Shelby County Community,

This month I am proud to celebrate Black History Month, a time where we are called to honor the legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders who have shaped our nation and our community. Their work reminds us that progress happens when we stand together for justice and equity. As the first woman and youngest person to serve as Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk, I am deeply committed to continuing that legacy through innovation, transparency, and access in our justice system.

The end of January definitely threw all of us for a loop, but excellence doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. I want to take a moment to thank our General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office staff, especially those in the 24-Hour Clerk’s Office and the Criminal Division Office, for braving the recent winter weather to ensure that the people of Shelby County continued to receive essential services. Their dedication showcases the heart of our mission and the strength of our team. We also appreciate the support of Shelby County leadership as we worked to prioritize safety during those challenging conditions.

Now that we are past the ice, we are ready to continue moving forward with purpose, because the year ahead brings new opportunities. Thank you for trusting us to serve you.

Wishing you a safe and meaningful February filled with reflection, progress, and community.

In Service,

Tamara A. Sawyer

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk

Clerk Sawyer's Vision of Excellence and Innovation in Action

While January’s severe weather closed most courts, General Sessions Criminal Court was the only court open, processing nearly 100 arraignments.

From specialized courts to digital customer service solutions, Clerk Sawyer is driven by a vision of a responsive, transparent, justice system that adapts to the needs of our community.

Leading the Way in Technological Innovation!

Huge congratulations to Vishant Shah, our Chief Data & Analytics Officer, for earning his Master Certificate in Leadership in Leading AI from the Professional Development Academy! This milestone is a testament to Vishant’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Join us in celebrating this achievement and his leadership!

🏈General Sessions Team Spirit! 🏆

The General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office Team wrapped up a busy week with a pre-Super Bowl Sunday tailgate full of food, fun, and team spirit! Shoutout to our Employee Engagement Committee for hosting fun and fulfilling events for our awesome team!

February Birthdays

Join General Sessions in celebrating our February team birthdays:

Lashonda Franks - February 3

JoAnn Bowden - February 6

Mary Caston - February 18

Jalissa Leakes - February 23

Phyllis Williams - February 23

Gwendolyn McGrew - February 23

Shranni Deon Allen - February 27

Happy Birthday to our General Sessions Court Clerk's Office Teammates!

General Sessions Winter Weather Warriors

Pictured: Katina Isaac, Deshaun Bailey (Criminal Division)

Not Pictured: Carolyn Taylor, Lincoln Blanche (Criminal Division); Milton Knox, Antonio Suggs, Talesa Dickerson, Tiara Swan (24-Hour Arrest-to-Bail Office)

January's inclement weather disrupted our court operations, but several General Sessions Court Clerk's Office Staff worked tirelessly despite the weather to ensure that Shelby County residents could still receive essential services despite the icy conditions.

This month, we're celebrating the staff in our 24-Hour Arrest and Bail Office, and our Criminal Division Office for braving the winter weather and putting in extra time to make sure court operations ran smoothly.

Events and Key Dates

Our community's safety comes first!

Out of an abundance of caution, we rescheduled our Reclaim & Rise Expungement Clinic and Job Fair originally scheduled for Saturday January 31, 2026.

The new date for the Reclaim and Rise Expungement Clinic and Job Fair is March 21st, 2026, at Hollywood Community Center from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

We hope to see you there!

Court Schedule Updates

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk’s Offices and General Sessions Civil Court will be closed Monday, February 16th.

General Sessions Criminal Court will have holiday court on Monday, February 16, beginning at 9:00 AM with arraignments in Division 11, bail hearings in Division 15 and attorney consultation in Division 12.

The Clerk's 24-Hour Bail & Release Office will remain open.

Visit our Calendar

Your Data. Your Story.

The Interagency Justice Operations Workgroup (IJOW) Dashboard is a first-of-its kind tool powered by the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office in partnership with local justice agencies and the University of Memphis. The IJOW Dashboard presents the public with first hand justice system data from the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office. The dashboard is updated regularly refreshed data and improvements. Explore the IJOW Dashboard Below.

Explore the Dashboard

Public Records Requests

Shelby County citizens have the right to access certain types of public records through the Tennessee Records Act. If you've ever needed access to public records but didn't know where to start, contact us!

Click below or call (901) 222-3585 for more information.

Public Records Requests

Expungement Resources

Expungement is the legal erasure of certain criminal records. Wondering if you or someone you know may qualify for expungement?

Click below or call (901) 222-0303 for more information.

Expungement Resources

If you have questions about court processes, need assistance with court documents, or just need to speak with someone in our office, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Here’s how you can contact us:

Phone: (901) 222-3400
Website: www.shelbygeneralsessions.com

In-Person:

Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse
140 Adams, Rm 106 Memphis, TN

Walter L. Bailey, Jr. Criminal Justice Center 201 Poplar, LL-81 Memphis, TN

Satellite Offices:

Mullins Station
1075 Mullins Station Road Rm W115
Memphis, TN 38134
Southbrook Mall
1254 East Shelby Drive, Suite 270
Memphis, TN 38116

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