Red Bank Court

Red Bank Municipal Court Employees

Judge:  Honorable Johnny Houston

Court Clerk:  Alicia Bull Donahue

Deputy Court Clerk:  Alley Hindmon

                                              Special Assistant: Christian Byrd

Red Bank Municipal Court Mission

To effectively support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Tennessee as well as the laws and statutes of both, along with ordinances of the City of Red Bank. We pledge to perform the duties assigned to us with fidelity.

General Court Function and Information

The general function of the court clerks involves administrative, clerical, and technical duties while performing tasks as outlined in the general statement of duties. Some of these general duties include maintaining all court records, assisting the Judge and Prosecutor, and preparing court dockets and litigation tax reports for the State of Tennessee.

The voters of the City elect a City Judge for a term of eight (8) years. The Judge tries all persons charged with violations of the ordinances of the city. He has the power to levy fines, penalties, and forfeitures in accordance with the offense and to impose court costs established by ordinance. He is also charged with issuing all necessary process papers, administering oaths, and penalizing for contempt.

A few cities in Tennessee have concurrent General Sessions jurisdiction. These cities have similar authority as a county general sessions court at the same time as municipal court jurisdiction. This means that the Red Bank Municipal Court has authority over all infractions of municipal ordinances of the City of Red Bank and concurrent jurisdiction with courts of general sessions in all cases of criminal violations committed within the City, including the jurisdiction to conduct misdemeanor trials, felony and misdemeanor preliminary trials and bind over defendants to the grand jury for indictment.

For the past year, we have been working to procure services to digitize all of the past, current and future court records.  This process will make it quicker to get records requests answered and allow us to better serve our citizens. One of the next upcoming things we are focusing on bringing to the courts is the public work days program within the City of Red Bank. This program would allow some cases to do their public work days with us and would focus on cleaning and revitalizing areas within the city limits.

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday   8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Things to Know 

There are some things we would like the public to know about our court and the court process. Court is every Monday, except for most National holidays. It begins at 1:30 with the traffic docket then moves into the criminal docket starting at 2:00. We advise you to arrive about 15 minutes early with all the documentation you need for your court appearance. We ask that you arrange childcare for small children; do not bring them to court with you. Weapons, food and drinks are prohibited, and will either be taken at the security check, or you will be asked to take them to your vehicle. All juveniles must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for their case. Please wear proper clothing for court. Dressing inappropriately for court will result in you being asked to leave the courtroom and having to return to court dressed in suitable clothing. The rules and dress code are posted on our website.

One of the things we see often is people being afraid to call if they are not able to make their court appearance or pay their fines. We will work with anyone needing assistance with either of these. We would rather reschedule your court date than issue a warrant for failing to appear in court. We do ask that you call prior to your court date to reschedule because we do not usually answer phones after 12:00 pm on court days due preparing for and dealing with court obligations. If you do miss court or think you have missed court, please do not hesitate to call the clerk’s office. Again, we would rather reschedule than you having to deal with another arrest due to your failing to appear for court. However, if you have not completed all classes or public workdays required, you will need to appear in court that day to ask the Judge for an extension. Our office, along with Judge Houston, understand that court can be a scary experience for some people, especially those that have never been to court, but we are here to assist you when we can.

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In recent years, police bicycle patrols have become an increasingly valuable tool in community policing strategies. Known for their ability to navigate urban environments swiftly and engage with the community more intimately, bicycle patrols offer numerous benefits that traditional patrol vehicles simply cannot match. With the recent introduction of e-bikes, law enforcement agencies are poised to enhance these benefits even further.

The Advantages of Bicycle Patrols

Bicycle patrols provide a unique blend of mobility, visibility, and community engagement. Officers on bikes can access areas that are difficult or impossible for patrol cars to reach, such as parks, alleys, apartment complexes, and crowded pedestrian zones. This ability to maneuver through various terrains and traffic conditions allows for quicker response times and more effective policing in densely populated areas.

Moreover, bicycle patrols facilitate positive interactions between officers and community members. The approachable nature of officers on bikes breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of trust and collaboration. Citizens are more likely to engage with officers, share concerns, and provide valuable information, which can be pivotal in crime prevention and community safety.

The Introduction of E-Bikes

Building on the success of traditional bicycle patrols, many police departments are now integrating electric bicycles (e-bikes) into their fleets. E-bikes offer several advantages that enhance the effectiveness of bicycle patrols:

1. Increased Range and Speed: E-bikes provide an electric assist, allowing officers to travel longer distances and cover more ground without fatigue. This increased range and speed are particularly beneficial in larger urban areas or during extended shifts.
2. Enhanced Mobility: The electric assist makes it easier for officers to tackle challenging terrains, such as steep hills or rough paths, without expending excessive energy. This ensures that officers remain alert and ready to respond to incidents, regardless of the environment.
3. Sustainability: E-bikes are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional patrol vehicles. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, police departments can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in e-bikes may be higher than traditional bicycles, the long-term savings on fuel, maintenance, and vehicle wear and tear make them a cost-effective solution. Additionally, e-bikes often require less maintenance than motor vehicles, leading to further savings.