In the past six months and continuing at the beginning of this new year, there has been some changes regarding the people who may be involved with your case. This may mean that you are in front of a Judge you have never met or have a new District Attorney who is handling your case. I want you to be informed regarding people who have the most important jobs within the justice system.
The retirement of Judge John Wootten at the end of 2019, created a vacancy on the bench in this district. That vacancy was left open until an election occurred in August of 2020. As a result of that election, Judge Michael Collins was elected to the bench to serve as Circuit Court Judge for the 15th
Judicial District. Also, as a result of this election, the Smith County General Sessions Court was left with an empty seat on the bench. That seat has been filled with Judge Branden Bellar. Judge Bellar has been practicing attorney in Smith County and Middle Tennessee since 1995 and taken the responsibility of hearing all cases out of that court.
The retirement of elected District Attorney General Tommy Thompson, after 44 years in office, left open the position of top prosecutor. The Governor has since been involved in filling that position by appointment. Former Assistant District Attorney Jason Lawson has been appointed as the pro temp (temporary) District Attorney General for the 15th Judicial District. General Lawson’s appointment is to complete the roles and responsibilities necessary throughout the remainder of General Thompson’s elected term. General Lawson has served as an assistant in that office for more than 18 years and has been a practicing attorney since 2002.
The retirement of Judge Haywood Barry occurred on the last day of 2021. The new year starts with a new face in the Judge’s chair. The Wilson County General Sessions court will be presided over by former Assistant District Attorney, James “Jimmy” Lea. Judge Lea was recently sworn into this new position by Judge Brody Kane. Judge Lea has also been a practicing attorney since 2002 with experience in multiple areas of the law both in private practice and as an attorney for the State of Tennessee. Judge Lea’s appointment to the bench took effect on January 1, 2021, and he has already started hearing cases. One of his first acts was to grant my motion to reunite a family separate by bond conditions.
It is important to remember that General Sessions Judges are county level positions and hear cases coming directly from the county where they preside. Circuit/Criminal Court Judges and the District Attorney General are state level positions and serve a specific district. The 15th Judicial District is made of five counties including: Wilson, Macon, Smith, Trousdale, and Jackson.