Criminal Defense

Chattanooga Criminal Defense Attorneys

Team-Based Defense for Misdemeanor & Felony Charges in Hamilton County

Criminal prosecutions move fast. From the moment charges are filed, the prosecution is building its case, and every day without defense counsel narrows your options. At Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC, we’ve represented clients facing criminal charges in Chattanooga since 2010, deploying a full team of attorneys on every case rather than assigning a single lawyer to each file. That means more eyes on the evidence, more depth in the strategy, and over 70 years of combined experience applied directly to your defense.

If you’ve been accused of a crime, believe you’re under investigation, or have a loved one who has been arrested, don’t wait. Same-day appointments are available. Reach out to our Chattanooga criminal defense attorneys today.

Are you facing criminal charges? Call Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC (423) 436-8506 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers in Chattanooga.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Chattanooga & Hamilton County

Our attorneys handle the full range of criminal charges prosecuted in Hamilton County, from misdemeanor offenses to the most serious felony charges. Because we work as a team, the 70-plus years of combined experience our attorneys bring are applied collectively to every case we take on.

We defend clients facing charges that include:

Misdemeanor charges in Tennessee can carry jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. They aren’t automatically minor matters, and they deserve the same thorough defense as felony charges. Felony convictions carry more severe consequences, including potential restrictions on voting rights, firearm possession, and professional licensing. Whatever level of charge you face, we’re prepared to help.

What a Criminal Conviction Can Cost You in Tennessee

Beyond fines and potential incarceration, a conviction creates consequences that follow you long after the case is closed. Background checks are now standard for employers, landlords, and educational institutions, and a Tennessee criminal record can surface at each of those points. For non-citizens, certain convictions can trigger immigration consequences that are separate from and in addition to the criminal penalties themselves.

Professional licensing boards in Tennessee may suspend or revoke licenses based on criminal convictions, affecting careers in healthcare, law, education, and other regulated fields. Even charges that don’t result in conviction can damage a person’s reputation in a community where professional and social ties run close. Tennessee law does allow expungement of certain eligible offenses, and an attorney can advise whether a charge qualifies and what steps are involved.

Why Chattanooga Clients Choose Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC

Local Knowledge & a Team-Based Approach

Our firm has practiced near the Hamilton County courthouse since 2010. Our attorneys appear in the local court system regularly and are familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures that can shape your case. That familiarity influences how we develop defense strategy and how we approach negotiations.

The team approach we use isn’t a marketing phrase. When you retain our firm, multiple attorneys review your charges, examine the evidence, and evaluate the options together. No single attorney works a criminal defense case in isolation. That collective review, backed by more than 70 years of combined experience across cases ranging from misdemeanors to criminal homicide and narcotics distribution, produces a more complete picture of where the defense should go.

Accessibility, Language Support & Flexible Costs

Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC was recognized as a Viewers’ Choice Winner in 2021. We offer free initial consultations for criminal defense matters, and those consultations are fully confidential. Flexible payment plans are available for clients who have concerns about legal costs. We also work with translators to serve clients in their native languages, including Spanish. Se habla español. Language shouldn’t be a barrier to quality representation, and we’ve structured our practice to help make sure it isn’t.

Reach Out to Our Chattanooga Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

Our team is ready to evaluate your charges, review the evidence, and begin building a defense tailored to your situation. Same-day appointments are available for clients who can’t wait.

Reach out to us now at (423) 436-8506 to discuss your case with our Chattanooga criminal defense attorneys.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Chattanooga

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Accused of a Crime in Chattanooga?

Contact a criminal defense attorney before speaking with police. You have a constitutional right to remain silent, and anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, even statements that seem harmless. Don’t discuss the facts of your situation with anyone other than your attorney. The earlier you involve counsel, the more strategic options may remain available as the case develops.

How Do Criminal Charges Impact My Future in Hamilton County?

A conviction can result in fines, jail or prison time, and a criminal record that appears on background checks for employment, housing, and other applications. In Hamilton County, where community and professional ties matter, even an arrest without a conviction can affect your reputation. Our team works to understand the full picture of what’s at stake for you personally and pursues a defense aimed at a strong outcome for your circumstances.

What If I’m Concerned About Affording a Criminal Defense Attorney?

We offer free initial consultations for criminal defense matters so you can understand your situation and your options before making any financial commitment. Flexible payment plans are also available. Cost concerns are common, and we’d rather discuss them directly than have someone go without representation because they weren’t sure they could afford it. Call us or reach out online to learn more.

Peace of Mind Knowing We Are on Your Side

See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
    "Very professional"
    Bill Speek was very professional and he did a great job working my case. He actually knocked it out the park, he is Chattanooga’s Lincoln Lawyer!
    - Demarcus A.
    "Magician, a negotiator, and a life changer"
    Bill, you are not just an attorney. You are are magician, a negotiator, and a life changer. I referred a friend of mine that has, or better yet, HAD (thanks to you) a very delicate situation and you made it right in less than 2 days!! Now, STAFF, I know that you guys don't get recognized enough. I know that yall are the one's that do the calls, the set ups, and catch the crapstorm if it doesn't go well. Everyone there gives a feeling of humbled confidence, never arrogant. THANK YOU!
    - Frank J.
    "Best attorney in Chattanooga"
    By far Mr Speek is the best attorney in Chattanooga. I highly recommend his expertise to anyone . Mr Speek is a very prestigious gentleman and really cares about his clients. Anytime I had a question his amazing staff was very prompt in getting an answer. Very sweet , polite and knowledgeable girls that work in the office as well. Walking in to hire a lawyer for me was very humiliating and uncomfortable. As soon as I walked in the office I felt very welcome and at ease. Mr Speek is very loyal to his clients and you can tell that he sincerely cares. Also a very known respected attorney . I can’t thank Mr Speek enough for all his help . I would highly recommend Mr Speek to anyone seeking an attorney.
    - Laura P.
    "I strongly recommend"
    Bill speek is committed to his job. Not only did surpass my needs and expectations, but he throughly explained everything I needed to know in a timely manner. He was a huge help and I strongly recommend his services.
    - Jake S.
    "Truly a miracle worker"
    Bill Speek. An angel sent from above. Truly a miracle worker. If I could give 20 stars, I would. Tell me how this man dropped 9 felony charges in just 5 minutes?!! Seriously can’t wrap my head around it. Don’t waste your time even looking for another lawyer.
    - Anika E.
    "Absolutely a ten on the stars rating"
    I want to give a ten stars but google has 1-5 stars. Jonathan Turner was my lawyer and my case and it's over and my dui (2nd) got totally dismissed. We went to court many times and it always got pushed forward to another day. We dealt with blood test result and inconsistent and retesting. Covid was also a big factor in my case being extended for months and months. Different DA"s, not a good deal on the table and other factors included in my case. In the end,,, absolutely a ten on the stars rating from me. Dismissed..... I recommend Jonathan and his group highly. Thank you Jonathan so very much!!! Thank you again!!!
    - Dale J.
    "This law firm is the best!!"
    They are always willing to go the extra mile for every one of their clients.
    - Madeline Y.
    "Mr. Speek saved my life."
    Trust me, if you need a drug lawyer, he is the best. I don't know what I would have done without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
    - Eric K.

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