David 'Hawk' Allen, DRU Attorney, Office of the Shelby County Public Defender

For residents of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, navigating the criminal justice system can be a daunting and often overwhelming experience. When facing criminal charges, the right to legal representation is fundamental, and for those who cannot afford a private attorney, the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender plays a vital role. Within this essential public service, attorneys like David 'Hawk' Allen stand out, dedicated to upholding the rights of indigent clients and ensuring they receive a fair and zealous defense. This office is a cornerstone of the local legal community, committed to providing essential legal services to those who need it most.

David 'Hawk' Allen, a DRU (Direct Representation Unit) Attorney at the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, brings a unique blend of academic background and practical experience to his role. Having completed degrees in anthropology and creative writing, and a graduate program in criminal justice before earning his law degree from the University of Memphis, he approaches cases with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and legal principles. His commitment to public service is evident in his hundreds of hours of pro bono work, including assisting Memphians with expungement of their criminal records. For locals requiring court-appointed legal counsel, Mr. Allen and the Shelby County Public Defender's Office offer a steadfast commitment to justice, ensuring that every individual receives diligent and effective representation. They are prepared to defend a wide range of criminal matters, advocating tirelessly from arrest through trial.

The Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, where David 'Hawk' Allen serves as a DRU Attorney, is centrally located for the convenience of Memphis and Shelby County residents. You can find their office at 201 Poplar Ave Suite 2-01, Memphis, TN 38103, USA. This address places the office directly within the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center complex, a critical hub for legal proceedings in the area.

The location on Poplar Avenue is highly accessible, situated in downtown Memphis. This makes it convenient for clients who may be attending court dates or need to consult with their appointed attorney. The building is a well-known landmark in the city, simplifying navigation for those unfamiliar with the area. Being on the second floor, Suite 2-01, ensures a designated and professional space for the public defender's operations. The proximity to various courtrooms and other legal services within the justice center is a significant advantage, allowing for efficient communication and case management. For locals in Shelby County, this central and easily reachable location minimizes travel burden and maximizes accessibility to crucial legal representation.

The Office of the Shelby County Public Defender provides vital legal representation to eligible individuals accused of criminal conduct. David 'Hawk' Allen, as a DRU (Direct Representation Unit) Attorney, is part of a team dedicated to handling a comprehensive range of criminal defense cases. The services offered are specifically designed to ensure that indigent persons (those who cannot afford an attorney) receive effective legal representation as mandated by the United States and Tennessee Constitutions.

• Felony Defense: Representation for serious criminal charges that carry significant penalties, handled from arrest through disposition, including grand jury indictment and jury trial.

• Misdemeanor Defense: Legal defense for less severe criminal offenses, often managed in General Sessions Court, including preliminary hearings and bench trials.

• Juvenile Delinquency Cases: Representation for minors involved in the juvenile justice system, including delinquency matters and cases where transfer to adult court is a possibility.

• Criminal Appeals: Handling appeals for clients who wish to challenge a conviction or sentence in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Tennessee Supreme Court, and potentially the United States Supreme Court.

• Drug Crimes: Defense for various drug-related offenses, aiming to protect clients' rights and achieve favorable outcomes.

• Expungement Assistance: While primarily focused on active criminal defense, Mr. Allen has a background in assisting Memphians with the expungement of criminal records, which can be a related service for former clients seeking to clear their names.

• Fraud Defense: Providing legal support for individuals accused of fraud-related offenses.

• Gun Crimes: Representation for charges involving firearms.

• Internet Crimes: Addressing legal issues related to offenses committed online.

• Sex Crimes: Discreet and dedicated defense for those accused of sex-related offenses.

• Theft Crimes: Legal defense for various theft charges.

• Violent Crimes: Representation for serious violent offenses.

• Non-support Contempt and Children's Services Allegations: Representation in certain civil matters where legal counsel is entitled by law.

David 'Hawk' Allen's role within the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, and the office itself, offer several key features and highlights that are particularly beneficial for locals in Tennessee.

• Dedicated Public Service: The fundamental highlight is the commitment to public service. As a Public Defender, Mr. Allen's purpose is to provide zealous and effective legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring that everyone's constitutional right to an attorney is upheld. This makes justice accessible to all eligible Shelby County residents.

• Experienced DRU Attorney: David 'Hawk' Allen is a DRU (Direct Representation Unit) attorney. This means he is part of a specialized unit within the Public Defender's Office composed of experienced trial attorneys who handle felony cases comprehensively from arrest through trial. This direct, continuous representation ensures consistency and thoroughness in defense.

• Local Knowledge and Court Familiarity: Being based at 201 Poplar Ave in Memphis, within the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center, Mr. Allen and the office are deeply familiar with the local courts, judges, prosecutors, and specific procedures of Shelby County. This insider knowledge is invaluable for navigating the local legal landscape effectively.

• Comprehensive Criminal Defense: The Public Defender's Office handles a wide spectrum of criminal cases, from misdemeanors in General Sessions to complex felonies, juvenile delinquency, and even criminal appeals. This broad scope ensures that eligible clients receive representation for various types of charges.

• Academic Background and Pro Bono Work: Mr. Allen's diverse academic background (anthropology, creative writing, criminal justice) offers a unique perspective to legal defense. His past volunteer work, including assisting with expungements, demonstrates a commitment to helping individuals beyond just active criminal cases, highlighting a broader dedication to community well-being.

• Not-for-Hire / Court Appointment Only: It's important to highlight that as an Assistant Public Defender, David 'Hawk' Allen cannot be hired directly by the public. He is appointed by the Court to eligible indigent defendants. This ensures that resources are directed to those who, by law, are entitled to public representation, maintaining the integrity of the public defense system.

As an attorney with the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, David 'Hawk' Allen's services are not offered as commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the private market sense. Instead, the fundamental benefit and "offer" of the Public Defender's Office is to provide free legal representation to individuals who are deemed "indigent" by the court and are charged with a criminal offense that could result in a loss of freedom.

The primary "special offer" is the constitutional right to effective legal counsel at public expense for those who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. The process for obtaining this service is initiated by the court itself. If a person is found to be indigent and eligible, an attorney from the Public Defender's Office, such as David 'Hawk' Allen, will be appointed to their case.

While Mr. Allen's personal biography mentions that he cannot accept clients or provide legal advice outside of court appointment, the existence of the Public Defender's Office itself is the ultimate "promotion" for accessible justice in Shelby County. It ensures that economic status does not prevent individuals from receiving a robust legal defense. Individuals should inquire with the court or the Public Defender's Office directly regarding eligibility requirements and the process for appointment.

To contact the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, where David 'Hawk' Allen serves as a DRU Attorney, you can use the following details:

• Address: 201 Poplar Ave Suite 2-01, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

• Phone: (901) 222-2897

• Mobile Phone: +1 901-222-2897

It's important to remember that as a public defender, David 'Hawk' Allen is appointed by the court to eligible clients and is not available for private hire. These contact numbers are primarily for individuals seeking to connect with the Public Defender's Office for court-appointed legal assistance.

For locals in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, with dedicated attorneys like David 'Hawk' Allen, is not just suitable but absolutely essential for accessing justice. The very existence of this office underscores a fundamental commitment to the constitutional rights of all citizens, ensuring that legal representation is not a luxury but a right, regardless of one's economic status.

The primary reason this office is ideal for locals is its mission: to provide effective legal defense for indigent individuals. In a community as diverse as Memphis, ensuring that everyone accused of a crime has a knowledgeable and zealous advocate is paramount for a fair justice system. David 'Hawk' Allen, as a DRU Attorney, embodies this commitment by offering comprehensive representation for serious felony cases from start to finish. This direct, continuous involvement helps build trust and ensures a thorough defense.

Furthermore, the strategic location at 201 Poplar Ave, within the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center, offers unparalleled convenience for local residents. This proximity to the courts means that attorneys are regularly present, familiar with the local judges and prosecutors, and can navigate the specific procedures of the Shelby County legal system with ease. This intimate local knowledge is a significant advantage, allowing for more effective and tailored defense strategies.

While individuals cannot directly hire Mr. Allen, the service he provides through the Public Defender's Office fills a critical need for many in the community. His background, including a focus on understanding human behavior and prior pro bono work on expungements, suggests a deep-seated commitment to the well-being and future of the people he serves. For any eligible resident of Shelby County facing criminal charges, the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, with attorneys like David 'Hawk' Allen, stands as a beacon of fundamental legal rights and dedicated public service. It’s a vital resource that ensures justice is within reach for everyone in the community.