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Contact Re-Entry
Free services · Two-day response
Monday – Friday · 8:00am – 4:30pm
Main Office
201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01
Memphis, TN 38103
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- If you are in custody
Ask a jail or prison staff member to contact our office on your behalf. You do not need to wait until release to begin the re-entry process.
Call (901) 222-2800 and ask for re-entry services.
Our re-entry services are open to anyone who has been incarcerated in Shelby County — whether or not we represented you at trial. You don’t need to have been our client. All services are free.
What We Help With
Expungements
An expungement removes an eligible conviction or arrest from your public record — making it invisible to most employers, landlords, and licensing agencies. Tennessee law allows expungement in several circumstances, including after a dismissal, a diversion agreement, or in some cases after a waiting period.
Our re-entry attorneys review your record, identify every charge that may qualify, and file the petition at no cost to you.
Eligibility note
Not every conviction can be expunged. Violent offenses, sex offenses, and DUI convictions generally do not qualify. Call us and we will check your specific record — eligibility is case-by-case and the law changes frequently.
Driving Privileges
A suspended or revoked license can make it nearly impossible to hold a job, get to medical appointments, or care for your family. We help clients understand why their license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it — including petitions to the court for cost waivers, payment plans for fines and fees, and applications for restricted licenses when full reinstatement isn’t yet possible.
Certificates of Employability
Many Tennesseans who have been convicted of felonies are eligible for a certificate of employability — a judicial order stating that an individual with a past felony conviction is rehabilitated, which helps them secure employment and occupational licenses. We help you determine your eligibility and complete the application.
How to Request Help
Call or Submit a Request
Call our main office at (901) 222-2800 and ask for re-entry services, or use our online request form. You do not need to have been our client.
Initial Consultation
A member of our re-entry team will contact you within two business days to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your record and identify which services may apply to your situation.
We File on Your Behalf
Once we have the information we need, we prepare and file all necessary paperwork. We keep you informed at every step and represent you in any required hearings.
Common Questions
Do I have to have been a Shelby County Public Defender client?
No. Our re-entry services are open to any formerly incarcerated person in Shelby County, regardless of who represented them at trial. You do not need to have been our client.
How long does an expungement take?
Processing times vary. After we file, the court typically takes between 30 and 60 days to process an expungement petition. We will notify you when it is granted and provide documentation you can use with employers or landlords.
Is there a cost for re-entry services?
Our legal services are free. However, some court filings carry state-mandated fees — for example, Tennessee charges a $100 filing fee for expungements in some cases. We will tell you upfront if any fees apply and help you explore fee waiver options.
Can I get help if I'm still on probation or parole?
It depends on the service. Some driving privilege matters can be pursued while on supervision. Expungements of convictions generally require completion of sentence, including probation. Call us and we’ll review your specific situation.
Ready to start over?
Call us or submit a request form. We respond within two business days.