KNOXVILLE – Attorney Wesley Stone has officially announced his candidacy for Knox County Criminal Court Judge seeking the Republican nomination for next year’s election. Recently, Judge McGee announced his retirement from the bench after serving 11 years as a Judge for Knox County’s Criminal Court.

	Attorney Wesley Stone; image submitted

“Judge McGee’s service to Knox County and the field of law is unmeasurable,” said Stone. “I cannot thank Judge McGee enough for his service to our county, his professionalism and dedication to the law. Judge McGee will be missed, but attorneys and judges will continue to rely on his experience and wisdom.”

Stone received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee. He then earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, graduating in the top 15% of his class.

Stone has been practicing law for nearly 20 years and has gained valuable experience. “Since my time as an attorney, I have seen people at their best and at their worst. My blue-collar life has prepared me to serve and has humbled me in many ways.” said Stone who has practiced at Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC since August 2008. “As your Judge, it would be my duty to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee. That’s why it’s important to elect a Judge who understands the law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence, and who will administer a sentence where justice requires it.”

After taking the Bar Exam in 2000, Stone worked with District Attorney General, William Paul Phillips in Claiborne County. Once he was sworn in, Stone operated his solo practitioner law office for 6 years by sharing office space with his father. From 2006 to 2007, he continued his private practice-at-law in Franklin, Tennessee and from December 2007 to July 2008 was an assistant public defender in the Twenty-First Judicial District covering Williamson, Lewis, Hickman, and Perry counties. Since 2008, Stone worked as an attorney at Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC where he started as an associate attorney and currently is a member.

Stone lives in Knox County with his wife of twenty-two years and their three children. Stone and his wife are members of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church where they regularly attend with their children.

Going forward, Stone believes he is the best person for the job. “Knox County needs conservative Judges who have experience in both the prosecution and the defense side of criminal law. That’s why I believe that the people of Knox County support my campaign.”

Stone has practiced law in all levels in the State of Tennessee including the Tennessee Supreme Court. Stone also is admitted and continues to practice in the U.S. Federal District Courts in East Tennessee and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Republican primary election to fill the vacancy of Judge McGee will be held on March 3, 2020.