TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Liz Slagle Todaro on Jan 29, 2025

TBA's Indigent Representation Primer series recently featured an item focused on appointed counsel for minors facing criminal charges. In Tennessee, juveniles charged with delinquency are guaranteed a right to counsel, and if they cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint a public defender or private attorney. Tennessee law mandates that juveniles must be provided with counsel in cases where the child faces the possibility of incarceration or other serious consequences. Judges also have the discretion to appoint counsel in cases where a juvenile is not at risk for incarceration but is facing fines or court-ordered services. Juvenile delinquency cases present a unique set of challenges in the legal system and the role of appointed counsel is critical to ensuring fair treatment for youth in the justice system. Attorneys appointed to represent a juvenile charged with a crime in Tennessee play an essential role in providing legal defense, ensuring the juvenile’s rights are protected, advocating for rehabilitation and working toward a favorable outcome for the child.