12th Judicial District Public Defender

09/25/2026

We take training seriously.

Three of our attorneys spent this week honing their skills at the Tennessee Criminal Defense College, held at Pickwick Landing State Park.

District Public Defender Ted Engel served on the faculty this year, while Assistant Public Defenders David Shinn and Chelsea Lyle put in 12-hour days working a hypothetical case and exploring new and innovative ways to tell clients’ stories in court.

Being a defense lawyer means maintaining a skeptical eye and testing every aspect of the government’s case. This year’s College drove that home, offering students a fact pattern based on a real-life self-defense case that three of the faculty members actually tried to a not guilty jury verdict.

As you can see, Dave has mastered that skeptical eye.

Defending Tennesseans is a solemn duty. We are constantly working to be better advocates for our clients and their rights.

And we’ll never stop.

09/17/2026

On this date in 1787, delegates from across the country did something remarkable.

They put their signatures to a document that would shape the next two centuries and serve as the charter of our liberties—a document whose very existence would ultimately allow people of all races, backgrounds, and creeds to live together peacefully.

The Constitution represents the very best of America. As public defenders, it is our solemn privilege to defend that document and everything it stands for.

08/10/2026

Please help us welcome newly-minted Assistant Public Defender Sarah Hay.

Sarah joined our team last week. She comes to us from private practice in Dunlap, where she spent years representing individuals throughout the area in a host of juvenile and family matters.

Sarah will be working out of our Jasper office, primarily serving clients accused of crimes in Marion County.

We're proud to have her aboard!

08/05/2026

Judge Cameron was a wonderful judge and an even more wonderful human being.

He addressed everyone who appeared in front of him with kindness, patience, and fairness. Whether you were a wealthy litigant in a civil suit or an indigent defendant in a criminal case, you could always count on being treated with respect and dignity before Judge Cameron.

He genuinely cared about the people he interacted with on a daily basis, from other judges and lawyers, to court staff and law enforcement, to parties and witnesses. His smiling face and kind demeanor will be missed by all who knew him.

The 12th Judicial District is made worse by his loss.

Please remember his loving family in your prayers during this difficult time.

View Circuit Court Judge John Harvey "Cam" Cameron, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/04/2026

History has seen nations rise and nations fall.

Some were founded on conquest. Others, on a potentate's claim of right.

But one stands apart.

America was founded on a simple idea: that in a world mired in oppression and covered in darkness, there should be one place that shines as a beacon of freedom.

Liberty is what America stands for, today and for 250 years.

Celebrate it.

Live it.

And never stop defending it.

01/26/2026

Rhea County General Sessions Court has also been canceled for January 27.

As of right now, Sequatchie County General Sessions Court is scheduled to proceed as normal on January 27.

If you are a client of the Public Defender’s Office and have questions about the scheduling of your case, please call us at 423-634-8646.

01/25/2026

The Governor has ordered all state offices closed Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27.

As a state office, the Public Defender’s Office will follow that directive.

Franklin County General Sessions Court has been canceled for Monday, January 26.

Rhea County General Sessions Court has been canceled for Tuesday, January 27.

As of right now, Sequatchie County General Sessions Court is still scheduled to take place Tuesday, January 27. Personnel from the Public Defender’s Office will be present if court proceeds that day. If it is canceled, we will do our best to help spread the word.

Stay warm, stay safe, and as always, feel free to call us at 423-634-8646 if you have questions about your case.

12/26/2025