team-member

J Tannehill

Oxford, MS

Licensed for 22 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

A resident of Oxford, Mississippi for the past 25 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 ranging from drug possession and driving under the influence to felony assault and murder.  In 2017, Jay was named Oxford's Best Lawyer by The Oxford Eagle. 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 2011, Matt McKenzie was named partner and the firm name changed to Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie.  The firm has been voted "Oxford's Best Law Firm" every year since 2010 and each year Jay was voted in a separate poll as one of the "Top 3 Favorite Attorneys in Oxford". Jay holds an AV Peer Review Rating which is an outstanding achievement and demonstrates that a lawyer has earned the highest rating available for their legal ability and professional ethics. 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 (6) 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 works for the University of Mississippi as a Human Resources Project Coordinator for the RebelWell Program. They are the proud parents of identical twin girls, Jane Reeves and Evelyn Rose, born on May 10th, 2006.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

DUI and DWI

Language

English

Contact

Tannehilll Carmean & Mckenzie PLLC829 N Lamar Blvd Ste 1Oxford, MS, 38655-2858829 N Lamar Blvd Ste 1Oxford, MS, 38655-2858

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Vicki
March 3, 2022

Jay Carmean has represented my family for multiple issues. He is very competent and professional, while being compassionate of the circumstances at the same time! Jay is always very easy to talk to and accessible - this is rare in the legal field! He makes sure the process is clear to his clients. I will always recommend Jay! He and his firm are awesome!

anonymous
September 21, 2021

I would highly recommend Jay Carmean. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Carmean. Jay came into our family's life at a time of chaos and our worlds had very much been turned upside down. He was the calm in our family's storm and navigated us down roads we never imagined we would navigate. He was professional, realistic, honest, empathic, and confident. He always communicated with us, and let us know every step. I truly believe he did the best possible job for our family that he could have done given the circumstances he was given. He also never quit working with us and years down the road helped us finish this chapter of our lives. I know our family and many others are forever grateful we found him. You won't regret choosing him as your attorney.

anonymous
March 3, 2021

I would highly recommend Jay and his services anytime you find you may be in need of them. He and his team, especially Shelia have been a great help to our family as we navigated a “season” that had entered our lives. They are very respectful, very thorough, and very willing to work with you to present all options available and help keep you on track to accomplish your overall goal. We can’t thank Jay and his team enough for their service.

anonymous
March 1, 2021

Jay did an amazing job in my court case. He was ready to fight it and we were able to get the case dismissed. If you are looking for a DUI Lawyer, Jay is the one to go to.

anonymous
February 3, 2021

I had a very crucial case that could have had disastrous consequences on my life and career. Jay was a huge help in not only letting me know what to expect (always very realistic) but also keeping me up to date on the game plan going forward. We got a great result in a case that I would have 100% never been able to handle without a lawyer that had the right experience and knowledge and Jay was the perfect choice. I highly recommend his services. Also a big thank you to his Paralegal, Sheila for her help and communication as well!

anonymous
October 28, 2020

We had a legal issue with our son while at Ole Miss and Jay did an excellent job helping us. With us being out of state, he took the time to listen, formulate an action plan, and executed that plan perfectly. Jay was friendly, knowledgeable, direct, clear in all communications, and patient and was not afraid to take on the system and WIN! Great results, great lawyer!

anonymous
October 21, 2020

Was very helpful with my case. Very nice individual who was willing to bring my case to trial versus taking the Non-Adjudication route. Listened carefully to what I had to say. Very good at communicating and scheduling appointments to meet with you whenever needed.

Linda
February 6, 2020

Jay Carmean provided excellent legal advice and knowledge for us to effectively handle and navigate a potentially career altering situation. He made himself available outside of business hours. He genuinely cared. I can't imagine finding a more knowledgeable, professional and effective attorney in Mississippi.

anonymous
December 11, 2019

After several different consultations with other lawyers, I went to Jay Carmean because of recommendations from people I know. I hired him before I even left the consult that day and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. He is extremely experienced, organized, and straightforward. He keeps you updated with all progress and makes sure you’re aware of any important dates or meetings and that you are on time and prepared. It being my first time in need of a lawyer, he sat down with me and ran me through all of the possible scenarios as well as actions that could be taken to help my situation. After this conversation I finally felt as if I could then make an informed decision. After it’s all said and done, I would now 100% recommend Jay Carmean to anyone I know in need of a lawyer.

Tari
October 29, 2019

Having to choose an attorney is not easy especially when it’s for your college age daughter that lives 9 hours away. When I came across Jay Carmean with Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie and his family profile picture and bio, I knew immediately this is who I needed to represent our daughter. One mInute into our conversation I knew this was a man of faith and felt extremely confident and comfortable he would be sure our daughter was treated with care during a very difficult time. Jay and his assistant Shelia treated us more like family then a client and I have to say that doesn’t happen all that often these days. Jay listened to our family history and story, and understood this mom and family had been through enough the past 4 years and this was the last thing we needed. The compassion and empathy he has shown this family speaks volumes and just goes to show, there truly are some wonderful, kind, good hearted people left in this world and we are so grateful our paths crossed with Jay’s. He has proven God does bring people into your life for reason just when you think there is no hope or understanding and even in these terrible circumstances. God Bless you Jay and Shelia and the Tannehill, Carmean, & McKenzie Law Firm for helping our family. We truly do appreciate everything you have done for us and can’t thank you enough.

Vicki
March 3, 2022

Jay Carmean has represented my family for multiple issues. He is very competent and professional, while being compassionate of the circumstances at the same time! Jay is always very easy to talk to and accessible - this is rare in the legal field! He makes sure the process is clear to his clients. I will always recommend Jay! He and his firm are awesome!

anonymous
September 21, 2021

I would highly recommend Jay Carmean. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Carmean. Jay came into our family's life at a time of chaos and our worlds had very much been turned upside down. He was the calm in our family's storm and navigated us down roads we never imagined we would navigate. He was professional, realistic, honest, empathic, and confident. He always communicated with us, and let us know every step. I truly believe he did the best possible job for our family that he could have done given the circumstances he was given. He also never quit working with us and years down the road helped us finish this chapter of our lives. I know our family and many others are forever grateful we found him. You won't regret choosing him as your attorney.

anonymous
March 3, 2021

I would highly recommend Jay and his services anytime you find you may be in need of them. He and his team, especially Shelia have been a great help to our family as we navigated a “season” that had entered our lives. They are very respectful, very thorough, and very willing to work with you to present all options available and help keep you on track to accomplish your overall goal. We can’t thank Jay and his team enough for their service.

anonymous
March 1, 2021

Jay did an amazing job in my court case. He was ready to fight it and we were able to get the case dismissed. If you are looking for a DUI Lawyer, Jay is the one to go to.

anonymous
February 3, 2021

I had a very crucial case that could have had disastrous consequences on my life and career. Jay was a huge help in not only letting me know what to expect (always very realistic) but also keeping me up to date on the game plan going forward. We got a great result in a case that I would have 100% never been able to handle without a lawyer that had the right experience and knowledge and Jay was the perfect choice. I highly recommend his services. Also a big thank you to his Paralegal, Sheila for her help and communication as well!

anonymous
October 28, 2020

We had a legal issue with our son while at Ole Miss and Jay did an excellent job helping us. With us being out of state, he took the time to listen, formulate an action plan, and executed that plan perfectly. Jay was friendly, knowledgeable, direct, clear in all communications, and patient and was not afraid to take on the system and WIN! Great results, great lawyer!

anonymous
October 21, 2020

Was very helpful with my case. Very nice individual who was willing to bring my case to trial versus taking the Non-Adjudication route. Listened carefully to what I had to say. Very good at communicating and scheduling appointments to meet with you whenever needed.

Linda
February 6, 2020

Jay Carmean provided excellent legal advice and knowledge for us to effectively handle and navigate a potentially career altering situation. He made himself available outside of business hours. He genuinely cared. I can't imagine finding a more knowledgeable, professional and effective attorney in Mississippi.

anonymous
December 11, 2019

After several different consultations with other lawyers, I went to Jay Carmean because of recommendations from people I know. I hired him before I even left the consult that day and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. He is extremely experienced, organized, and straightforward. He keeps you updated with all progress and makes sure you’re aware of any important dates or meetings and that you are on time and prepared. It being my first time in need of a lawyer, he sat down with me and ran me through all of the possible scenarios as well as actions that could be taken to help my situation. After this conversation I finally felt as if I could then make an informed decision. After it’s all said and done, I would now 100% recommend Jay Carmean to anyone I know in need of a lawyer.

Tari
October 29, 2019

Having to choose an attorney is not easy especially when it’s for your college age daughter that lives 9 hours away. When I came across Jay Carmean with Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie and his family profile picture and bio, I knew immediately this is who I needed to represent our daughter. One mInute into our conversation I knew this was a man of faith and felt extremely confident and comfortable he would be sure our daughter was treated with care during a very difficult time. Jay and his assistant Shelia treated us more like family then a client and I have to say that doesn’t happen all that often these days. Jay listened to our family history and story, and understood this mom and family had been through enough the past 4 years and this was the last thing we needed. The compassion and empathy he has shown this family speaks volumes and just goes to show, there truly are some wonderful, kind, good hearted people left in this world and we are so grateful our paths crossed with Jay’s. He has proven God does bring people into your life for reason just when you think there is no hope or understanding and even in these terrible circumstances. God Bless you Jay and Shelia and the Tannehill, Carmean, & McKenzie Law Firm for helping our family. We truly do appreciate everything you have done for us and can’t thank you enough.

Vicki
March 3, 2022

Jay Carmean has represented my family for multiple issues. He is very competent and professional, while being compassionate of the circumstances at the same time! Jay is always very easy to talk to and accessible - this is rare in the legal field! He makes sure the process is clear to his clients. I will always recommend Jay! He and his firm are awesome!

anonymous
September 21, 2021

I would highly recommend Jay Carmean. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Carmean. Jay came into our family's life at a time of chaos and our worlds had very much been turned upside down. He was the calm in our family's storm and navigated us down roads we never imagined we would navigate. He was professional, realistic, honest, empathic, and confident. He always communicated with us, and let us know every step. I truly believe he did the best possible job for our family that he could have done given the circumstances he was given. He also never quit working with us and years down the road helped us finish this chapter of our lives. I know our family and many others are forever grateful we found him. You won't regret choosing him as your attorney.

anonymous
March 3, 2021

I would highly recommend Jay and his services anytime you find you may be in need of them. He and his team, especially Shelia have been a great help to our family as we navigated a “season” that had entered our lives. They are very respectful, very thorough, and very willing to work with you to present all options available and help keep you on track to accomplish your overall goal. We can’t thank Jay and his team enough for their service.

anonymous
March 1, 2021

Jay did an amazing job in my court case. He was ready to fight it and we were able to get the case dismissed. If you are looking for a DUI Lawyer, Jay is the one to go to.

anonymous
February 3, 2021

I had a very crucial case that could have had disastrous consequences on my life and career. Jay was a huge help in not only letting me know what to expect (always very realistic) but also keeping me up to date on the game plan going forward. We got a great result in a case that I would have 100% never been able to handle without a lawyer that had the right experience and knowledge and Jay was the perfect choice. I highly recommend his services. Also a big thank you to his Paralegal, Sheila for her help and communication as well!

anonymous
October 28, 2020

We had a legal issue with our son while at Ole Miss and Jay did an excellent job helping us. With us being out of state, he took the time to listen, formulate an action plan, and executed that plan perfectly. Jay was friendly, knowledgeable, direct, clear in all communications, and patient and was not afraid to take on the system and WIN! Great results, great lawyer!

anonymous
October 21, 2020

Was very helpful with my case. Very nice individual who was willing to bring my case to trial versus taking the Non-Adjudication route. Listened carefully to what I had to say. Very good at communicating and scheduling appointments to meet with you whenever needed.

Linda
February 6, 2020

Jay Carmean provided excellent legal advice and knowledge for us to effectively handle and navigate a potentially career altering situation. He made himself available outside of business hours. He genuinely cared. I can't imagine finding a more knowledgeable, professional and effective attorney in Mississippi.

anonymous
December 11, 2019

After several different consultations with other lawyers, I went to Jay Carmean because of recommendations from people I know. I hired him before I even left the consult that day and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. He is extremely experienced, organized, and straightforward. He keeps you updated with all progress and makes sure you’re aware of any important dates or meetings and that you are on time and prepared. It being my first time in need of a lawyer, he sat down with me and ran me through all of the possible scenarios as well as actions that could be taken to help my situation. After this conversation I finally felt as if I could then make an informed decision. After it’s all said and done, I would now 100% recommend Jay Carmean to anyone I know in need of a lawyer.

Tari
October 29, 2019

Having to choose an attorney is not easy especially when it’s for your college age daughter that lives 9 hours away. When I came across Jay Carmean with Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie and his family profile picture and bio, I knew immediately this is who I needed to represent our daughter. One mInute into our conversation I knew this was a man of faith and felt extremely confident and comfortable he would be sure our daughter was treated with care during a very difficult time. Jay and his assistant Shelia treated us more like family then a client and I have to say that doesn’t happen all that often these days. Jay listened to our family history and story, and understood this mom and family had been through enough the past 4 years and this was the last thing we needed. The compassion and empathy he has shown this family speaks volumes and just goes to show, there truly are some wonderful, kind, good hearted people left in this world and we are so grateful our paths crossed with Jay’s. He has proven God does bring people into your life for reason just when you think there is no hope or understanding and even in these terrible circumstances. God Bless you Jay and Shelia and the Tannehill, Carmean, & McKenzie Law Firm for helping our family. We truly do appreciate everything you have done for us and can’t thank you enough.