Your Complete Guide to Traffic Court at 201 Poplar
If you've received a traffic ticket in Memphis or Shelby County, chances are your court date is at 201 Poplar Avenue — the Memphis Criminal Justice Center. For most people, this is an unfamiliar and intimidating experience. The building is massive, the security is serious, and the process can be confusing.
This guide covers everything you need to know to survive your day at 201 Poplar traffic court — or better yet, how to avoid going at all.
For our detailed guide with parking maps and additional tips, visit our full 201 Poplar Guide.
Where Is 201 Poplar?
The Memphis Criminal Justice Center is located at 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103, in downtown Memphis. It's a large, distinctive building that houses the Shelby County jail, General Sessions criminal and traffic courts, and various county offices.
Getting there: From I-240, take the Union Avenue exit and head west toward downtown. Turn right on Second Street, then left on Poplar. The courthouse will be on your right.
Parking at 201 Poplar
Parking is one of the biggest headaches at 201 Poplar. There's no free parking, and the lots fill up fast on busy court days. Here are your best options:
- 201 Poplar Lot (212 Poplar Ave): Directly across the street. $5-6. Gets full early.
- Justice Center Garage (245 Washington Ave): Closest garage. Around $6.
- Best Park (156 Exchange St): Behind St. Mary's Church. $3. Short walk.
- Best Park (81 N. Second St): Corner of Jefferson & 2nd. $5.
- Street meters: Available on surrounding blocks. Usually 2-hour limits.
Pro tip: Arrive by 8:00 AM if your court time is 8:30 AM. Parking fills up quickly, and you don't want to be late because you were circling for a spot.
What to Bring
- Your traffic citation — the actual paper ticket or a photo of it
- A valid photo ID — driver's license or state ID
- Any relevant documents — proof of insurance, proof you've fixed a correctable violation (expired registration, broken taillight, etc.), or proof of completion for any court-ordered requirements
- Payment method — if your case results in court costs or a fine, you'll need to pay. The courthouse accepts cash, money orders, and sometimes debit/credit cards
- Patience — you could be there for several hours
Do NOT bring:
- Weapons of any kind (this includes pocket knives)
- Large bags or backpacks (small purses are usually fine)
- Food or drinks
- Children if possible (there's no childcare, and the wait is long)
Security Screening
201 Poplar has airport-style security. You'll walk through a metal detector and your belongings will go through an X-ray machine. Remove your belt, keys, and phone and place them in the bin.
Expect a line, especially on Monday mornings and after holidays. Give yourself at least 15-20 minutes for security alone.
What to Wear
You're appearing before a judge. While there's no formal dress code, your appearance matters:
- Do: Dress business casual at minimum. Collared shirt, slacks or khakis, closed-toe shoes. A step up from what you'd wear to a nice restaurant.
- Don't: Wear hats, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, or clothing with offensive language or images. Some judges may refuse to hear your case if they feel your attire is disrespectful.
You don't need a suit, but looking put-together shows the court you're taking the matter seriously.
What to Expect on Your Court Date
Here's the typical flow for a traffic court session at 201 Poplar:
1. Arrive and Find Your Courtroom
Check your citation for the courtroom number and session time. General Sessions traffic court typically starts at 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM. Arrive early, clear security, and find your courtroom. There may be a check-in sheet or a clerk to report to.
2. Wait for Your Case to Be Called
This is the part nobody warns you about. There could be 50-200+ cases on the docket for your session. The judge will call cases in some order — sometimes alphabetically, sometimes by attorney representation (attorneys' cases are often called first), sometimes seemingly at random.
Expect to wait 1-4 hours. Bring something to do, but keep your phone on silent. Some judges don't allow phone use in the courtroom.
3. Talk to the Prosecutor
Before your case is formally called, there's usually an opportunity to speak with the assistant district attorney (prosecutor) handling traffic cases. This is where the real action happens.
The prosecutor may offer you a deal:
- Dismissal with court costs: The charge is dismissed and you pay court costs only (typically $100-$150). Nothing goes on your driving record.
- Reduction: The charge is reduced to a lesser violation, which may carry fewer points or lower insurance impact.
- Continuance: Your case is continued to a later date, perhaps to give you time to complete traffic school or fix a correctable issue.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, you can have a trial before the judge.
4. Resolution
Once your case is resolved — whether by agreement with the prosecutor or after a trial — the judge will enter the final order. If you need to pay court costs or a fine, you'll be directed to the clerk's office.
How Long Does Traffic Court Take at 201 Poplar?
Honestly? Plan for half a day. Some people get in and out in 90 minutes. Others are there until noon or later. The variables include:
- How many cases are on the docket that day
- Whether you have an attorney (attorney cases are often prioritized)
- The complexity of your case
- Which judge is presiding
If you can't afford to miss half a day of work, hiring an attorney to appear on your behalf might be the better move.
How to Get Your Case Dismissed
The most common path to dismissal in Memphis traffic court:
- Have a clean driving record — first-time offenders with no recent violations are the strongest candidates for dismissal.
- Fix correctable violations — if your ticket was for expired registration, an expired license, or no proof of insurance, bring proof that you've fixed the issue. Judges and prosecutors are often lenient with correctable offenses.
- Hire an attorney — attorneys who regularly practice at 201 Poplar know the prosecutors, know what deals are available, and can advocate for you effectively. This is the single biggest factor in getting a favorable outcome.
- Be respectful and prepared — address the judge as "Your Honor," answer questions clearly, and don't argue with the prosecutor or judge.
- Accept the first reasonable offer — if the prosecutor offers dismissal with court costs, take it. That's generally the best outcome available for a standard traffic violation.
The Easier Option: Don't Go at All
Here's the thing — you don't actually have to go to 201 Poplar. If you hire an attorney, they can appear on your behalf under Tennessee law. You stay at work, at home, or wherever you'd rather be while your attorney handles everything at the courthouse.
At TaskForce Tickets, that's exactly what we do. For a flat fee starting at $100, an attorney handles your traffic court appearance, negotiates with the prosecutor, and works to get your ticket dismissed — all without you stepping foot in 201 Poplar.
No missed work. No parking headaches. No waiting for hours in a courtroom.
Key Information at a Glance
- Address: 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
- Court hours: Typically 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM (varies by division)
- Parking: $3-6 in nearby lots (arrive early)
- Security: Airport-style screening, allow 15-20 minutes
- Expected wait time: 1-4 hours
- What to bring: Citation, photo ID, payment method, patience
Ready to Skip the Courthouse?
Why spend half your day at 201 Poplar when an attorney can handle it for you? Submit your ticket now and we'll take it from here.
For more detailed information about 201 Poplar, including parking maps and specific courtroom details, visit our complete 201 Poplar Guide.
TaskForce Tickets is not a law firm. We connect you with licensed Tennessee attorneys. Results may vary.