TEAM HICKMAN

Attorney Michael Auffinger is a skilled lawyer who has handled thousands of cases. He hears out his client's side of the story and works to dispel the misleading information presented by the prosecution. Attorney Auffinger helps his clients understand their options so that they can make informed decisions regarding their case. As a client, you will never be goaded into a taking a plea deal or taking the case to trial if that is not the route you want to go. Mr. Auffinger joined the 32nd Public Defender in 2023. He lives in Centerville with his wife, Jill, and his beloved cat, Vlad. When not in the Courtroom, Michael is in the Tennessee National Guard.

John Schweri was born and raised in Middle Tennessee. He is a lifelong UT Volunteer Football fan, and Fall is built around watching Tennessee play on Saturdays. John enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing music. He attended Middle Tennessee State University and Nashville School of Law. He has been practicing law in Middle Tennessee since 2013 and is proud to serve the 32nd Judicial District.

Glenda comes to our office after many years of service to Hickman County as Deputy Clerk at the Hickman County Circuit and General Sessions Court. When she isn't keeping Michael and John in order, she loves spending time with her family especially Carter and McKenna.

My name is Mitzi Chandler and I started my position as Office Manger with the 32nd Judicial District Public Defender’s Office on August 1, 2022. I currently work with the Public Defender, 4 Assistant Public Defender’s and 2 Legal Assistants. Some of my duties include assisting in Court when needed, processing monthly reports, inventory, and keeping the office running efficiently on a day-to-day basis.
My journey with the Judicial System started 46 years ago when I was hired as a Deputy Clerk in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in Hickman County, Tennessee. From there, I was offered a position with Harvill & Lovlace, an established law firm in Hickman County, which later became known as Harvill & Associates. It is here that I became acquainted with Melanie Totty Cagle when she graduated from Law School and I have had the pleasure of working with her for the past 25 years. After several years working with Harvill & Associates, Mrs. Cagle established her own firm which was the Law Office of Melanie Totty Cagle and in later years became Cagle & Boehms. From there Mrs. Cagle was appointed the Public Defender of the newly established 32nd Judicial District, where I followed suit and have been with her since 2022 as Office Manager.
Outside of work, I love reading, watching movies, listening to music, line dancing, doing crafts, shopping and spending time with family. I have one son, Craig, and I am also a cat mom to four rescue cats, Tootsie, Gypsy, Miss Kitty and Stinker.