Home › Memphis Criminal Defense › Environmental Court
⚠ Do Not Ignore an Environmental Court Notice. What begins as a code citation can result in fines, liens, loss of property, and jail time. Call us first:
(901) 578-1515.
Shelby County Environmental Court
This Court Has Real Teeth. Most People Don't Know That Until It's Too Late.
Under the banner of "Cleaner and Safer Neighborhoods," the City of Memphis can bring a court action against you that may result in fines, court costs, loss of property, and even jail time. The Shelby County Environmental Court is unlike most courts — it is a unique hybrid court with both civil and criminal characteristics and significant enforcement powers.
What may begin as a routine code violation can quickly become a costly legal problem for property owners, landlords, investors, business owners, and pet owners. Cases move fast. The government has attorneys. Most property owners show up alone and find out too late how serious the situation has become.
The court was created by the Tennessee Legislature in 1982 to address violations involving health, housing, fire, building, zoning, animal control, and neighborhood preservation laws. It is presided over by Judge Patrick Dandridge, and the Shelby County District Attorney General's Office assists in prosecution. This is not a traffic ticket. This is an adversarial proceeding with real consequences.
If you have received a citation or notice to appear in Shelby County Environmental Court, seek qualified legal representation immediately. Call (901) 578-1515.
Your Attorney
William Young — Shelby County Environmental Court
Attorney William Young understands the unique procedures, risks, and consequences associated with Shelby County Environmental Court. He has represented homeowners, landlords, investors, business owners, and pet owners — handling everything from blight and nuisance violations to dangerous dog and dog bite cases. His cases have included high-profile matters involving significant properties and complex enforcement proceedings in Shelby County.
Environmental Court cases move quickly and can become expensive before property owners fully understand what is happening. Will knows this court, its procedures, and what it takes to protect your property, minimize your exposure, and get these cases resolved as efficiently as possible. Whether you are facing a first citation or a contempt proceeding, having counsel from the beginning makes a real difference.
Learn more about Attorney William Young →
What We Handle
Common Environmental Court Cases
Environmental Court handles a wide variety of cases. Many people are surprised to learn that a simple code citation can lead to repeated court appearances and substantial financial consequences.
- Blight and nuisance violations
- Neighborhood Preservation Act cases
- Overgrown lots and property maintenance violations
- Building code violations
- Zoning violations
- Housing code violations
- Fire code violations
- Illegal dumping allegations
- Commercial property violations
- Business signage violations and sign fees
- Animal control violations
- Dangerous dog and dog bite cases
What's at Stake
Yes, You Can Go to Jail. Yes, You Can Lose Your Property.
Environmental Court has the authority to hold individuals in contempt for failing to comply with court orders. Under Tennessee law, a person who willfully fails to correct a violation after being ordered to do so may be punished by fines and imprisonment. What starts as a citation can become a criminal matter if not handled properly.
Environmental Court proceedings can also place your home, rental property, commercial property, vacant lot, or other real estate at serious risk. The government may seek authority to enter property, perform repairs or cleanup, assess costs against the owner, impose liens, or pursue other remedies that can significantly affect your ownership rights.
Failing to appear is one of the worst mistakes you can make. If you do not show up, the government may obtain orders against you without ever hearing your side. Do not ignore a notice. Do not miss a court date. Call (901) 578-1515.
Common Questions
Shelby County Environmental Court — What You Need to Know
What is Shelby County Environmental Court?
The Shelby County Environmental Court was created by the Tennessee Legislature in 1982 to address alleged violations involving health, housing, fire, building, zoning, animal control, and neighborhood preservation laws. It is presided over by Judge Patrick Dandridge. Cases are typically initiated by code enforcement officers, animal control officers, law enforcement agencies, or other government officials, with the Shelby County District Attorney General's Office assisting in prosecution.
Can I go to jail for an Environmental Court violation?
Yes. Environmental Court has the authority to hold individuals in contempt for failing to comply with court orders. Under Tennessee law, a person who willfully fails to correct a violation after being ordered to do so by the court may be punished by fines and imprisonment. What starts as a citation can become a much more serious matter if not handled properly.
Can I lose my property in Environmental Court?
Yes. Environmental Court proceedings can place your home, rental property, commercial property, vacant lot, or other real estate at risk. In some cases, the government may seek authority to enter property, perform repairs or cleanup, assess costs against the owner, impose liens, or pursue other remedies that can significantly affect your ownership rights. Ignoring the process can be extremely expensive.
What happens if I don't show up to Environmental Court?
Failing to appear is one of the worst mistakes you can make. If you do not appear in court, the government may obtain orders against you without hearing your side of the story. You may lose important legal rights, face additional costs and penalties, and place your property or animals at risk. Never ignore an Environmental Court notice.
Is Environmental Court a civil or criminal court?
Environmental Court is often described as a hybrid court because it combines features of both civil and criminal proceedings. Many cases are prosecuted with the involvement of the Shelby County District Attorney General's Office, the City of Memphis, code enforcement agencies, and animal control authorities. Because the consequences can include fines, incarceration, and loss of property rights, these cases should always be taken seriously regardless of how minor the initial citation appeared.
What kinds of cases does Environmental Court handle?
Environmental Court handles a wide variety of cases including blight and nuisance violations, Neighborhood Preservation Act cases, overgrown lots and property maintenance violations, building code violations, zoning violations, housing code violations, fire code violations, illegal dumping allegations, commercial property violations, business signage violations and sign fees, animal control violations, and dangerous dog and dog bite cases.
I received a code violation notice — do I really need an attorney?
Yes. What may appear to be a routine code citation can quickly escalate into repeated court appearances, mounting fines, liens against your property, and contempt proceedings. Environmental Court moves quickly and has significant enforcement powers. Having an attorney from the beginning gives you the best chance to resolve the matter efficiently and protect your property rights.
What can an Environmental Court attorney do for me?
An experienced Environmental Court attorney can evaluate the citation and allegations, explain your rights and obligations, communicate with government agencies on your behalf, challenge unsupported allegations, help negotiate compliance plans, minimize fines and court costs, protect your property rights, help prevent contempt findings, reduce the risk of incarceration, and guide you through every stage of the process.
I have a dog bite case in Environmental Court — what should I do?
Dog bite and dangerous dog cases in Environmental Court can result in significant consequences including the loss of your animal. These cases involve both the animal control authority and the court, and the procedures are specific and time-sensitive. Attorney William Young has handled numerous dog bite and dangerous dog cases in Shelby County Environmental Court and understands what it takes to protect both your rights and your animal.
What is the Neighborhood Preservation Act?
The Neighborhood Preservation Act is a Tennessee statute that gives local governments broad authority to address blighted or deteriorated properties. Under the Act, the City of Memphis and Shelby County can initiate court proceedings against property owners to require repairs, remediation, or in some cases, demolition. These cases carry serious consequences and require legal representation to navigate effectively.