Knox County Criminal Court Judge Hector Sanchez reflects on his journey from Texas to Tennessee, highlighting his Hispanic heritage, military service, and career in law. Born in Texas, he moved to Massachusetts with his mother after his parents separated. "I lived in Massachusetts for my upbringing with a single mother," said Judge Sanchez. His family later relocated to Tennessee following his stepfather's job offer.
Judge Sanchez worked at Bill Cox Furniture before joining the Marine Corps in 2005. After serving four years, he pursued higher education at Old Dominion University and returned to Knoxville for law school. He interned at the Knox County DA’s office throughout law school and began working there as a drug prosecutor after graduating in 2014.
His career advanced when he joined the major crimes division handling homicides and other serious offenses. In September 2022, Governor Lee appointed him to fill a vacancy in Criminal Court Division Two. "I got appointed in September 2022 and it’s been just over two years now," said Judge Sanchez.
Initially aspiring for federal law enforcement, Judge Sanchez shifted focus during college after taking a criminal law course taught by a former prosecutor. His parents supported this change by funding an LSAT prep course. "My plan materialized kind of quickly," he explained.
Proud of being Tennessee’s first Hispanic trial court judge, Judge Sanchez emphasizes his military background and legal experience: "This guy’s also a Veteran... But it’s something that I hold near and dear."
As a veteran himself, he presides over the Knox County Veterans Treatment Court while teaching trial practice as an adjunct professor at UT College of Law. He stresses the importance of mentorship: "I always had mentors in my life that helped me."
Judge Sanchez attributes his judicial perspective partly to his Marine Corps values—honor, courage, commitment—and believes these principles guide him on the bench.
Despite being one of Knoxville's younger judges—recognized with a 40 Under 40 award—he acknowledges guidance from senior colleagues like Judges Steve Sword and Scott Reed.
He remains committed to criminal court work: "I absolutely love what I do... it feels like you’re in the trenches." For now, Judge Sanchez sees himself continuing as a trial court judge for the foreseeable future.