Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office -- Juvenile Division

The Juvenile Division of the Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office was created in 1978, and currently has a staff of five lawyers, two social workers, and one legal secretary.  The Office is located on the bottom level of the Juvenile Justice Center, and can be reached by phone at (615) 862-5740. 

The Assistant Public Defenders in Juvenile Court primarily represent indigent juveniles who are accused of committing delinquent acts (generally an act that would constitute a crime if committed by an adult).  Additionally, the Office employs one attorney who serves as a guardian ad litem (a lawyer appointed to advocate for the best interests of a child) in custody, parentage, educational neglect and neglect/dependency cases.  The Juvenile Division also has social workers and a legal secretary on staff to assist in the representation of clients. 
 
If you are a child who is seeking legal representation, or if you are a parent who believes your child is entitled to a public defender, you should contact the Davidson County Juvenile Court directly at (615) 862-8000 to request assistance.   The Office of the Public Defender is not able to accept clients directly, as only the Davidson County Juvenile Court has the authority to appoint an attorney in juvenile delinquency matters. 

PLEASE NOTE:  The Juvenile Division of the Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office does not represent adults in any matters, including child support or visitation cases.  If you have questions regarding child support, you should contact Child Support Services at (615) 726-0530.