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Governor Kay Ivey, last Thursday, appointed C. Lynn Hammond as District Attorney for Calhoun and Cleburne Counties, which compose the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Hammond has served as an assistant district attorney in the office she now holds since 1994.
Hammond will serve the unfilled term of Brian McVeigh, who retired earlier this month. McVeigh was re-elected to the office in 2022, leaving an unfilled term of 5 years. Circuit Judge Jennifer Weems administered the oath of office this morning in a court room crowded with judges, co-workers, and members of the bar.
“I am honored to be named District Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. I am humbled that I was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey, whom I consider a role model. That I was given the oath by Judge Jennifer Weems, whom I admire and respect, makes this among my best days. As the first woman to hold this office, I am in the finest company. I renew today the pledge I made almost 30 years ago to the citizens of Calhoun and Cleburne counties. My office will use the full force of the law to convict those who break it. For those found guilty in our courts, I will seek punishment equal to their crimes. But most importantly, my office will advocate for our neighbors victimized by crime, and we dedicate ourselves to making them whole.”
Hammond was born in Calhoun County and attended Oxford High School, before receiving her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in 1989. She was made a juris doctor by the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 1992 and became a member of the Alabama Bar Association 1993. She was hired by former District Attorney Joe Hubbard in 1994.
“I have always aspired to emulate the district attorneys for whom I served as assistant. Bob Fields, Joe Hubbard, and Brian McVeigh are the finest attorneys I have ever known. Serving the citizens of these great counties and now holding the same office as them gives life to my oath and service.”
As an assistant district attorney, Lynn tried more than 100 cases to jury verdicts. Hammond and former DA Brian McVeigh together tried more than a dozen capital murder cases, obtaining guilty verdicts in all of them.
“I am proud to have served on the trial team lead by Brian McVeigh and supported by a staff full of true believers and the finest law enforcement officers anywhere. Calhoun and Cleburne counties are excellent places to live and work. My office will strive to keep it that way.”
Oxford Chief of Police Bill Partridge praised the governor’s choice of Hammond as District Attorney. Partridge, whose own law enforcement career parallels Hammond’s, says she possesses all the qualities of an effective prosecutor.
“I have known Lynn Hammond for nearly forty years. She has always been a tough prosecutor, who puts victims first. She is a friend to law enforcement and will make a wonderful District Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.”
Senator Keith Kelley also praised the judiciousness of Governor’s Ivey selection. “Ms. Hammond has a long record as a successful prosecutor. Her many years of experience and knowledge will serve her and the citizens of Calhoun and Cleburne County well.”
