Meet Zak Newman, Criminal Defense Attorney
Zachary “Zak” Newman is a criminal defense attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the founder of Zak Newman Attorney at Law. He grew up just outside Chattanooga in Dalton, Georgia. Before opening his own firm, he worked in the Conasauga Circuit Public Defender’s Office and as a research assistant at Appalachian School of Law. Zak is licensed to practice in the Tennessee State Courts and in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. That lets him represent clients facing state charges as well as federal charges.
His practice is devoted to criminal defense. He handles cases ranging from DUI and drug charges to serious violent felonies, including murder. The firm’s guiding principle is “Personal Counsel. Fierce Representation.” Every client works directly with Zak, from the first consultation through the final resolution of the case. He has taken high-stakes cases to jury trial and won favorable verdicts.
Education and Bar Admissions
Zak’s academic background combines political science, criminal justice, and law. That foundation shaped his work in public defense and, later, in private practice.
Education
A.A. in Political Science, Dalton State College
B.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University
J.D., Appalachian School of Law
Bar Admissions
Tennessee State Courts
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Zak represents people charged with misdemeanors and felonies throughout the Chattanooga area. His practice areas include:
DUI/DWI: first-time and repeat DUI charges, along with the license and sentencing consequences that follow
Drug Offenses: possession, distribution, and related drug charges
Assault and Violent Crimes: including aggravated assault, domestic violence, and murder
Theft: shoplifting, property crimes, and other theft-related charges
His years in public defense gave him practical experience with how criminal cases move through the court system. Today he uses that experience to give each client a clear defense strategy built around the facts of the case.
Notable Jury Trials
Zak has tried serious felony cases before juries, including several where his clients faced long prison sentences. Some of his notable results:
Aggravated Rape and Especially Aggravated Charges
The client faced felony charges carrying 15 to 25 years in the Department of Corrections, and the prosecution relied on DNA evidence for identification. Result: The client was found not guilty.
Aggravated Sexual Battery
The client faced a felony charge requiring 8 to 12 years in the Department of Corrections. Result: The client was convicted only of a misdemeanor carrying six months.
Civil Commitment
The State sought to commit the client to a mental health facility for an indefinite period. Result: The presiding judge granted a JNOV (judgment notwithstanding the verdict), reversing the jury’s decision.
Murder
The client was accused of murder in a case built on eyewitness testimony. Result: The jury hung 10–2 in favor of acquittal, and the State later dismissed the charges.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Professional and Community Involvement
Zak belongs to professional organizations that support the criminal defense bar and the legal community across Tennessee. He is also active in civic work in Chattanooga, particularly in programs serving people with vision needs and mental health challenges.
Chattanooga Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Tennessee Bar Association
Chattanooga Downtown Lions Club
Vice President, Hamilton County Sight Service through the Lions Club (2015)
Past Member, Exploratory Committee for Hamilton County Mental Health Court
His work on the exploratory committee for the Hamilton County Mental Health Court reflects an interest in how the justice system treats people with mental health conditions. The same interest shows in his civil commitment work.
Talk With a Chattanooga Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, the decisions you make early on can affect how your case turns out. Zak Newman offers personal attention and a focused defense, and he has tried cases before juries. To discuss your situation, contact Zak Newman Attorney at Law or call (423) 594-1252. The office is at 510 E 5th St, Suite 4, Chattanooga, TN 37403. It’s open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and evening and weekend appointments are available.