From Country To Courts with Mike Hammond

Knoxville Municipal Court Judge Tyler Caviness joins host Mike Hammond to discuss what actually happens in municipal court and how it differs from other courts. Beyond the traffic tickets and parking appeals that make up most of the docket, Judge Caviness explains the court's innovative driver's license fair, a partnership between city, county, and state that's helping tens of thousands of people...

In this episode of From Country to the Courts , Mike Hammond talks with Elizabeth White, leader of the Community Service Program, about how the initiative has helped 171 people work off fines, connected with 40+ nonprofits statewide, and even led to new jobs for participants. They also touch on other successful programs, like reinstating over 3,000 driver’s licenses, before turning to their newest...

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond sits down with Barbara Davis to discuss their innovative driver’s license reinstatement program, which has helped over 3,000 people get back on the road legally. With more than 70,000 Knox County residents driving on suspended or revoked licenses, this nationally recognized program bridges the gap between citizens and the Tennessee Department of Safety...

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond talks with Judge Chuck Cerny about the county’s DUI Court program. They discuss how it works, who qualifies, and the intensive steps participants take to break the cycle of impaired driving, covering everything from treatment and monitoring to the program’s life-changing impact. Highlights: (0:52) Michelle's Record-Breaking Career (1:12) The Basics of...

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond sits down with Judge Chuck Cerny to share the story behind the county’s Veterans Recovery Court. They discuss how the program began, the unique role of veteran mentors, and how it helps veterans facing addiction, PTSD, and nonviolent criminal charges rebuild their lives. Highlights:  (0:50) How Veterans Recovery Court Began (1:39) The Role of Veteran M...

In this episode, Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond speaks with the Honorable Judge Chuck Cerny about the county’s Recovery Court, also known as Drug Court. Judge Cerny shares how the program works, who qualifies, and the rigorous steps participants take to break free from addiction and the criminal justice system. From weekly court appearances and drug screenings to community service a...

In this episode, Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond sits down with Mandy Branch, a General Sessions Office supervisor specializing in traffic cases. Together, they break down what happens when you get a traffic ticket from moving vs. non-moving violations to how points on your license work, when you need to appear in court, and options to resolve tickets before your court date. Whether...

From Country to Courts hosted by Mike Hammond, radio veteran, Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, and longtime Criminal Court Clerk. This podcast explores the vital issues at the heart of our courts and criminal justice system in a way that’s clear and compelling. Each episode will dive into insights on how the court system works, what citizens can expect if they ever find themselves in court, an...