Source: https://njdc.info/practice-policy-resources/state-profiles/tennessee/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 10:45:41+00:00

Document:
Tennessee provides counsel to indigent youth through public defender offices serving judicial districts. Tenn. Code Ann. §8-14-101. Individual public defenders offices provide representation at trial and appellate levels. Tenn. Code Ann. §8-14-104. The only state-wide entity is the Office of the Executive Director of the Public Defender. Established by statute, it provides leadership and administrative support to defenders. Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-14-301.
Tennessee has no statutorily mandated or recommended training requirements or standards for attorneys representing youth in delinquency proceedings.
In addition to statutes and case law, juvenile court proceedings are governed by court rules. These are often promulgated at the state level, but may also be passed at the local court level instead of or in addition to statewide rules. Tennessee’s delinquency proceedings are governed by the Rules of Juvenile Procedure.
In Tennessee, youth have the right to counsel at “all stages of any delinquency proceedings and in unruly proceedings that place the child in jeopardy of being removed from home.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-126(a)(1). If the youth appears without counsel, the court shall inform the youth of his or her right to counsel, including the right to have counsel appointed if the youth is indigent. Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-126(a)(3). The court may continue the hearing to allow the youth time to hire an attorney. Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-126(a)(3). “In all delinquency hearings or in unruly hearings in which the child may be in jeopardy of being removed from the home…counsel must be provided for a child not represented by the child’s parent, guardian, guardian ad litem or custodian or where the child’s interests conflict with the parent, guardian, custodian or guardian ad litem.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-126(a)(4).
Appeals. Tenn. R. Juv. P. 118.
“The court shall only accept a waiver if the child is able to make an intelligent and understanding decision based on the child’s mental condition, age, education, experience, the nature or complexity of the case, or any other relevant factor.” Tenn. R. Juv. P. 205(c)(1). “Any and all waivers of rights at a hearing shall be made orally and in open court, and shall be confirmed in writing by the child and the judge. When the child is not represented by an attorney, the court shall advise the child in open court of the right to an appointed attorney. The court shall not proceed with the hearing unless the child has waived the right to an attorney in accordance with [the rule].” Tenn. R. Juv. P. 205(c)(2).
When and how the court may decide to detain a child or otherwise place restrictions on the child’s freedom is defined by statute and court rules. When a youth is taken into custody and is not detainable, the youth is to be released to the parent, guardian, or other custodian within a “reasonable time.” Tenn. R. Juv. P. 203(a). If the youth is taken into custody without an order, is alleged delinquent and is held in secure detention, a probable cause determination must occur within 48 hours of the youth being taken into custody. Tenn. R. Juv. P. 203(b)(1)(A). Under the special circumstance exception, the probable cause determination must occur within 24 hours, excluding nonjudicial holidays, but no later than 48 hours after the youth has been detained. Tenn. R. Juv. P 203(b)(1)(B); Tenn. Code Ann. §37-1-114. If the youth is taken into custody pursuant to an order or probable cause determination, the maximum 84 hours, is not to be exceeded, unless a detention hearing is held. Tenn. R. Juv. P. 203(b)(2). Other relevant provisions regarding the detention of youth can be found in Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 37-1-113 to 37-1-117.
The legal needs of children in the delinquency system rarely end at disposition, and states vary in the way they provide a right to representation on these post-disposition issues. Tennessee statutes list two post-disposition proceedings at which youth have a right to counsel.
Juvenile court can retain jurisdiction over youth until their 19th birthday , provided that the offense alleged to have been committed occurred before the youth turned 18. Tenn/ Code Ann. § 37-1-102(5)(B)(ii)-(iii).
The youth is seventeen (17) years of age or more at the time of the alleged conduct. Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-134(a)(1)(A).
Once an Adult, Always an Adult. Upon transfer and conviction in [adult criminal court] “jurisdiction of the juvenile court with respect to any and all delinquent acts with which the child may then or thereafter be charged, and the child shall thereafter be dealt with as an adult as to all pending and subsequent criminal charges.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-134(c).
NJDC has not yet conducted an assessment of the juvenile indigent defense system in Tennessee. If you would like to collaborate with NJDC to fundraise for, plan, or engage in an assessment in this state, please contact us.

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