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Press contact
Responses within one business day
Monday – Friday · 8:00am – 4:30pm
Main Office
201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01
Memphis, TN 38103
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The Shelby County Public Defender welcomes press inquiries. We believe that public defense work benefits from public attention — and that accurate, thoughtful coverage of the criminal justice system makes our community more just.
Contact
All media inquiries should be directed to the Chief Public Defender. Please identify yourself as a member of the press and provide your name, outlet, deadline, and the nature of your inquiry. We respond to media requests within one business day whenever possible.
Phone: (901) 222-2800 — ask for the Chief Public Defender
Email: publicdefender@shelbycountytn.gov
Address: 201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01, Memphis, TN 38103
Our Press Policy
As a public defender’s office, our primary obligation is to our clients. Our press policy reflects that.
- Active cases. We generally do not comment publicly on active cases. Our work is done in court, not in the press.
- Client privacy. We never identify clients to the media without explicit consent. We will not confirm or deny representation of any individual without that consent.
- Policy and advocacy work. We are often glad to comment on legislative matters, systemic issues, and criminal justice reform. Chief Public Defender Jerri Green is available for interviews on these topics.
- Statistical and operational information. We are transparent about our caseloads, staffing, and office operations. While we always respect client confidentiality, some data may be available upon request.
- Closed cases. After a case has concluded, but only with client consent, we may be able to provide background and context.