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Need help?
We’re here Monday – Friday
Monday – Friday · 8:00am – 4:30pm
Main Office
201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01
Memphis, TN 38103
Youth Trial Division
600 Adams Ave · Memphis, TN 38105
- If you are in custody
If you or a loved one are in jail and need an attorney, call us or ask a jail counselor to contact our office on your behalf. You do not need to wait for release to request a public defender.
We are appointed by the court to represent any person charged with a crime in Shelby County who cannot afford a private attorney. Our services cover every stage of the criminal justice process — and don’t stop when the case ends.
If You've Been Charged
At your first appearance in 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, and we will assign an attorney to represent you. Your attorney will either meet you in court or contact you promptly after arraignment. You do not need to do anything else to request our services.
Adult Division
Misdemeanors and felonies across all Shelby County adult courts — from first appearance through verdict.
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Youth trial division
Defense for young people in Shelby County Juvenile Court, including transfer cases. Located at 600 Adams Ave.
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Special litigation unit (mental health)
Specialized defense for clients whose cases intersect with serious mental illness, including access to the Jericho Project diversion program.
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Major Cases Team
Interdisciplinary representation for clients charged with first-degree murder, including capital cases.
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Appellate Team
We stay with you through every appeal — state and federal — at no additional cost and without assigning a new attorney.
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Mental Health Diversion
The Jericho Project is our jail diversion program for defendants with serious mental illness. It is open to all Shelby County defendants — not only SCPD clients. Screening begins before arraignment and referrals are accepted anytime while a case is pending.
After Your Case
A conviction doesn’t have to follow you forever. Our re-entry team provides free services to anyone who has been incarcerated in Shelby County — whether or not we represented you at trial.
- Expungements and court costs waivers — clearing your record and waiving costs after eligible convictions or arrests
- Driving privilege restoration — navigating reinstatement requirements
- Certificates of employability — obtaining legal recognition of your rehabilitation after a felony conviction
Find your attorney
Search our full directory for direct contact information.