SCPD Wins Landmark Ruling on Pretrial Detention

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in favor of our client this month, holding that lengthy pretrial detention without individualized risk review violates due process protections under the state constitution. The decision affirms a principle SCPD has pressed for years: that liberty should not turn on the ability to pay or the absence of a hearing.

The ruling is expected to shape detention practice across Shelby County and gives defenders a firmer footing to demand prompt, individualized review for clients held before trial.