Bass, Berry & Sims Provides Significant Pro Bono Resources Alongside Choosing Justice Initiative in Case that Highlights Systemic Inequities
Nashville, Tenn., (March 31, 2026) – Bass, Berry & Sims in collaboration with Choosing Justice Initiative is pleased to announce the release of Darrell Davis after almost nine years of incarceration for a crime he did not commit. A team of pro bono attorneys, paralegals and professionals led by Garrah Carter-Mason from the firm worked alongside Dawn Deaner, founder of Choosing Justice Initiative and former Nashville Public Defender, to secure a rare retrial and subsequent not guilty verdict for Davis in a case that underscores the significant systemic challenges for indigent defendants in Tennessee’s criminal justice system.
“I am so grateful for my team who fought tirelessly for my freedom. I thank God that I am finally free.” Davis said. “I encourage people in situations like mine to keep the hope and faith.”
Collaboration Between Bass, Berry & Sims and Choosing Justice Initiative
The legal victory was the result of an unprecedented partnership between a team of lawyers from a well-resourced law firm working alongside Deaner, an experienced criminal defense attorney who has practiced criminal defense for nearly 30 years. While this unique combination was successful, the juxtaposition of typically unavailable resources highlights challenges within the legal system for wrongfully incarcerated individuals seeking justice under usual circumstances. Through the firm’s pro bono efforts, Davis’s defense included skilled lawyers and various resources including a skilled investigator and expert witnesses. Such resources are normally unavailable to most criminal defendants under the current system in Tennessee.
“Darrell’s case is one of countless wrongful convictions that could have been prevented. Every person charged with a crime should receive adequate representation, but that rarely happens due to underfunding, lack of resources, and other systemic issues that plague our criminal justice system,” said Carter-Mason. “I’m proud to work at a firm that provides attorneys with opportunities to be involved in such impactful and life-changing work. Darrell has received a second chance at life because of a team that wouldn’t stop fighting.”
Davis’s case demonstrated a variety of serious gaps in our criminal legal system. First, it illustrated fundamental flaws in Tennessee’s appointed counsel system, starting with the State’s failure to provide effective representation to all indigent people accused of a crime. It also revealed how people wrongfully convicted of crimes are unable to access the resources they need to establish they deserve a new trial – such as investigators and expert witnesses.
“Our legislature does not currently allocate the resources necessary to ensure every indigent person in Tennessee has equal access to justice. We hope this case compels others in the legal community to step up and support meaningful improvement,” said Deaner. “Darrell’s victory offers a glimpse into what is possible when people receive the kind of representation guaranteed to them by the Sixth Amendment. People in Darrell’s situation rarely get the support of a firm like Bass, Berry & Sims, and I am grateful for their partnership in this important victory. There is still much more to be done to protect others from the same type of injustice he suffered.”
Davis Case Background
In April 2022, Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in Haywood County, Tennessee, based solely on the testimony of an unreliable eyewitness. During that trial, Davis lacked experienced criminal defense counsel and the State failed to disclose favorable evidence to him in its possession prior to trial. Those injustices ultimately led to his conviction and sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Davis’s defense investigator believed in his innocence and sought help for him, which led to Davis engaging Choosing Justice Initiative and Bass, Berry & Sims to file a motion for new trial on his behalf in 2024. This type of motion is rarely granted but after a two-day evidentiary hearing, Judge Clayburn Peeples granted the motion in March 2025. After a retrial that began on March 9, 2026, a jury found Davis not guilty on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
“Once convicted, a criminal defendant bears the burden of proof to demonstrate he is entitled to a new trial. Meeting that burden is impossible without the resources necessary to hire investigators and experts, and without an experienced lawyer to represent you. Nevertheless, the Tennessee Supreme Court refuses to make those resources available to poor defendants,” Deaner said. “Bass, Berry & Sims is a trailblazer. Until our government addresses the unjust gaps in the system, we need more law firms in Tennessee to follow their lead and commit to devote significant legal hours on a pro bono basis to meet the needs of all Tennesseans. That’s what justice demands.”
In addition to Garrah Carter-Mason, the Bass, Berry & Sims legal team included John Golwen, Angie Bergman, Charlotte Elam, Andrés Martinez, Reagan Schmidt, Jordan Thomas, Teresa McClanahan, Quiana Jimerson and Jorge Molina.
“We are overjoyed for Darrell that he is a free man spending much-needed time with his family. We are excited to see what Darrell does in the years to come. He is a smart, thoughtful, and courageous man who has already changed the system and will likely change the world,” Carter-Mason said. “Looking forward, our resolve is stronger than ever to leverage the strong platform and opportunity our firm provides through our Pro Bono Program to advocate for change and for those who need support under our current system.”
About Choosing Justice Initiative
Choosing Justice Initiative was founded in late 2018 by former Nashville Public Defender Dawn Deaner, whose perspective on justice was heavily influenced by her 21 years advocating on behalf of poor people in Nashville’s criminal legal system. Choosing Justice Initiative exists to empower people without wealth to pursue and achieve the justice they seek in Nashville’s criminal legal system. Learn more about Choosing Justice Initiative here.
About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Bass, Berry & Sims is an independent, nationally recognized law firm dedicated to helping clients go confidently through complex legal challenges. We deliver high-caliber counsel and exceptional service to leading middle market companies across industry sectors, with particular focus in the healthcare and private equity industries. For over a century, our team has partnered with clients across the country on sophisticated transactions, significant litigation and investigations, and international regulatory matters. We collaborate seamlessly with deep experience across practice areas, industries, and geographies to provide innovative, business-focused solutions that create measurable value. For more information, visit www.bassberry.com.