Legal Question in Criminal Law in Tennessee

Yes, you can file an Affidavit of Indigency and try and have the judge appoint an attorney for you.

Even if you don't totally qualify for a "free" lawyer, perhaps he can order an additional payment by you to help defray at least some of the costs involved. That's called a special assessment.

But ultimately, it is up to the judge to make the call whether or not you can afford an attorney. Some of the more practical questions are:

- How much do you make? (For example, show him a copy of your Tax Return for 2015).

- How many children do you support?

- Have you actually gone to see one or more lawyers, obtained quotes from them, and they refused to take a pay plan? It would help to have a letter or memo from those lawyers.

- Do you have credit (credit cards available, line of credit, home equity) where you can borrow money for an attorney and repay the debt over time?

- Did you make bond? If yes, how much did you pay and where did the money come from?