Terms Used In Tennessee Code 33-6-419

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105

The defendant‘s attorney shall notify the court of the representation immediately after accepting it. If the defendant does not employ an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the defendant not later than two (2) days after the original detention or three (3) days before the date of the hearing, whichever is earlier. An attorney representing the defendant shall not serve as guardian ad litem. If the court determines that the defendant is not able to understand the nature of the proceedings and cannot communicate with counsel in the conduct of the case, the court may appoint another person to serve as the defendant’s guardian ad litem.