peers as the 120th President of The Mississippi Bar. As President, Rhea oversees 19 Bar committees and 20 Bar sections. His initiatives during his tenure are to update the Bar's website, which will have more information and provide better access to benefits for members, and access to justice in rural communities.

Rhea has been active in the Oxford and Lafayette County communities through civic and community organizations including the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and the Oxford/Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. Rhea is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette and former member of the Oxford/Lafayette County United Way Board of Directors, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 55, and University of Mississippi Alumni Association.

Rhea is married to his best friend, the former Robyn McKenzie of Florence, Alabama, have been married for 30 years. Robyn is in her second term as Mayor of Oxford. Robyn and Rhea have three children, Maggie (26), who works for Court Appointed Special Advocates in Tupelo, Mississippi, Jack (23), who plays football at Murray State University and recently enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard, and Molly Catherine (1), who attends Mississippi State University. The Tannehill’s love Oxford High School sporting events, the Neshoba County Fair, going to Murray State Football games, the Neshoba County Fair, and drinking coffee or a cold beer on their back porch. The Tannehill’s are members of Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oxford, which is a church they help found and charter in 1995.

Practice Areas

Other 10%

10%

Animal and Dog Bites 5%

Animal Law 5%

Car Accident 5%

30 years

Criminal Defense 5%

30 years

DUI and DWI 5%

30 years

Debt Collection 5%

Debt Settlement 5%

Expungement 5%

Federal Crime 5%

Litigation 5%

Motorcycle Accident 5%

Personal Injury 5%

30 years

Slip and Fall Accident 5%

Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

Spinal Cord Injury 5%

Trucking Accident 5%

30 years

Violent Crime 5%

Wrongful Death 5%

Fees and Rates

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Contact for Details

Awards

2024 2023 2022

...

+ 9

Licenses

Licensed in Mississippi for 29 years

State: Mississippi

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

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Location

Tannehill Carmean & Mckenzie PLLC

829 N Lamar Blvd Ste 1, Oxford, MS, 38655-2858

tannehillcarmean.com

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Online Presence

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J Rhea Tannehill Jr's Reviews

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

5.0 /5.0

154 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(134)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(20 )

See client reviews from Lawyers.com

Showing 11 - 15 of 22 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | September 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Tannehill Review

I hired Tannehill to help me with a misdemeanor charge and had everything taken care of so I could focus on my work. I would highly recommend him.

Posted by Susane & Michael | August 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best possible outcome

Our son was charged with a felony. We hired Rhea Tannehill, Esq based on his online reviews, word-of-mouth and our interview with him. Rhea has strong positive relationships in the City of Oxford, an available intellectual staff and years of experience. He is honest upfront. There were no surpris...es. He was able to settle out of court and obtain the absolute best possible outcome for out son.

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Posted by James | August 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

When choosing a lawyer

What are you buying when you pay for a lawyer? How do you know who is different from whom? Can any lawyer help your case, and how? The difference in a good lawyer and a bad one normally boils down to judgment. Will my lawyer make the appropriate decisions in my favor when the time comes? This is wh...ere the difference emerges. While all lawyers have the same power to help, it is the ability to distinguish what deals and avenues are in my best interest weighed against the amount of money I will pay, that should determine which attorney is right for you. So I offer two stories: one of judgment, and one of payment. Both for the same lawyer. I am a business owner in Oxford and have been open for eight years as of 2016. So I have had time to get acquainted with Mr. Tannehill's services, but it wasn't until the third or fourth person he helped that I began to see his strength of character in judgment. When he first met me it was to help me with a criminal case brought on by a traffic stop. Upon meeting me he began our consultation where he clearly described everything I needed to know in my newfound position setting me at ease and putting me to work in the direction I needed to go. Further down the road I came to realize that when I brought him more clients during each consultation, he treated his new clients each differently, but with the same amount of respect. Within 120 seconds of meeting each of these people, Rhea could tell who needed “tough love,” who needed a shoulder to cry on, and who needed the facts, etc. My point is that his ability to judge a situation and produce the best outcome for me - the client - was swift and accurate. It is this kind of ability to judge correctly that set the talent of this man above his competitors. My second story is more practical and is about money. At first glance any person could say that this attorney's office is expensive. One might say that 1000s of dollars for a service is a complicated pill to swallow, so in my situation I did the math. I added up how much I would have to give the state in the event that I’d lose my case. There are probation fees, court fees, drug testing fees, transportation cost from loss of license, counseling and anything else that people in my situation had gone through without having a lawyer. All said and done, for my case, it only costed me $375 more to retain his services than to go at it alone. My outcome was so good that I didn't even have to show up for court and everything was eventually removed from my record. I have seen this man save a client $1000 with a phone call. While I cannot guarantee anything because I do not know your case...for me an extra $400 to not have to do ANYTHING, except be honest to my lawyer, was very worth it to me and my family. So before you make a decision where and how you want to spend your money, go see Rhea Tannehill for a consultation. If he is not the right man for your case, he will certainly tell you. If he is the right man, he will help you however he can. But either way, the information he gave me on day one made me feel more in control of my own situation. Take charge of your future and get a consultation. And even if you don't choose him, his only real competition in Oxford is in the same law office - TCM.

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Posted by Alex | August 18, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Alex

Mr. Tannehill did an excellent job on working to get my case expunged successfully! I am very thankful for his service. I highly recommend meeting with Mr. Tannehill if you have a criminal charge you are looking to get expunged.

Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Competent, Caring and Understanding

Rhea provided representation for my son's DUI and was very honest and caring during a very emotional time for my family. He helped us understand the options allowed within the legal system and provided much needed and thoughtful advice and direction. More than that, he helped my son who had never be...en in any legal trouble before, get through the situation emotionally and was reassuring that, even though this was a tough time for him, that he would make it through okay. Rhea provided understanding and direction through the entire process and I am grateful for his expertise and the humanity he exhibited. I highly recommend Mr. Tannehill.

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J Rhea Tannehill Jr's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse J

Harry Sumner

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I send all personal injury cases in Oxford to Rhea and have for 20 years, would not use anyone else."

Jon Schimmer

Litigation lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Rhea on a litigation matter and he did an outstanding job. I endorse Rhea."

Robert Gambrell

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer. I first met Rhea in 2006 when I decided to move to Oxford from the Mississippi Coast after Katrina. Before moving, I rented an office from Jay and his partner, Jay Carmean. On the days that I was in that office, I saw first hand how Rhea is dedicated to serving his clients. He has a tremendous reputation in our community and is considered one of the best lawyers in Oxford, regardless of the area of practice."

Cynthia Sherwood

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I give Rhea Tannehill the highest endorsement possible. He represented my nephew in a wrongful death case and got a result that was swift and extraordinary. He also showed genuine concern for my nephew and his family during the litigation and after. Rhea is an exceptional attorney."

Lance Mixon

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Rhea without any reservation. I first met him when he was the President of the Young Lawyers Division of The Mississippi Bar. Rhea spoke at my own bar admission ceremony in Jackson. I was inspired by his motivation and drive to help real people, with real problems, in a very real atmosphere that we call the justice system. Through the years, I have seen him in court in Lafayette County and the surrounding areas. Rhea defends his clients with knowledge and zeal in a very, very tough environment to handle DUI and other criminal cases. He doesn't back down from standing up for the people that he assists, and that is one of most admirable traits that a real lawyer should have. Lance Mixon"

Mitchell Driskell

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rhea is simply one of the best personal injury lawyers in North Mississippi. It is rare to find a lawyer with his combination of legal skill and care for his clients."

Paul Looney

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I hired Rhea as a local lawyer on a case from his jurisdiction. My practice takes me all over the country causing me to hire a local attorney frequently. I never expect anything from the local person. Their purpose is to get the court to allow me to practice outside my jurisdiction. My experience in Oxford was far from normal. Rhea was a bit expensive, but well worth it. He not only advised me as needed, but he affirmatively took the lead at an appropriate moment. My client's case ended in a wonderful manner thanks in large part to the efforts, talent and people skills of this most excellent lawyer."

Joseph Benedict

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Rhea is a top notch, experienced and ethical attorney."

W Watt

Personal injury lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rhea is competent and trustworthy. When I need legal assistance in north Mississippi Rhea is the first person I consider. Rhea understands the law and, more important, he understands people and the process toward a favorable resolution. Rhea's clients know they receive excellent skills when they choose him."

John Foxworth

Criminal defense lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. I referred the son of a long time and very important client of mine, who was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication. Rhea did an outstanding job in representing this young man and obtaining an unbelievably successful resolution. I recommend Rhea for all your criminal and general legal needs for not only your clients but for your family needs as well."

Kathryn White

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Rhea Tannehill is highly endorsed by myself and my firm. We worked with him on a DUI matter and received excellent results. Rhea is a true professional and showed great determination and tenacity in his work. I recommend Rhea for your criminal law needs. You will not be disappointed in the quality of service he provides."

Patrick Wooten

Car accident lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am happy to endorse this lawyer. Rhea is smart, honest, hard working and will work to get you what you deserve. i have worked with Rhea on a number of cases and the results have always been excellent."

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Andy Davis

Criminal defense lawyer

David Shelton

Personal injury lawyer

Harry Sumner

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Martz

Business lawyer

Robert Gambrell

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Cynthia Sherwood

Criminal defense lawyer

W Watt

Litigation lawyer

Mitchell Driskell

Litigation lawyer

Kathryn White

Personal injury lawyer

Patrick Wooten

Personal injury lawyer