The Nashville Defenders seek to provide zealous representation to our clients, and to fight for equal justice for the indigent accused in Nashville, TN. We represent adults accused of crimes and children charged with delinquency offenses in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Cases range from the lowest level misdemeanor to capital murder cases. Guiding principles of the Office are that each client is entitled to effective representation; to the best outcome possible for their case, as determined by the client; and to be treated with dignity and respect. Our attorneys, investigators, social workers and support staff take great pride in providing a high level of service.
Attorneys in the appellate division represent clients on direct appeal in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court. Effective, client-centered appellate advocacy is a crucial component of the Office’s mission, helping ensure that each client receives a fair trial or hearing and the best possible outcome in each case. Attorneys in this division carry an exclusively appellate caseload, representing clients who have faced an adverse outcome following a trial, sentencing hearing, probation revocation hearing, or other final judgment in a trial court. Attorneys work closely with clients and trial counsel, review trial court records, and conduct legal research to identify and develop appellate issues. Additionally, attorneys in the appellate division dedicate time to consult with office attorneys on legal and strategic issues that arise in trial court matters, help with research questions, and keep current with cases, statutes, and rules.