how to get a court appointed attorney shelby county tennessee

by Mr. Faustino Kshlerin Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 3 min read

How do I get a court appointed attorney in Tennessee?

If your case is in Criminal Court and you cannot afford to hire a lawyer to represent you, you must ask the Judge hearing your case to appoint a lawyer to represent you. You will have the chance to make that request at your arraignment, which is your first court date in Criminal Court after you have been indicted.

Can you be denied a court appointed attorney in Tennessee?

(f)(1) Indigent parties shall not have the right to select appointed counsel. If an indigent party refuses to accept the services of appointed counsel, such refusal shall be in writing and shall be signed by the indigent party in the presence of the court.

Are public defenders free in Tennessee?

For Criminal Cases

In criminal cases, if you qualify for a free attorney, the judge will assign a lawyer to represent you. In such cases the attorney is paid for by public funds.

Does Tennessee have public defenders?

Each of Tennessee's 31 judicial districts has a public defender office. Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court require that the district public defender be appointed unless there is a conflict of interest or excessive workload.

How do you get a public defender?

Ask for a Public Defender at Arraignment.

Once arrested, you will either be given a notice to appear in court, or you will be held in a local jail cell until your arraignment. In either case, you must appear at your arraignment court date, at which time you can ask the judge for a court-appointed public defender.Oct 14, 2013

How can you be denied a public defender?

Public Defenders are for defendants who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. If you or the person was released after 72 hours, or the court has reason to believe there is money to pay, then the Judge can deny you a PD.Aug 1, 2011