Germantown, TN asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Tennessee

Q: For a felony, how does a “pauper” get a lawyer? And is the public defender the same as getting a “pauper’s” attorney ?

Drugs were involved . The husband , on drugs, and out of his right mind, acted threatening and grabbed his knife from his 11year old , who was trying to prevent their only car from being damaged & almost cut his son. His wife went to the police station. The husband kicked out the window of the police car.

1 Lawyer Answer
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Cleveland, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: At your first court date, typically the Judge will deliver a statement of your rights, one of which is to be represented by an attorney. If you can't afford one, the court can appoint one. Usually, in the larger jurisdictions, you may get the public defender. In smaller towns, I have seen a list of attorneys that will serve if appointed.

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