PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The following release was submitted to WLAF by the candidate. It has not been edited for brevity or format.

TAZEWELL, TN. (WLAF)-Graham E. Wilson has announced his candidacy for Criminal Court Judge for the 8th Judicial District.

The Wilson family.

Wilson resides in Maynardville with his wife, Amanda, and his daughter and bonus daughter, Madelyn and Aubree. He has been a prosecutor with the 8th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office since 2012 and has been the lead prosecutor in Claiborne County since 2014. During that time, Wilson has prosecuted thousands of cases, led the prosecution of numerous cases to jury trial including six homicide cases, and has been responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Claiborne County District Attorney General’s Office.

“It has truly been a privilege to work with crime victims, law enforcement, and all court personnel in the pursuit of justice these past several years. The experience and expertise I have gained during that time has been invaluable, and I truly believe I can use that to serve our district as Criminal Court Judge,” said Wilson.

Wilson graduated as a valedictorian from Scott High School in 2005. He then graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee with a degree in political science and legal studies in 2009 and graduated from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2012. Wilson’s mother, Sharon Wilson, retired in 2011 as the Director of Schools of the Scott County School system while his father, Jerry Wilson, retired from the State of Tennessee and then operated the misdemeanor probation program in Scott County until 2015.

“Working in Claiborne County, living in Union County, and growing up in Scott County has offered me a unique perspective on our judicial district and how its people can be best served,” said Wilson.

Wilson intends to use his experience and expertise to promote fairness to all parties, leniency when deserved, and harsher punishment when the law and justice demands it. He will not only respect the constitutional rights of criminal defendants but also protect the constitutional rights of victims of crime.

“There has been much sacrifice to maintain the system of law and constitutional protections given to criminal defendants in this country. However, victims of crime also have constitutional rights that I will always make sure are honored if I am fortunate enough to be able to serve. I look forward to serving with integrity and honor just as Judge Shayne Sexton has done the last 24 years as Criminal Court Judge of the 8th Judicial District,” said Wilson. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 01/19/2022- 6AM- PHOTO SUBMITTED)