Jimmy Thomas for Judge

I wanted to give everyone an idea of who I am, where I’ve been and why I believe that I am the right choice to be Judge in Shelby County General Sessions Court, Division 11. I believe that my experience on every side of the criminal justice system gives me a unique perspective.

I am currently an Assistant District Attorney General with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office, assigned to the Special Prosecution Unit. I have considerable experience as a trial and appellate attorney, as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. I have tried criminal cases, in both state and federal court, in multiple jurisdictions. I have been defense counsel in over 40 murder cases. The State of Tennessee filed notice of intent to seek the death penalty in seven of these cases. None of my former trial court clients are on death row.

I have also been counsel of record, or have written briefs, for over 100 appeals, including two death penalty appeals, before the Tennessee state appellate courts. I have been counsel of record on numerous appellate matters before the Sixth and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeal. I have published opinions in both the Sixth and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeal and the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Additionally, I am a Post Certified Lieutenant and legal instructor with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. I teach constitutional law, civil liability, juvenile law and general Tennessee criminal law to law enforcement professionals employed in, and around, Fayette County, Tennessee. I have also been an instructor with Training Resource Group, training law enforcement professionals in continued inservice requirements. I have taught classes for the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officers Association as well.

I am a veteran having served in the U. S. Navy, U.S. Navy Reserves and the Tennessee State Guard. While in the U.S. Navy I served on board USS Ranger CV-61. In the Navy Reserves I was assigned to USS Copeland FFG-25 and Special Boat Unit 13. I retired from the Tennessee State Guard in 2013, with my final posting as the Commanding Officer, First Regiment, Tennessee State Guard, headquartered at Naval Support Activity in Millington, Tennessee.

This is just a brief overview of my experiences. I will be posting my complete resume shortly. I would greatly appreciate your support and vote. #JET4Judge