Criminal Defense in Memphis
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you’re facing charges in Memphis, your case typically starts in the Shelby County General Sessions Court for the initial appearance and preliminary hearing. Many misdemeanors are resolved there, while felonies are bound over to the county’s separate Criminal Court division — Shelby County is one of the larger districts (the 30th Judicial District) with its own Criminal Court.
The court determines where your case is heard; the substantive law lives in our statewide guides. Start with the Tennessee criminal defense hub and the criminal process guide, then explore DUI, drug charges, or assault.
Acting early protects your rights. To get matched with a local Memphis criminal defense attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local court
Court: Criminal cases for Memphis residents typically begin in the Shelby County General Sessions Court, with felonies bound over to the Shelby County Criminal Court, both part of Tennessee's 30th Judicial District.
Memphis is the seat of Shelby County, where most criminal cases start in General Sessions Court for the initial appearance and preliminary hearing. Misdemeanors are often resolved there, while felonies are bound over to the county's separate Criminal Court division. Verify the court's current location, hours, and procedures on its official website before any hearing.
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- Which court handles a criminal charge in Memphis?
- Most cases begin in the Shelby County General Sessions Court for the initial appearance and preliminary hearing. Misdemeanors are often resolved there, while felonies are bound over to the Shelby County Criminal Court in the 30th Judicial District.
- Does Shelby County have a separate Criminal Court?
- Yes. Shelby County has a separate Criminal Court division that tries felonies, unlike smaller districts where the Circuit Court hears felony cases.