Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender

Native Nashvillian. HBCU Made. Warrior Against Injustice. Champion for Equality. PUBLIC DEFENDER!💕💚

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Remembering when @DavidBriley greeted Jay-Z during the 2018 On The Run tour has me seriously considering a run for Nashville Mayor. #RENAISSANCEWorldTour

[Alexis Hoag-Fordjour @AHoagFordjour]

Black police chief, critical mass of Black officers, body cams, deescalation training, DOJ investigation, federal consent decree, federal court monitoring. These “reforms” didn’t work. It’s time to rethink the role of police in society. #TyreNichols

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Save your regards and pleas today, you are complicit in the murder of this man-a son and father. Praying for the family of Tyre Nichols & everyone who has experienced trauma at the hands of the police. As we prepare for the release of the video, please protect your peace!

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Seeing too many statements about the murder of #TyreNichols from people who ignore abuse of force complaints in their own police force & actively inflict trauma to the Black community by over policing

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

You deny the racist roots of policing and consistently respond to the community outrage around policing by giving more money and more power to police departments and creating more laws to mass incarcerate Black and poor people in this country.

[Bryan Stephenson @TNCrimDefense]

Nice work by @nash_defenders winning on appeal. CCA reversed on Rule 36.1, finding that lifetime community supervision wasn't legal for the pled sex offense (even tho it was a plea agreement). ADA acknowledged it wasn't statutorily allowed, but thought a plea would cure it. Nope.

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

As a Black woman and a public defender, I couldn’t be prouder to witness this moment. For all the public defenders who have experienced having the important work we do minimized, I couldn’t be prouder to witness this moment! Can’t wait to say Justice KETANJI Brown Jackson!!! #BHM

[President Biden Archived @POTUS46Archive]

I’m proud to announce that I am nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court. Currently serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, she is one of our nation’s brightest legal minds and will be an exceptional Justice.

https://t.co/iePvhz1YaA

[Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers @TABLawyers]

Martesha Johnson is the first black Chief Public Defender in Davidson Co. She began with an internship with the Nashville PD’s office in 2007, and has dedicated her entire career to public defense work. She graduated with highest honors from TSU and received her JD from UT Law.

[Freddie O’Connell @freddieoconnell]

We don’t usually see a coalition like this emerge on issues of the day.

When this many voices come together to express concerns about an approach to safety, it’s important to work harder on what “community safety” means so that more can share in it.

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

@iamstevenhale @NashvilleScene Thank you for your investment in the issues, for giving public defenders and our clients a platform, and for giving me one of the best memories of my journey! Good luck in your next adventure!

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Spoken in opposition of LPRs at 2 public safety meetings, a citywide community discussion, individual discussions with councilmembers, and a letter sent to the council body in April 2021. This morning I sent another letter urging opposition.

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Thank you for the feature @nashvillebiz #womenofinfluence21

[Nashville Business Journal @nashvillebiz]

What does Women of Influence winner Martesha Johnson want you to know about her clients?
"I really want to live in a society that isn’t quick to condemn, sees the humanity in all people and believes people are worthy of mercy and redemption." https://t.co/uf0C4e3nuY

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Late post, still #proud. #bestofthebar21

[Nashville Defenders @nash_defenders]

We are proud to announce Chief Public Defender Johnson has been selected for inclusion in the 2021 edition of Nashville Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar.”

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

“Our clients -particularly those who are Black- face harsher sentences, more time incarcerated, perpetual separation from their families, and the inability to re-enter a community that has cast them aside and put barriers in place that continue to dehumanize them.”

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Wish that I was on Ol’ #rockytop celebrating being a member of the inaugural UT 40 under 40 class! 🍊
This is an amazing group of young professionals doing BIG things! Happy to be in the number! #VFL #GoVols #40under40

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

Thank you for the recognition @nba_yld!!

[NBA Young Lawyers Division @nba_yld]

On the twenty-eighth day of Women's History Month, the NBA YLD celebrates Martesha Johnson. (@MJ4PD). #NBAYLDHERstory

[A'shanti F. Gholar @AshantiGholar]

Happening throughout the day! I hope you all will join us to hear from some of amazing Black women alums for #BlackHistoryMonth

@atticascott4ky
@TIDEVINE
@tjoneslaw
@MJ4PD
@lateefahsimon
@Love4Gwinnett

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

@amcweay Thank you!!! 🥰

[Martesha L. Johnson, Chief Defender @MJ4PD]

So many awesome, trailblazing women that I admire have been recognized as a “Woman of Influence” in Nashville. It is indeed an honor to have been selected this year. #womenofinfluence2021

[Nashville Business Journal @nashvillebiz]

From holding leadership roles at top companies to starting their own successful businesses to having a positive impact on the community, these are the female leaders making a difference in Music City.​ https://t.co/spESwnsPgo