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, and the programs and services many never hear about, like Veterans Recovery Court, Mental Health Court, and driver's license reinstatement programs.
Whether you’re facing a legal issue, serving jury duty, or just curious about what happens behind courtroom doors, From Country to Courts offers real world context and practical information to help you better understand the justice system and your place in it.
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 get their licenses back and become productive community members again.
Show Highlights:
(00:56) What municipal court handles
(01:58) Common parking ticket appeals and the new app system
(05:00) Most frequent code enforcement cases
(06:12) How to tell if your ticket is city or county court
(07:03) Why Judge Caviness offers night court sessions
(09:00) The driver's license fair partnership that started with Mike Hammond
(12:36) How the one-stop fair works: judges, clerks, and Department of Safety all in one place
(13:40) Removing barriers like notary access that prevent people from getting licenses
26 Nov 2025
Bridge to Safety: Supporting Victims & Strengthening Community Programs
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 effort: Bridge to Safety, a program designed to better support victims of domestic violence. Elizabeth shares her training, what she’s seeing in Orders of Protection court, and why fast, personal follow-up will be key.
A concise look at how Knox County is evolving to meet real needs and protect its community.
Highlights:
(00:20) Overview of Fourth Circuit Court
(00:39) Focus on Orders of Protection
(00:47 Introducing Elizabeth White
(00:57 Community Service Program Background
(01:31 Impact of Community Service Program
(02:05 Nonprofit Partnerships
(03:00 Employment Opportunities Through the Program
(04:30) Mental Health Court Initiative
(04:41)Addressing Domestic Violence
(04:51) Bridge to Safety Program
(09:09) Conclusion
17 Sept 2025
Getting Back Behind the Wheel: Knox County's Driver's License Reinstatement Program
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. From one-on-one guidance to special Saturday license fairs, hear how the program walks people through reinstatement, restricted license options, costs, and even decades-long success stories.
Highlights:
(0:37) The Scope of the Problem
(1:21) Step-by-Step Help to Get Your License Back
(6:44) Gratitude and Joy: Clients Serenade the Staff
(7:31) The One-Stop Driver's License Fair
(9:32) Over 3,000 People Helped and National Recognition
10 Sept 2025
DUI Court: A Second Chance on the Road
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 Filing an Order of Protection
(3:13) How the Clerk's Office Helps Without Giving Legal Advice
(9:08) Petition Only vs. Ex Parte Orders
(10:12) The OP Team: Compassion and Experience
3 Sept 2025
Serving Those Who Served: Inside Knox County’s Veterans Recovery Court
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 Mentors
(5:12) How the Court Supports Veterans with PTSD and Addiction
(5:44) The Challenge of Returning from War
(7:35) Impact on Participants and the Community
27 Aug 2025
Inside Recovery Court: Judge Chuck Cerny on Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
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 and life-changing graduations, this conversation offers an inside look at a program designed to restore lives and strengthen the community.
Highlights
(8:21) The Impact of Recovery Court on Lives and Society
(4:47) Keys to Success in Recovery Court
(1:06) The Prevalence of Addiction in the Justice System
(2:59) The Opioid Crisis and Fentanyl
(6:13) Consequences and Sanctions in Drug Court
20 Aug 2025
Traffic Tickets 101: Navigating Knox County’s Roads to the Courtroom
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 you’re facing a minor citation or just curious about the process, you’ll get practical insights into navigating traffic cases in Knox County.
Higlights:
(2:00) Understanding Traffic Violations and Points
(2:36) Officer Discretion in Reckless Driving Charges
(4:04) Options Before Coming to Court
(4:54) Avoiding Points on Your License
(5:16) Should You Get an Attorney for Court?
8 Aug 2025
Welcome to From Country To Courts
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, and the programs and services many never hear about, like Veterans Recovery Court, Mental Health Court, and driver's license reinstatement programs.
Whether you’re facing a legal issue, serving jury duty, or just curious about what happens behind courtroom doors, From Country to Courts offers real world context and practical information to help you better understand the justice system and your place in it.
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