The Court System of Perry County, Tennessee
The historic courtroom of Perry County is a traditional style that might well have served in a movie like "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Several types of court proceedings take place here. They include
- General Sessions Court
- Circuit Court
- Chancery Court
- Juvenile Court
- Probate Court
Judge William Lane, Circuit Court Judge
Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction in Tennessee. Circuit court judges hear civil and criminal cases and appeals from decisions of the Juvenile, Municipal, and General Sessions Courts. The jurisdiction of circuit courts often overlaps that of the chancery courts. Criminal cases are tried in circuit court in Perry County. The 32nd Judicial District was created in 2022 following a legislative split from the former 21st Judicial District, which now serves only Williamson County. Lane’s appointment ensures dedicated judicial service for the three-county region.
William K. Lane III serves as the Circuit Court Judge for the 32nd Judicial District in Tennessee, which covers Hickman, Lewis, and Perry counties. Previously, he was a practicing attorney in Hohenwald, TN. When Judge Michael Spitzer retired, Governor Lee appointed Lane.
Judge Katerina Moore, General Sessions Judge
The kind of cases handled by the General Sessions Court varies from county to county. The General Sessions Court in Perry County handles civil cases with claims of no more than $25,000. If the amount exceeds $25,000, the civil case is handled in Circuit Court. In addition, Judge Moore presides over Juvenile Court. The city courts of both Linden and Lobelville are consolidated into the General Sessions Court, thus eliminating the need for separate courts in the towns of Perry County. The types of cases heard by the General Sessions Court are
- Civil - less than $25,000
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal cases, arraignments, with limitations
People may represent themselves in the General Sessions Court, with guidelines available from the Court. In general, courts recommend that people seek legal counsel to ensure that their interests are protected.
Juvenile Court
Judge Moore presides over all juvenile court cases in Perry County.
Hans Schwendimann, District Attorney
The District Attorney's office handles the prosecution of cases in the General Sessions Court and Circuit Court. District Attorney General Hans L. Schwendimann is located at 10 East Main Street, Hohenwald, TN 38462. The office phone number is 931-796-3450.
Melanie Totty Cagle, Public Defender
The Public Defender's office is appointed by the court to represent indigent defendants in criminal cases, beginning with pretrial hearings and continuing through the appellate courts. Public Defender Melanie Totty Cagle is located on the town square in Centerville, TN. The office phone number is 931-236-5560.