Hector Sanchez, 38, judge, Criminal Court Division II, Sixth Judicial District

After moving halfway across the country with his mom, Hector Sanchez worked to live a better life at a young age. They lived in public housing while she worked long hours until he could get a job in high school.

In 2005, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 2009 and he pursued law school while working in the Knox County District Attorney’s Office.

Since then, he’s become a judge in Knox County’s trial court. Appointed by Gov. Bill Lee, Sanchez is the first Hispanic trial court judge in Tennessee.

When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?

I would say getting appointed by Governor Bill Lee to the Criminal Court bench is the biggest achievement of my career thus far. It's important to note that the four other applicants who applied for this position are very qualified lawyers in the legal community.

What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?

One professional obstacle comes to mind. Being a prosecutor for eight years prior to my current position, I was an advocate for victims of violent crimes and the State of Tennessee. As a criminal court judge, you have to be a neutral and detached magistrate who makes rulings and enters judgment based on the law and the facts. It was nothing I had to overcome, it's just something that a fair and impartial judge has to keep in mind in every single case I handle.

What will you focus on in 2023?

In 2023, I plan to focus on being the best I can be through practice, knowledge and experience.

What is your biggest professional dream?

To be honest, I am currently living my professional dream. I always wanted to serve my community as a judge, and I am fortunate and proud to be able to be doing this very important job!

What mistake did you learn the most from?

I think that I thought that perhaps because I have had extensive trial experience in my eight years as an assistant district attorney prosecuting violent crimes against persons that I understood the duties and responsibilities of a criminal court judge. Man, was I wrong. It is a completely different and awesome responsibility that I take extremely seriously.

What motivates you?

Seeing good people who may have made a mistake get better and take responsibility.

What trait do you most want in a co-worker?

Honor, courage and commitment. The cores values of the United States Marine Corps.

What about Knoxville would you like to improve?

I would love to see relations between law enforcement and inner-city youth and young adults improve. I have seen recent efforts steer this effort in the right direction and I am excited to see what the future holds.

What don't people know about you?

I grew up with a single mother of four children. We lived in a homeless shelter for single mothers with children for over a year. We then lived in public housing until I was 13. I hope that my story can motivate people to understand that the sky is truly the limit.

• Family: Mother Nancy Faul, stepfather David Faul, sisters Rebecca Lopez-Howes and Robyn Sanchez, brother Daniel Sanchez, stepsister Eleanor Faul, wife Kimberley Sanchez, stepson Ethan Beal

• Years at current company: Less than one year

• Degrees and certifications: Bachelor of science, Old Dominion University; doctor of jurisprudence, University of Tennessee College of Law

This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. 

-Keenan Thomas

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox News 40 Under 40 awards: Hector Sanchez, Criminal Court judge