About Joe Ozment
As a candidate for judge, I believe our courts must serve as the cornerstone of a safe, just, and orderly community. Every day on the bench, I will uphold the rule of law with integrity — protecting victims, holding offenders accountable, and ensuring law-abiding citizens can live without fear. Public safety is not negotiable. At the same time, I am committed to fairness for every person who enters the courtroom, applying the law equally and consistently while respecting the rights and dignity of all.
For over 34 years, I have stood in Tennessee’s courtrooms fighting for clients ranging from first-time offenders to capital cases. My career has never been defined by politics, but by a relentless commitment to the principle that every person deserves fair and competent representation under the law. I have spent more than three decades honing my craft at every level of the court system.
I have extensive appellate experience before the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, the Tennessee Supreme Court, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, securing reversals in all three courts. This record reflects not only persistence, but a deep command of constitutional law and procedural fairness. Since 1992, I have been an active member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, as well as the Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
These experiences have reinforced my core belief: strong, fair, and efficient courts make our community safer. With decades of real-world courtroom experience, I am ready to bring balanced, principled judgment to the bench — protecting public safety while safeguarding the constitutional rights that define our justice system.
Rooted in Memphis
A career defined by the belief that every person deserves fair, vigorous representation
34+ Years Practice
More than three decades honing his craft at every level of the court system
Rule 13 Capital-Qualified
Extensive appellate experience before the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Tennessee Supreme Court, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals