U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Court Information at a Glance
Davis & Hoss’s federal criminal defense attorneys represent clients charged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, from the first appearance through trial, sentencing, and appeal. Our Chattanooga office at 850 Fortwood Street is a short drive from the federal courthouse on Georgia Avenue.
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee is the federal trial court for 41 East Tennessee counties. Cases from Hamilton County and the surrounding Southern Division are heard in Chattanooga at the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 900 Georgia Avenue. A summons, indictment, release order, or court notice should identify the division, case number, assigned judge, and scheduled hearing.
Current official court sources identify LeAnna R. Wilson as Clerk of Court. The Chattanooga Division Clerk’s Office, which also handles Winchester Division matters, can be reached at 423-752-5200 for questions about dockets, scheduling, and court dates.
Federal cases move on strict deadlines, and the first appearance can shape everything that follows.
Federal district courts are the trial courts of the federal system. Criminal cases in this district are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee and often follow investigations by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigation, or Homeland Security Investigations. Appeals from the district court go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The charging document, whether a complaint, information, or indictment, should be reviewed early to understand the charges and the next court step.
How Davis & Hoss Can Help With a Case in This Court
Davis & Hoss has handled state and federal criminal cases for more than 35 years. Our attorneys represent clients in the Chattanooga federal courthouse and understand how the court’s local rules, detention practices, and sentencing procedures can affect a case.
We review the government’s evidence early, challenge unlawful searches and weak charges, prepare for detention and sentencing hearings, and keep clients informed at every stage. Call (423) 266-0605 to discuss a federal investigation or pending charge.
Official Court Contact
Joel W. Solomon Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse
900 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Clerk: LeAnna R. Wilson
Phone: 423-752-5200
Have an Upcoming Appearance?
Have the indictment or summons, release order, and current court notice available when requesting a case review.
Four Steps Before Your Federal Court Date
Use your current paperwork, your lawyer’s instructions, and official clerk information rather than relying on memory or a third-party court listing.
Review the Papers
Check the case number, division, assigned judge, charges, hearing type, date, time, and any release conditions.
Confirm the Date
Call the Clerk’s Office at 423-752-5200 when the setting, courtroom, or division is unclear.
Collect Documents
Bring photo identification, the indictment or summons, your release order, and any notices from your lawyer or Pretrial Services.
Plan the Trip
Allow time for parking and security screening at 900 Georgia Avenue or the courthouse listed on your notice.
Federal Charges Heard in the Eastern District of Tennessee
Davis & Hoss represents people facing federal drug, firearm, white-collar, fraud, and other criminal charges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Federal Wire Fraud Defense
Wire fraud is a serious federal crime involving deceitful practices in electronic communications. Our skilled defense attorneys are experienced in challenging wire fraud charges, providing strong representation to protect your rights and minimize potential penalties.
Federal Bank Fraud Defense
Bank fraud charges are taken very seriously in federal courts. Our attorneys help in defending individuals accused of deceptive practices involving financial institutions and other related offenses. We analyze your case and work strategically to reduce charges.
Federal Drug Violations Defense
If you are facing federal drug crime charges, you need an attorney by your side. We defend clients accused of drug trafficking, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute. Our defense strategies are built to protect your rights.
Federal Firearms Offenses Defense
Federal firearms offenses, including illegal possession, trafficking, and violations of federal gun laws, carry severe penalties. Our attorneys provide a robust defense against firearm-related charges, working to achieve the best possible results.
Federal White Collar Offenses Defense
White-collar crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering are often prosecuted aggressively in federal court. Our legal team defends clients against complex charges.
Federal Cyber Crimes Defense
Cyber crimes, such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud, are increasingly prosecuted under federal law. We have the knowledge to navigate the complexities of cases, ensuring a strong defense strategy that protects your rights.
Federal Violent Offenses Defense
Federal violent crime charges, including assault, robbery, and homicide, come with serious legal consequences. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these cases, offering a thorough defense aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for those facing federal charges.
Federal Public Corruption Defense
Public corruption charges, such as bribery, abuse of power, and misconduct, are intensely prosecuted at the federal level. Our legal team is skilled in defending public officials and others accused of corruption, working to secure a favorable outcome in complex federal cases.
Appellate Practice
Involves reviewing trial court decisions to identify and address legal errors. Our experienced attorneys specialize in preparing persuasive briefs, mastering intricate appellate procedures, and representing clients in both civil and criminal appeals. We are committed to pursuing justice with precision and dedication at every stage.
Got a Federal Court Date Coming Up?
These practical steps may help the day go more smoothly. They do not replace a court order, the assigned judge’s procedures, clerk instructions, or advice from your lawyer.
Arrive Early
Plan for parking, security screening, and time to locate the correct courtroom. Your lawyer may need to speak with you before the case is called.
Confirm the Location and Time Zone
Check that your notice lists Chattanooga, Greeneville, Knoxville, or Winchester. Winchester uses Central Time.
Bring Identification and Papers
Carry government-issued photo identification and the most recent subpoena, summons, release order, or court notice.
Check the Electronics Policy
Cell phones, pagers, and cameras are not permitted in EDTN courtrooms. Leave devices in your vehicle or confirm storage options with your lawyer before arriving.
Follow Every Court Order
Comply with bond, travel, reporting, firearm, substance-testing, and no-contact conditions unless the court changes them.
Do Not Discuss the Case Without Counsel
Do not explain your case to agents, prosecutors, witnesses, or other people at the courthouse before speaking with your lawyer.
Be Respectful and Remain Quiet
Follow instructions from the judge, clerk, courtroom deputy, U.S. Marshals Service, and security staff. Speak only when directed.
Ask Your Lawyer Questions in Advance
Confirm who must attend, what may happen, what to bring, and whether any filing or preparation is required before the hearing.
Before entering the courthouse: Confirm the date, time, location, appearance requirement, device policy, and any case-specific instruction with your lawyer or the Clerk’s Office at 423-752-5200.
Eastern District of Tennessee Divisions, Judges & Court Information
Judges, Locations, and Court-Date Information
The court’s official directory lists Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough and District Judge Charles E. Atchley, Jr. in Chattanooga, along with Senior District Judge Curtis L. Collier. Chief Magistrate Judge Christopher H. Steger and Magistrate Judge Mike J. Dumitru also sit in Chattanooga and often handle initial appearances, detention hearings, and other pretrial matters. District judges in Knoxville and Greeneville include Judge Thomas A. Varlan, Judge Katherine A. Crytzer, and Judge Clifton L. Corker. Court personnel can change, so the assigned judge should be confirmed on the case docket.
The district is divided into four divisions. The division that hears a case generally depends on the county where the alleged offense occurred.
Location and Contact Information
Chattanooga (Southern Division)
Joel W. Solomon Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse
900 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Phone: 423-752-5200
Knoxville (Northern Division)
Howard H. Baker, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
800 Market Street, Suite 130, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
Phone: 865-545-4228
Greeneville (Northeastern Division)
James H. Quillen U.S. Courthouse
220 West Depot Street, Suite 200, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743
Phone: 423-639-3105
Winchester Division
Federal Building, Post Office and Courthouse
200 South Jefferson Street, Winchester, Tennessee 37398
Phone: 423-752-5200 (Chattanooga office; Winchester is unstaffed and uses Central Time)
Clerk’s Office Hours
Staffed Clerk’s Offices in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Greeneville are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except legal holidays. The Winchester office is unstaffed; Winchester matters are handled through the Chattanooga office at 423-752-5200.
Court Schedule
Federal hearings are set by the assigned judge for each case. Check your most recent court notice, ask your lawyer, or contact the Clerk’s Office for your division to confirm the date, time, and courtroom.
Court Proceedings
A federal criminal case may include an initial appearance, a detention hearing, arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, a change-of-plea hearing or trial, and sentencing under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The next step depends on the charges and the current stage of the case. For a step-by-step look at how federal cases move through this court, read our defendant’s guide to navigating federal court in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
How a case is handled can depend on the specific charges, the assigned judge, and the court’s local rules.
Courtroom Rules
Arrive early and follow instructions from the judge, courtroom deputy, U.S. Marshals, and court security officers.
Expect airport-style security screening at the entrance. Cell phones, pagers, and cameras are not permitted in EDTN courtrooms.
Remain quiet unless the judge or your lawyer asks you to speak.
What to Wear
Wear clean, respectful clothing similar to what you would wear to a job interview.
Avoid shorts, torn clothing, revealing attire, hats, profanity, and graphics promoting drugs or unlawful activity.
Payment Information
Special assessments, fines, and restitution ordered in federal criminal cases are generally paid through the Clerk of Court. Confirm the amount due, accepted payment methods, and deadlines with your lawyer or the Clerk’s Office before submitting payment.
Clerk of Court
LeAnna R. Wilson is listed as Clerk of Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The Chattanooga Division office handles Chattanooga and Winchester matters.
Address:
900 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Phone: 423-752-5200
Eastern District of Tennessee Federal Court FAQs
Where is the federal courthouse in Chattanooga?
The Chattanooga Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee is located in the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 900 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402.
Which division will hear my federal case?
The division generally depends on where the alleged offense occurred. The Chattanooga Division covers Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn, Marion, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie counties. Other cases are heard in Knoxville, Greeneville, or Winchester.
How do I verify a federal court date?
Ask your lawyer or call the Clerk’s Office for your division. The Chattanooga office can be reached at 423-752-5200. Have the defendant’s full name, case number, and current court paperwork available.
Who are the judges in the Chattanooga Division?
The court’s current directory lists Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough, Judge Charles E. Atchley, Jr., Senior Judge Curtis L. Collier, Chief Magistrate Judge Christopher H. Steger, and Magistrate Judge Mike J. Dumitru in Chattanooga. Court personnel can change, so the assigned judge should be confirmed on the docket.
What happens at an initial appearance?
A magistrate judge typically informs the accused person of the charges and their rights, addresses appointment or retention of counsel, and decides release conditions or whether a detention hearing is needed.
Will I be held in custody before trial?
Not necessarily. Under the federal Bail Reform Act, the court considers whether conditions of release can reasonably assure appearance and community safety. Some charges carry a presumption of detention, which makes early preparation important.
What should I bring to federal court?
Bring photo identification, the indictment or summons, your release order, and any court notices. Do not bring a cell phone or camera into the courtroom; the court does not permit them.
Can a federal conviction or sentence be appealed?
Appeals from the Eastern District of Tennessee go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Notice-of-appeal deadlines in criminal cases are short. A defendant generally has 14 days after the judgment is entered to file a notice of appeal, so appeal issues should be discussed with counsel promptly. Learn more about our federal appellate practice.
Does Davis & Hoss handle cases in other federal courts?
Yes. In addition to the Eastern District of Tennessee, Davis & Hoss represents clients in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, and other federal court locations as cases demand. Contact our team to discuss where your case is pending.
Related court information: Federal Court Services, Federal Appellate Practice, Cyber Crime Defense, Public Corruption Defense, Federal Violent Crime Defense, Chattanooga Criminal Defense, Rhea County General Sessions Court, and Sequatchie County General Sessions Court.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Court information can change; confirm details with the Clerk’s Office or your lawyer.