Judge Boyd M. Patterson graduated from Hixson High School and later UT-Chattanooga, where he received his Bachelors’ degree in Psychology. He earned his Masters’ degree in Psychology from the State University of West Georgia and counseled delinquent youth for two years. Judge Patterson later attended Duquesne Law School, graduating in 2000. In 2002, Judge Patterson joined the District Attorney’s Office, serving as a prosecutor for fifteen years. During this time, he also served as Gang Task Force Coordinator for the City of Chattanooga. Before taking the bench, Judge Patterson served as an Assistant Public Defender for five years. He has published professional articles and conducted legal trainings at the local, state and national levels, mostly regarding topics within the intersection of law, crime and psychology. With numerous community partners, Judge Patterson helped establish Hamilton County’s first Mental Health Court, Juvenile Recovery Court and other programs serving at-risk youth. He currently presides over Division III of Criminal Court, as well as Mental Health Court.