(a) The district public defender has the duty and responsibility of representing indigent persons for whom the district public defender has been appointed as counsel by the court. Either personally or through an assistant district public defender, the district public defender shall counsel with the accused and represent such accused in the trial court. If the accused is aggrieved by the judgment of the trial court imposing a sentence of imprisonment, or dismissing a habeas corpus or post-conviction petition, the district public defender shall advise such accused fully concerning rights of appellate review.
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 8-14-104

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Appellate: About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgement of another lower court or tribunal.
  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • Public defender: Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.
  • State: means the state of Tennessee. See Tennessee Code 8-34-101
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(b) If the accused desires to appeal to an appellate court, the district public defender shall seasonably take all steps necessary to perfect the appeal, including a new trial motion when required and the filing of all essential transcripts and records with the clerk of the appellate court.
(c) The district public defender has the duty and responsibility of handling all appeals filed by an indigent person represented in the trial courts of this state.
(d) At such times and in such form and manner as may be directed by the chairs of the criminal justice committee of the house of representatives and the judiciary committee of the senate, each executive director of the district public defenders conference shall submit reports reflecting the number, kind, status, and disposition of all cases and proceedings.
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