Office hours: Mon–Fri · 8:00am – 4:30pm · 201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01, Memphis
Office hours: Mon–Fri · 8:00am – 4:30pm · 201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01, Memphis
High-quality, client-centered legal representation for people in Shelby County who cannot afford a private attorney. We are real lawyers — and we fight for you.
Here’s how to get representation
When you come to court, if you cannot afford a private attorney, tell the judge and bring documentation of your financial condition.
If the judge finds you indigent, they will appoint our office to represent you.
We will assign you an attorney who will begin working on your case immediately.
First public defender
east of the Mississippi
People we represent
each year
Lawyers and professionals
on our team
Largest criminal defense
firm in Tennessee
Whether you’ve been charged, you’re supporting a loved one, or you need help after release.
Understand your rights, how to request a public defender, and what to expect at every stage — from arrest to verdict.
We understand that when someone you love is in the system, it can be overwhelming. Here’s how the process works and how you can support them.
Expungements, court costs waivers, license restorations, certificates of employability — we help remove the barriers between you and a fresh start.
Names changed and identifying details omitted to protect client privacy.
My attorney never made me feel like just a case number. She took the time to explain everything, came to every hearing prepared, and never gave up — even when I had. She got me home to my kids.
Adult Division client · Criminal Court
I didn’t know a public defender could fight this hard. They brought in a mental health advocate, challenged the evidence, and stood beside me the whole time. I had no idea I had rights until they showed me.
Special Litigation Unit (Mental Health) client · General Sessions
After I got out, I thought my record would follow me forever. The re-entry team helped me get my record expunged and my license back. I finally got a real job. They didn’t just defend me — they helped me rebuild.
Re-Entry Services client · Expungement
Our office handles every stage of criminal defense — from arraignment through appeal.
The Chief Public Defender and Deputy Public Defender set the direction and standards of our office, overseeing representation for more than 20,000 clients per year.
Misdemeanors and felonies through all Shelby County adult courts, from first appearance to resolution — whether dismissal, plea, or trial.
Defense for young people in Shelby County Juvenile Court, including transfer case representation. Located at 600 Adams Ave.
Mental health defense and the Jericho Project jail diversion program — open to all Shelby County defendants, not just SCPD clients.
Interdisciplinary representation for clients charged with first degree murder, including capital jury trials. Every major case receives the full weight of our office.
We stay with you through every appeal — including in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Tennessee Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court. No new attorney needed.
From the moment you’re charged to the resolution of your case, here’s how we work with you.
At arraignment, the court appoints our office. Your attorney will either meet you in court or reach out within 48 hours to introduce themselves and begin gathering information about your case.
We review police reports, witness statements, and evidence. Our investigators interview witnesses and visit the scene. You’ll meet with your attorney to define your goals and collaborate in your defense.
Your attorney appears with you at every court date, challenges evidence, and negotiates with prosecutors. We keep you informed of every offer, motion, and development, working to achieve your goals.
Whether your case resolves by dismissal, plea, or verdict — we don’t disappear. We remain available for re-entry services, appeals, and follow-up legal questions.
A conviction doesn’t have to follow you forever. We help clear the path back.
Clear your record and/or your court costs after dismissal, diversion, or in eligible cases even including convictions.
Suspended, revoked, or declared a habitual motor vehicle offender? We help navigate reinstatement requirements.
Obtain a judicial order that helps individuals with past felony convictions secure occupational licenses and employment by officially recognizing their rehabilitation.
Our re-entry team works with formerly incarcerated clients across Shelby County — whether or not we represented you in your case(s). Services are free.
Call our office and ask for re-entry services, or fill out our online request form. We respond within two business days.
A jail diversion program built on a simple belief: that people in mental health crisis belong in treatment, not behind bars. The Jericho Project connects eligible defendants to community-based care — reducing incarceration, reducing recidivism, and restoring lives.
No cost to participants
Open to all Shelby County defendants — not SCPD only
Screening begins before arraignment
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis
Founded in 1917 by a Private Act of the Tennessee General Assembly, the Shelby County Public Defender is one of the oldest public defense systems in the country — and the first established east of the Mississippi River.
Today we are the largest criminal defense law firm in Tennessee, representing more than 20,000 people every year across every stage of the criminal justice system.
Every client is assigned an attorney based on the type of case and which court it is in. Our full attorney directory lists direct phone numbers and email addresses for every public defender in our office — searchable by name or division.
Leadership
Adult Division
Youth Trial Division
Major Cases Team
Special Litigation Unit (Mental Health)
Appellate Team
We are the largest criminal defense firm in Tennessee. We’re looking for mission-driven attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers, and law clerks who believe in equal justice.
