Municipal Court
Municipal Court, often referenced as “City Court,” hears cases involving violations of municipal ordinances. Most often, citizens appear in this court for speeding tickets and other traffic violations. However, this court also hears codes violations such as loose animals, high grass, and other violations of City ordinances that seek to ensure the public safety and welfare. The City’s governing body appoints both the municipal judge and the municipal court clerk.
The Honorable Stan Widener Presiding
Susan Thompson, Court Clerk 423-434-6160
Court is in session: Monday 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday 6:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.
Specific court dates and times are printed on summons/citations at the time they are issued or served.
General Sessions Court
General Sessions Court is a county court of limited jurisdiction, which hears both civil and criminal cases. Civil jurisdiction is restricted to specific monetary limits and types of actions. Criminal jurisdiction is limited to preliminary hearings in felony cases and misdemeanor trials in which a defendant waives the right to a grand jury investigation and trial by jury in Circuit or Criminal Court.
Adults arrested or issued misdemeanor summons for crimes committed within the city limits of Johnson City are generally processed through one of three county detention facilities and the corresponding Sessions court. Typical cases include driving on suspended license, DUI, theft, assault, etc.
First appearance court dates and times are assigned at the time of arrest or summons issuance.
| Location of Crime | Detention Facility Name | Corresponding Court |
| Johnson City within Washington County |
Washington Co. Detention Center 114 W. Jackson Blvd. P.O. Box 0097 Jonesborough, TN 37659-0097 423-753-1701 |
Washington Co. Sessions Court George Jaynes Justic eCenter 108 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1210 Jonesborough, TN 37659 423-788-1425 (State) 423-788-1481 (Civil) |
| Johnson City within Carter County |
Carter Co. Sheriff's Department 900 E. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643 423-542-1845 |
Carter Conty session Cort 900 E. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643 423-542-1858 |
| Johnson City within Sullivan County |
Sullivan County Jail 140 Blountville, TN 37617 423-279-7509 |
Sullivan County Sessions Court 801 Anderson St. Bristol, TN 37621 423-989-4354 |
Juvenile Court
The Johnson City Juvenile Court conducts judicial proceedings involving children and families who are referred to the court for reasons of abuse, dependency and neglect, delinquency, truancy and unruly behaviors, parentage, custody, visitation, and child support. This court also hears cases involving youth traffic citations.