About the Second Division

What is the Hamilton County Criminal Court?

The Hamilton County Criminal Court in Chattanooga hears felony and misdemeanor criminal cases after the grand jury has brought charges. The Court also hears appeals from the Court of General Sessions, as well as from various municipal courts in Hamilton County.

All who appear before the Court—including victims, the accused, witnesses, jurors, and lawyers—will be guaranteed equal and just administration according to law and the assurance of being treated with dignity and respect.

A priority of the Criminal Court is the protection of the community's safety and property. Important to these protections is a firm and fair adherence to the rule of law, including respect for our Constitutional values. These are the foundational principles for the Criminal Court.

History of the Second Division

The Hamilton County Criminal Court was first established by a private act of the Tennessee General Assembly in 1901. The Second Division was created on February 4, 1929, and seven judges have since presided in the Division.

The judges who have presided in the Second Division include

The Honorable Matt N. Whitaker (1929 - 1930);
The Honorable Leonidas Dewitt “L.D.” Miller, Sr. (1930 - 1954);
The Honorable W. Tillman Grant, Jr. (1955 - 1974);
The Honorable Joseph F. DiRisio (1974 - 1995);
The Honorable Gary D. Gerbitz (1995 - 1997); and
The Honorable Rebecca J. Stern (1997 - 2015).

Judge Tom Greenholtz has presided in the Second Division since 2015.

Additional Information

Drug Recovery Court

Please visit this page for more information relating to the Hamilton County Drug Recovery Court, including its mission, team members, admission criteria, and much more!

Please also visit this page for more information on the new Sessions Recovery Court program established in the General Sessions Court as well!

FAQs

Do you have general questions about the Second Division, including questions about Judicial Preferences ?

If so, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to the more common queries.

Transcripts

Do you need transcripts from a court hearing? If so, please click here to contact our official court reporter.

Jury Duty

Have you received a summons for Jury Duty? Please visit the website for Larry L. Henry, Circuit Court Clerk, for more information.

Media and Public Information

Do you have questions about media coverage of events in the Second Division? If so, please visit this page.

Hamilton County Criminal Court

Hamilton County Criminal Court

Judicial Response to COVID-19

Public and Media Access to Court Proceedings

Court Calendar

Next Court Dates