TN Abuse Suspect's Lawyer Has Ties to Local Judges

Bryan Lewis, the attorney at the center of controversy over whether his friendship with Judge Casey Moreland prompted the early release of one of his clients from jail, is a well-known figure in General Sessions courtrooms.

He often represents his family and their business interests in lawsuits and, occasionally, defends high-profile clients, such as former Titans player Keith Bulluck, once accused of assaulting a taxi driver.

Lewis also is a business owner and political donor. In addition to giving money, he has hosted campaign events at the Italian restaurant, Giovanni's Ristorante, for candidates running for Nashville judgeships.

Giovanni's has served as the venue for receptions featuring cocktails and food for campaign events for at least five judicial candidates in recent months — including Moreland, who held a combination birthday party and campaign kickoff at Giovanni's on Nov. 20.

Moreland is under fire for intervening in the case of David A. Chase, a prominent contractor who was charged with domestic abuse against his ex-girlfriend. A night court commissioner ordered Chase held for a 12-hour "cooling-off" period on June 8, but after Lewis called the judge that Sunday morning, Moreland ordered Chase released from jail.

After his release, Chase attacked the woman for a second time in one day, police said.

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Abuse Suspect's Lawyer Has Ties to Local Judges