Branden Bellar

General Sessions Judge

Branden Bellar is a native of Smith County. Judge Bellar graduated from Gordonsville High School in 1988, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1991, and the University of  Memphis, Cecil C. Humphries School of Law in 1995. Judge Bellar’s legal career began in 1995 under the guidance of his father as a second-generation attorney with whom he worked for several years. In recent years, Judge Bellar has worked with his wife at his own law firm of Bellar & Bellar located in Carthage, Tennessee. Throughout his legal career, Judge Bellar has served a multitude of individuals, families, churches, small businesses, corporations, and local governments. Until August 7, 2020, Judge Bellar worked as the Smith County Attorney. Branden Bellar was appointed as Smith County General Sessions Judge on August 31, 2020 filling a judicial vacancy of an unexpired term of office. Judge Bellar’s dedication toward service, hard work, and his standard of excellence have been his trademark throughout his career.

General Sessions Court

If you are calling about a court date or court fees, please call the clerk’s office at (615) 735-0500.

The Smith County General Sessions Court has Civil, Criminal, and Juvenile subject matter jurisdiction.

The General Sessions Court may hear civil cases and decide matters up to a $25,000.00 monetary limit whether in law or equity.

With regard to criminal matters, the Smith County General Sessions may hear and decide any criminal offense upon the merits of the case where the penalty is limited to a misdemeanor crime or up to the maximum offense of eleven (11) months twenty-nine (29) days in jail.

Felony matters may be heard on preliminary hearing basis or bound over to the Smith County Grand Jury.

The Smith County Juvenile Court is co-extensive with the General Sessions Court.

All Juvenile Justice and Dependency and Neglect proceedings are carried out in the Smith County Juvenile Court.

The Smith County General Sessions Court also handles traffic offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the General Sessions Court schedule?

CIVIL COURT – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays @ 9 AM

GENERAL SESSIONS COURT – Every Thursday of the month (with exception of the 5th Thursdays) @ 9 AM

JUVENILE COURT FOR DEPENDENCY & NEGLECT PROCEEDINGS – 4th Tuesdays of the month @ 9 AM

JUVENILE JUSTICE COURT – 2nd Tuesdays of the month @ 9 AM

RECOVERY COURT – Every Wednesday @ 8:30 AM

TRAFFIC COURT – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays @ 9 AM

*** All court times begin promptly at 9 AM with the exception as stated above. ***

 

OFFICE INFO

Business Hours

Monday
8 AM - 4 PM
Tuesday
8 AM - 4 PM
Wednesday
8 AM - 4 PM
Thursday
8 AM - 4 PM
Friday
8 AM - 4 PM

Address

322 Justice Drive
Carthage, TN 37030

Contact Us

Phone
*See Note Below
Fax
615.735.8261

*If you are calling about a court date or court fees, please call the clerk’s office at (615) 735-0500.