On this page
- Need a public defender?
Tell the judge at your first court appearance. You do not need to call us before your arraignment — the court appoints us automatically to people found indigent.
Call (901) 222-2800 if you need a public defender or have questions after your appointment.
If you have been charged with a crime and need a public defender, tell the judge at your first court appearance. You do not need to call us first — the court will appoint us. If you have already been appointed and need to reach your attorney, start with the main office number below.
Our Offices
Main Office
Address
201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Parking
201 Poplar Garage · Street parking on Second Ave
Youth trial division
Address
600 Adams Ave
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone
(901) 222-2800 — ask for Youth Trial Division
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Parking
Juvenile Court parking lot · Street parking on Adams Ave
Specific Departments
Re-Entry Services
Phone
(901) 222-2800 — ask for re-entry
Who it's for
Anyone formerly incarcerated in Shelby County — SCPD client or not
Response Time
Within two business days
Special Litigation Unit (Mental Health / Jericho Project)
Phone
(901) 222-2800 — ask for Special Litigation Unit or Jericho Project
Who it's for
Any person charged with a crime in Shelby County with mental health concerns — SCPD client or not
Media Inquiries
Phone
(901) 222-2800 — identify as media and ask for Chief Public Defender
Response time
Within one business day
MAJOR CASES TEAM
Phone
(901) 222-2800 — ask for Major Cases Team
WHO ITS FOR
SCPD clients charged with first-degree murder
APPELLATE TEAM
Phone
(901) 222-2800 — ask for Appellate Team
WHO ITS FOR
SCPD clients litigating or considering appeals
If You Are in Custody
In custody
If you are currently incarcerated, ask a jail or prison staff member to contact our office on your behalf. You do not need to wait until release to request a public defender. Jail staff are familiar with this process and can help connect you with us directly.
After hours: leave a voicemail with your name, case number, and next court date. We respond the next business day.