Judicial Profile

JUDICIAL PROFILE By: Sarah Keith

Law Office of Sarah W. Keith

MEET JUDGE HECTOR SANCHEZ

The path from grenades to the gavel taught Judge Sanchez how to stand up and fight. However, that path also impressed upon him how to choose his battles and look at the big picture. Most of us are more familiar with his trials in the courtroom, but his route to get to the bench presented its own kind of trials that have given him a unique perspective and prepared him for his newest role as Judge of Division II of the Criminal Court of Knox County. Judge Sanchez credits the influence of his family and his commitment for serving something bigger than himself as the most important motivators to his service. Judge Sanchez grew up in Beverly, Massachusetts1 in public housing with his single mom and siblings. Crime wasn’t uncommon in his neighborhood, so it wasn’t always the most productive environment for encouraging academic and professional pursuits. Judge Sanchez’s mother didn’t care about those factors. She taught her children that they were in control of their lives and not simply subject to their environment. She exemplified that mindset by pursuing and obtaining her college degree despite her economic and environmental hardships. She consistently emphasized the importance of education, and she was “by the book” when it came to rules and discipline. Judge Sanchez attributes his success to the influence of his mother and grandfather2 who’s strictness helped him build character, integrity, and to stay out of trouble in a place where trouble was often easy to find.

Shortly after high school graduation, Judge Sanchez’s family relocated to Knoxville after his stepfather was transferred here for work. Judge Sanchez was excited to see a new part of the country, but he was not prepared for the culture shock. “Everyone here was so nice! They hold open doors! They care how you are!”3 His first job here was moving furniture for Bill Cox Furniture. It remains as one of the most physically demanding jobs he’s done and makes him appreciate the intellectual heavy lifting in the legal field!

Judge Sanchez has no qualms crediting his younger brother as an example and role model to him. After working at Bill Cox and taking some classes at Pellissippi State, he attended his brother’s graduation from United States Marine Corps Recruit Training. He knew then that he wanted to follow in his younger brother’s footsteps and become a Marine. He never considered any other branches. The uniformity, structure, camaraderie, discipline, and motivation of the USMC convinced him that there was no greater place to be. His enlistment took him to Afghanistan at the height of hostilities in the War on Terror. He served in motor transport, an often-dangerous role that included escorting general and flag officers, members of Congress, and other VIPs throughout Central Afghanistan.

Upon his return to the US, he was stationed in Norfolk where he had the opportunity to get an associate degree from St. Leo University. He followed that by pursuing his education at Old Dominion University, completing his bachelor’s degree in a year and a half. Before separating from military service, he attained the rank of Sergeant. Judge Sanchez recalls his time in the Corps proudly and knows the relationships forged there are a different level of friendship and commitment. He learned teamwork, service above self, and the discipline that has since served him well.

A career in law enforcement, either DEA or FBI, was his intended next step, but a college professor encouraged him to consider law school instead. Judge Sanchez returned to Knoxville and obtained his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He continued to reap the benefit of his military service when another former Marine, Sam Bounds, encouraged him to apply with the Knox County District Attorney’s Office. As a clerk, he worked his way up from building files to working on cases with the lawyers and performing hearings. Judge Sanchez got extensive experience with multiple prosecution units and loved the opportunity to get so much hands-on, practical experience as a student. After graduation, he was then newly-elected General Charme Allen’s first new hire as an Assistant District Attorney. Deputy District Attorney Sam Lee then took on a mentorship role with him, encouraging him, and giving him opportunities in special units focusing on trial work. Judge Sanchez served in the Domestic Violence, Felony Drug, and the Major Crime Units. Those assignments gave him broad involvement in jury trials, motion practice, search warrants, and more.

With this background and experience, he has learned the importance of maintaining balance in his life and taking advantage of rest when he can. Golf is his favorite pastime, and you can find him on the links in all seasons. He is married to Kimberly Sanchez, a computer clerk in the Criminal Court Clerk’s Office. They have a 17-year-old rat terrier named Hunter and three cats: Muffin, Splinter, and Donatello. They sometimes go golfing together, but they also enjoy the occasional TV series binge watch.4

On September 28, 2022, Judge Sanchez received the call that Governor Lee had appointed him to be Criminal Court Judge. He views the position both as an honor and a great responsibility. Judge Sanchez acknowledges that in every case, someone is going to leave disappointed. However, he will strive to serve with a focus on neutrality and objectivity. Additionally, he will be mindful to avoid all unnecessary delay and run his courtroom efficiently and fairly for all parties involved. He will treat everyone in the court with respect and decorum, and he expects that respect to be reciprocated and extended by adversaries to each other as well. Judge Sanchez looks forward to serving Knox County in a way that honors those who have positively impacted his life and in a way that positively impacts the lives of those he serves.

1 Beverly is near Salem for those less familiar with Massachusetts geography. Travelling to Salem for their renowned Halloween celebrations is encouraged! 2 His grandfather was a gunner on a destroyer in WWII. Strict was a given. 3 The Southern hospitality has somewhat compensated for the significantly fewer local fans of his beloved New England Patriots. 4 Recent recommended binges include Ozark and Outer Banks.