In an effort to prevent further transmission of COVID-19 and consistent with State of Tennessee Executive Orders by Governor Bill Lee, all offices of the Eighth Judicial District Attorney General will be closed to in-office visitors through April 30, 2020. However, all offices will remain staffed and operational during this time. If you need the assistance of any of our offices, please contact us at the appropriate number listed below:

CRIMINAL DIVISION
Campbell County (423)562-4991
Claiborne County (423)626-8002
Fentress County (931)400-8080
Scott County (423)663-2544
Union County (865)992-8826
Drug Task Force (423)566-5843
Family Justice Center (423)663-6638

CHILD SUPPORT DIVISION
Jacksboro (423)563-7632
Huntsville (423)663-2532

Members of our staff will continue to appear at all court proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic, and, without exception, ensure the rights of crime victims during this time. Additionally, members of our staff will continue the practice of being on call 24/7 to assist our law enforcement partners in the event of an emergency.

District Attorney General Jared Effler stated: “With confirmed cases of COVID-19 in all five counties of the Eighth Judicial District, it is now more apparent than ever that we must take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. I realize the suspension of in-office visitation will be an inconvenience, but it is a small price to pay to ensure the health and safety of our constituents. In closing, please remember to provide for the needs of our vulnerable neighbors during this uncertain time, and pray that our nation is healed from this pandemic.”

TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT ORDERS NON-ESSENTIAL HEARINGS RESCHEDULED

Last week, the Tennessee Supreme Court extended its order that state and local courts will remain open subject to policies and procedures intended to address public health concerns related to COVID-19 (https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/order_-_2020-03-25t12…).

The order requires state and local courts to reschedule non-essential hearings until after April 30, 2020, with exceptions for certain cases. Courts will continue to hold constitutionally required proceedings for incarcerated defendants, including arraignments, bond related matters, and preliminary hearings. Courts will also continue to hear urgent matters related to domestic abuse, including orders of protection, emergency child custody proceedings, and emergency matters related to petitions by the Department of Children’s Services. Judges in each court are responsible for the manner in which they will proceed under the new Supreme Court guidelines, so procedures will vary from court to court. For criminal matters, defendants should contact their attorneys for information. Crime victims and witnesses should contact the office listed below for the county in which their case will be heard. Currently, all of the District Attorney General’s offices are operating under normal business hours, but our offices have currently suspended in-office visitation. Without exception, our office will continue to ensure the rights of crime victims during this time.