Chief Public Defender, District 1
Tommy Routten was recently reappointed to serve as the Chief Public Defender for District 1 (Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, Perquimans) for another term. On December 15, 2025, the Honorable R. Andrew Womble administered the oath of office in the Pasquotank County Superior Court located in Elizabeth City. His wife, Christan Routten, was by his side.
Chief Routten is a native of Virginia; he was born in Newport News and grew up in Carrolton. He earned a B.A. in history from the University of Virginia and graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2003. After law school, he was an associate for Aldridge, Seawell, Spence & Felthousen in Manteo, NC. He later worked as an assistant public defender for District 1 and District 2 (Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington). He has served as chief public defender for District 1 since 2013.
Chief Routten said the most notable accomplishment of his career was when he was working on the team that helped free Leroy Spruill of Roper. Spruill had served 26 years for a murder in Washington County that he did not commit.
“I really appreciate the Local Bar still having the faith in me to serve in this capacity,” said Routten, who also remains dedicated to working to attract attorneys to the area to take conflict cases and join the adult criminal court appointed rosters in District 1.
Chief Routten currently lives in Grandy with his wife of 21 years and their three children. These days, his main hobby is taking his sons up to Virginia for travel-soccer and supporting his daughter’s dance classes and competitions. He also coaches local youth soccer through Currituck County Parks and Recreation.