Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
204 Client Reviews
PRO
Jay Paul Carmean
also known as Jay P. Carmean
Virtual Consultation Available
About Jay
Biography
A resident of Oxford, Mississippi for the past 30 years, Jay has vigorously fought for individuals facing both misdemeanor and felony charges in the State of Mississippi. Since graduating from The University of Mississippi School of Law in 1999, Jay has concentrated his practice on defending citizens charged with crimes with an emphasis on DUI's, Public Drunkenness, Minor in Possession of Alcohol and Possession of a False ID.
After graduating from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1999, Jay served as a law clerk for Presiding Justice C.R. "Chuck" McRae of the Mississippi Supreme Court. Jay then worked for Tollison Law Firm, P.A. in Oxford for four years, returning to the firm he had clerked for while in law school. While there, Jay was made a partner in the firm, In January of 2004, Jay joined Rhea Tannehill, Jr. to form Tannehill Carmean, PLLC.
In 2015, Jay was awarded an AV Peer Review Rating which signifies that a lawyer's peers (other lawyers and judges) rank them at the highest level of professional excellence, based on legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
In 2025, Jay was selected as a Fellow by the Mississippi Bar Association. The Fellow designation is the Foundation’s highest honor as only 10% of the lawyers in Mississippi are eligible for membership. Selection is recognition by peers that the attorney has 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 the legal profession.
Jay is the Past President of the Lafayette County Bar Association and served on the Mississippi Association for Justice’s Leader's Forum. He served eight years on the MAJ Board of Governors, an elected position and in 2006 was was elected in a state-wide election to serve on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division. He has served on the Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Law School Relations Board and participates annually in the Lawyer in Every Classroom Program and the Mississippi High School Mock Trial Competition as a judge. Jay was the youngest member of the Mississippi Bar ever appointed to serve on the Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions. As a member for two terms, Jay drafted the criminal law, constitutional law and torts portions of the Mississippi Bar Exam. In 2010, Jay was appointed by the Mississippi Bar Association to serve a two year term on the North Mississippi Rural Legal Services Board of Directors, with involvement with the Union Bargaining Committee. The NMRLS provides pro bono legal assistance to those that cannot afford it.
Locally, Jay served for six years on Oxford Planning Commission with the last four coming as Chairman, has served on the United Way Distribution Committee, is Past President of the Lafayette County Oxford Ole Miss Alumni Association and is a graduate of the Leadership Lafayette program.
Jay, originally from Caruthersville, Missouri, is married to the former Wendy Chambers of Oxford, Mississippi. Wendy is also an Ole Miss graduate and is the owner of Wend & Willow, a plantscaping business in Oxford. They are the proud parents of twin girls, Jane Reeves and Evelyn Rose, both students at Ole Miss.
AV Rated Attorney - Voted Oxford's Best Lawyer - Criminal Defense
Jay is an AV Rated Attorney representing criminal defendants in Oxford, Mississippi since 2000.
Voted Oxford's Best Law Lawyer.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
45%
26 years | 5,000 cases
DUI and DWI
45%
26 years | 5,000 cases
Expungement
10%
26 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
7
Licenses
Licensed in Mississippi for 26 years
State: Mississippi
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Jay online.
Jay Paul Carmean's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 203 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Extremely Efficient - Highly Recommend
Jay and his paralegal Shelia were courteous and responsive from our first phone call to the office. During the initial consultation Jay’s calm demeanor put my student at ease. He thoroughly explained the process to us and answered all of our questions and concerns as the case progressed; he responded...
Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional, Compassionate, and Trustworthy Representation
I truly cannot recommend Jay Carmean at Tannehill Carmean enough. From the very beginning, he was kind, attentive, and quick to respond. He took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly, which brought so much reassurance during a stressful time. I always felt supported and confident know...
Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Law Office in Oxford
We can’t say enough great things about Jay Carmean and his office staff. Our criminal case was handled with expediency and professionalism. Great service and we could always contact Jay without delay or difficulty. He and his staff kept us updated and communicated regularly during each step of our...
Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Quality Representation
From the initial case consult to the final disposition, Jay was responsive and informative. As a fellow attorney, I know what quality representation is and that's what Jay provides. Jay receives my strongest recommendation.
Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend!
Jay helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. I was only 23 years old when I hired him, facing my 2nd and 3rd DUI, and I was terrified of the consequences. From the moment I walked into his office, I felt comfortable and supported. Jay not only gave me legal advice, but also guide...
Jay Paul Carmean's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I actually went to law school with Jay and worked with him at a local Oxford firm while we went to law school. I have recommended Jay many times and have always received great feedback. He is a good one folks, I endorse him with no hesitation at all"
"Jay is an incredible lawyer. I routinely refer him clients of mine that are facing charges in Lafayette County and surrounding towns. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my closest friends and family."
"When my clients that gets in trouble in Oxford I send them to Jay."
"I am a fellow attorney and have practiced in Atlanta, Georgia for 28 years. I worked with Jay recently on several matters and found him to be extremely responsive, knowledgeable and effective. He is attentive to his clients and a pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend Jay as a criminal defense attorney in Oxford, Mississippi."
"I endorse this lawyer because he knows the ropes inside and out for all matters affecting Ole Miss students, having had to hire him to represent my son."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jay is a terrific lawyer who cares deeply about his clients. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a highly skilled attorney who will provide top shelf client service."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jay is cooperative, insightful, and effective. A+"
"I endorse this lawyer.This attorney not only defended a member of my family on a number of charges but also worked diligently to get the charges expunged to the extent possible under current statutes. He was diligent and top notch. All matters were handled in fine fashion with our expectations always met if not exceeded. In the process of our dealings he even went so far as to go by the family members' home to make sure they were awake for a final exam which was beyond any scope of representation and confirmed the friendship which i felt we had developed over the years. If your kid needs a lawyer, they need Jay Carmean. I recall hearing being told this by a friend of mine and he was right in every way. First class service everytime!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Jay does an outstanding job in court. Always on his game."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've practiced law for 34 years, primarily in civil litigation. I've litigated against many attorneys, and I count Jay Carmean as one of the most resourceful, professional and tenacious adversaries I have ever been up against. Jay will bring the house when he's against you, and you better be ready. He's a great attorney, an honest and good man."
"Jay is a very effective and efficient attorney. I endorse him."
"Simply put, Jay is a great criminal defense lawyer."
"As a former prosecutor, I can honestly say that Jay takes a personal interest in each and every criminal case. He advocates for his clients with full knowledge of each and every fact in the file. I would recommend Jay as a criminal defense attorney to those who want someone who will go the extra mile while making sure that you have a voice in the process."
"Jay is an excellent attorney. He and his firm provide great service."
"Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie are always my firm's "go to" lawyers in the Oxford, Mississippi area when we have any needs to make a criminal defense referral. The firm is experienced, conscientious and blessed with good judgment. They have my unfettered recommendation."
"I went to law school with Jay and have seen his development over the years. Success follows Jay due to his diligence and strong work ethic. Oxford is filled with attorneys but Jay is one of very few that I'd ever call in that area."
"I endorse this lawyer. Our firm has referred DUI cases to Jay and his law firm occasionally. This is much of what he does, Jay is experienced and is familiar with the courts, the prosecutors and the law enforcement officers involved. He will know which cases need to be challenged and tried and which cases plea bargain."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jay is respected in the legal community and cares about his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jay for many years and in fact worked with him on at least one case. He is conscientious, capable, and dedicated to his clients. He is very experienced in the area of criminal and DWI law."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Fellow, Mississippi Bar Association
2019
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 10th Year in a Row, The Oxford Eagle
2018
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 9th Year in a Row, The Oxford Eagle
2017
Voted Oxford's Best Lawyer, The Oxford Eagle
2017
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 8th Year in a Row, The Oxford Eagle
2016
Voted one of Oxford's Top 3 Favorite Attorneys, The Local Voice
2016
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 7th Straight Year, The Oxford Eagle
2015
Top Attorney Criminal Defense, Avvo
2015
Voted Best Law Firm in Eagle - 6th Straight Year, The Oxford Eagle
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Oxford's Top 3 Favorite Attorneys, The Local Voice
2014
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 5th Straight Year, The Oxford Eagle
2013
Voted one of Oxford's Top 3 Favorite Attorneys, The Local Voice
2013
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 4th Straight Year, The Oxford Eagle
2012
Selected As A Tier 1 Law Firm In The Area of Personal Injury, U.S. News & World Reports
2012
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 3rd Straight Year, The Oxford Eagle
2011
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford - 2nd Year in a Row, The Oxford Eagle
2011
Oxford's Top 3 Favorite Attorneys, The Local Voice
2010
Voted Best Law Firm in Oxford, The Oxford Eagle
2010
Directory of Distinguished Attorneys, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Oxford's Top 3 Favorite Attorneys, The Local Voice
2009
Oxford's Top 3 Favorite Attorneys, The Local Voice
2006
Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division Post, MS Bar
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Partner, Tannehill Carmean, PLLC
1900 - Present
Member, Tannehill Carmean, P.L.L.C.
2000 - 2004
Partnter, Tollison Law Firm
1999 - 2000
Judicial Law Clerk, MS Supreme Court
Associations
2015 - Present
The Lamar OrderMember
1999 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Mississippi Bar AssociationMember
2011 - 2013
Mississippi Bar AssociationLawyer in Every Classroom Committee
2010 - 2012
MS Rural Legal ServicesBoard Member
2008 - 2010
Mississippi Bar AssociationYoung Lawyers Law School Relations Board
2008 - 2012
Lafayette County Law Enforcement AssociationBoard Member
2008 - 2010
United Way of Oxford, MississippiBoard Member
2007 - 2013
Oxford Planning CommissionMember & Chairman
2006 - 2007
Mississippi Bar AssoicationMississippi High School Mock Trial Competition
2006 - 2008
Mississipi Bar AssociationMississippi Bar Young Lawyers Law School Relations Board
2006 - 2007
Mississippi Bar, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2003 - 2004
Lafayette County Bar AssociationPresident
2003 - 2005
Meals on WheelsFood Delivery to Homebound Citizens
2002 - 2003
Lafayette County Bar AssociationVice-President
2002 - 2010
MS Board of Bar AdmissionsMember
2000 - 2005
MS Association for JusticeUM Law School Representative
1999 - 2005
Mississippi Trial Lawyers AssociationBoard of Governors
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Mississippi v. Drake Johnson
Not Guilty
State of Mississippi v. Jose Sims
Dismissed
Lorie Roberts vs. Prince Oil Company
A settlement was reached on the eve of mediation, less than a year from the date of wreck.
Sharon Arbuckle v. Emily Hodge
She hired Jay Carmean and recovered maximum policy limits as well as compensation for lost wages.
James Jones v. Laura Turnage
Settlement for policy limits.
Jason Henson v. Ettie Hume
The case was settled within a month.
State of MS v. Judson
Case Dismissed
State of MS v. Yarbrough
Not Guilty
Johnny Miller v. Swift Trucking
Less than a year after hiring Tannehill & Carmean to file suit on his behalf, a six figure settlement was reached at mediation.
Michael Hayes v. Employer
After hiring Jay Carmean, the outstanding medical bills totaling close to $250,000 were paid by the employer and Mr. Hayes received a confidential settlement.
Education
1999
University of Mississippi
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
University of Mississippi
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Professor Ronald J. Rychlak's Criminal Law Class
The Practical Aspects of Criminal Law
2013
Univeristy of Mississippi
Dangers of Drinking and Driving
2013
Council for Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Summer Institute
Carmean to speak to prospective law students
2012
University of Mississippi
2-Strike Program at Ole MIss
2012
University of MIssissippi
Preparing for the LSAT
2012
MAJ Student Conference
Ethics for attorneys
2009
"A Day in Trial"
Masters in Action Trial Seminar
2004
Mississippi Law Update
Criminal Law Update
Publications
2015
TCM Website
MASEP & VIP Class Contact Information
2014
hottytoddy.com
Changes to Mississippi DUI Laws Coming this Fall
2014
TCM Website
Mississippi DUI Law Updates
2014
TCM Website
The Second DUI: Why It's Worse
2014
2014
TCM Website
Expungement of Criminal Record
2014
TCM Website
What to Know When Choosing a Law Firm
2014
TCM Website
Driving on a Suspended License
2014
2014
TCM Website
MDMA Possession and Your Criminal Record
2013
TCM Website
MIsdemeanore Essentials in Mississippi
2013
TCM Website
How to Handle Traffic Violations Properly
2012
TCM Website
A Lesson on Criminal Offenses
2012
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers