Criminal Defense
Representation in Criminal Matters
Brooks Law Firm defends individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Memphis, Shelby County, and the surrounding West Tennessee area. A criminal charge is a serious matter — one that can affect employment, housing, immigration status, professional licensing, and the right to vote or possess a firearm — and we approach each case with the preparation and attention it deserves.
Our goal is to understand the charge, the evidence, and the client’s circumstances, and then to provide an honest assessment of what the case is likely to involve and what outcomes are realistically possible. We represent clients from the first appearance in General Sessions Court through preliminary hearings, grand jury presentment, pretrial motions in Criminal Court, and trial if needed. Text me at 901-412-2973 or call (901) 324-5000.
“An accusation is not a conviction. The State has to prove its case, and the defense has a right — and an obligation — to test every element of it.”
See how much a criminal defense lawyer costs in Memphis — flat fees and what drives them.
Offenses We Handle
DUI & Implied Consent
Driving under the influence under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-401, including first and subsequent offenses, implied consent violations, and related license suspension proceedings. See our Memphis DUI defense guide.
Assault & Domestic Violence
Simple assault, aggravated assault, domestic assault, and related order-of-protection matters under Tennessee law. See our domestic violence, assault, and order of protection pages.
Drug Offenses
Simple possession, possession with intent, and delivery/manufacture charges under the Tennessee Drug Control Act, as well as drug-related schedule and quantity issues. See our drug offense defense overview.
Theft & Property Crimes
Theft of property or services, shoplifting, burglary, vandalism, and related property offenses, grouped by value under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-105. See our theft defense page.
Weapons Charges
Unlawful possession, possession by a prohibited person, carrying during the commission of an offense, and related firearms matters under Tennessee law.
Expungement
Petitions to expunge eligible arrest and conviction records under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101 et seq. where the statutory criteria are met. See our expungement page.
Probation Violations
Representation at probation revocation hearings, including responses to alleged technical and substantive violations of supervised release.
Juvenile Matters
Representation of minors in Shelby County Juvenile Court on delinquency petitions, including transfer hearings to adult court where applicable.
Where Criminal Cases Are Heard
Most criminal matters in Shelby County are handled in one of the following forums:
- General Sessions Court of Shelby County — the first stop for most criminal charges. Misdemeanors may be disposed of here; felonies typically move forward through a preliminary hearing.
- Criminal Court of Shelby County — felonies proceed here after indictment or presentment by the grand jury, for arraignment, motion practice, trial, and sentencing.
- Shelby County Juvenile Court — jurisdiction over delinquency matters involving minors.
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee — for federal charges.
We also appear in the municipal and county courts throughout the region. If you were charged outside the City of Memphis, our Courts We Serve guide covers the court handling your case: Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, and Millington in Shelby County, and Fayette, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Haywood counties.
How We Approach a Criminal Case
1. The First Conversation
We begin by understanding the charge, the circumstances of the arrest, any statements made, any search that occurred, and the client’s prior record. That conversation shapes everything that follows.
2. Investigation and Discovery
We obtain the State’s discovery, review police reports, body-camera and dash-camera video where available, 911 recordings, and any scientific evidence. Where appropriate, we conduct our own investigation — witness interviews, scene review, records requests.
3. Pretrial Motions
Where the facts support them, we file motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Amendments, as well as motions in limine and motions to dismiss. A successful suppression motion can resolve a case before trial.
4. Negotiation
Most criminal cases are resolved by negotiated disposition. Whether that resolution is acceptable depends on the client’s circumstances, the strength of the State’s evidence, and what the client is willing to accept — decisions the client makes with candid advice from counsel.
5. Trial
If a case must be tried, it is tried. The quality of any plea offer often reflects how credibly the defense is prepared to go to verdict, and we prepare accordingly.
Working With Brooks Law Firm
Brooks Law Firm is a Memphis-based practice serving clients across Shelby County and the surrounding area. The firm’s attorneys — Patrick Brooks and Beth Brooks — handle each matter personally. Clients work directly with their attorney from the first consultation through the conclusion of the case. Spanish-language services are available. Consultations may be arranged in person at our Union Avenue office or by telephone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my case be heard in Memphis or in a suburban court?
It depends on where you were charged, not where you live. Charges arising in Memphis or unincorporated Shelby County go to the General Sessions and Criminal Courts at 201 Poplar. Charges from Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or Millington start in that city’s municipal court, and charges from Fayette, Tipton, Lauderdale, or Haywood County go to that county’s courts. Our Courts We Serve guide explains each one.
Can a criminal charge be kept off my record?
Often, yes — through dismissal, or judicial diversion followed by expungement for qualifying first offenders. Two significant exceptions are DUI and domestic assault: a conviction for either can never be expunged in Tennessee, which is a major reason to fight those charges rather than plead early.
What should I do first after an arrest?
Do not give a statement. Be polite, provide identification, and say you want a lawyer. Evidence issues, witness memories, and diversion eligibility are all easier to address early, so contact an attorney before you talk to anyone else about the case.
Brooks Law Firm defends criminal charges throughout Memphis, Shelby County, and West Tennessee. Call (901) 324-5000 or call/text (901) 412-2973. Se habla Español. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.