What This Story Is About
- A Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney, Kirk Catron, was indicted on five criminal counts, including introducing contraband into a jail. WSMV4 Investigates obtained recorded phone calls that captured him admitting he slipped a controlled substance (Ativan) to a female inmate. More than a year after his indictment, he continues to practice criminal law and represent clients in court.
Why It Matters
- This raises significant questions about legal ethics and public trust in the justice system. A lawyer who has admitted to breaking the law on recorded calls is still actively defending people accused of crimes, despite facing felony charges himself. The state Board of Professional Responsibility, which governs law licenses, has not responded to inquiries about whether Catron is under investigation.
- Catron is due in court later this month on his criminal charges. The outcome of his case may determine what happens with his law license. The Board of Professional Responsibility will ultimately need to decide whether his alleged crimes—particularly introducing contraband and bringing a telecommunications device into a jail—impact his ability to safely represent clients and whether the public is at risk.
For Context
- Lawyers are held to higher ethical standards due to their role in the justice system. While Catron deserves due process and has not been convicted, legal ethics experts note that any disregard for the law by an attorney is viewed as more serious than similar conduct by non-lawyers. Investigations by the Board of Professional Responsibility may be ongoing but are not public at this time.
MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) – A Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney indicted on felony charges more than a year ago, and admits in jail phone calls to breaking the law, continues to practice law and represent clients in court, a WSMV4 investigation found.
Kirk Catron was indicted March 4, 2025, on five criminal charges, including introduction of contraband into a jail. Recorded jail phone calls obtained by WSMV4 Investigates show Catron admitting he committed a crime.
“Because I broke the law. I did something stupid,” Catron said in one of the recorded calls. “Yes, I think I’m in a lot of trouble.”…