In the high-stakes world of 201 Poplar, efficiency isn't just about paperwork—it’s about civil rights. For Rheunte E. Benson, a candidate for Criminal Court Clerk, the systems that govern our justice system are in desperate need of a visionary who doesn't just hold the title, but understands the machinery. With 30 years of experience in court operations and administrative services, Benson isn't asking for a seat at the table; she’s the one who built the table.

"I feel like I’m the most qualified person to lead this office," Benson says with the confidence of three decades in the trenches. "I’ve spent the last 30 years at 201 Poplar. During the pandemic, I was the one who created the no-contact workflow and brought virtual court sessions to Shelby County to ensure we stayed in compliance with the law. We had dockets that needed to move, and we made it happen."

The Pioneer of the Second Chance

While current leadership often receives the spotlight for expungement clinics, Benson shares a "fun fact" that reshapes the narrative of the office: she was the one who brought the concept to the community in 2017.

"I started the expungement clinic in General Sessions two years before the current administration took office," Benson explains. After participating in a legal clinic with Judge Ryant, she challenged her administrative team to take the Clerk's office directly into the community. "I asked them, 'Why can’t we do this ourselves?' We started in small churches and created a movement. I don't just want to continue these clinics; I want to enhance them. I want to use existing laws to create a real second chance, not just a temporary fix."

Debunking the "E-Filing" Myth

One of the biggest hurdles in the Criminal Court Clerk’s office is the perceived lack of technology. Benson is quick to pull back the curtain on a major misconception. "There is this idea that the courts don't have e-filing. The truth is, the courts have had e-filing for a decade," she reveals.

The problem, according to Benson, isn't the software—it’s the lack of knowledge and interest in utilizing it. While General Sessions has successfully used electronic filings for protection orders and state warrants for ten years, the Criminal Court has lagged behind. "I’m not understanding why we aren't allowing attorneys to file motions electronically to assist the community and the judges. The pathway is already there; we just need someone who understands the program to open it up."

Educating a Frustrated Public

Benson understands that the "wheels of justice are slow," but she believes the frustration of the average citizen comes from a lack of transparency. When a case moves from General Sessions to a Grand Jury indictment, it can take six months to a year—a delay that leaves many victims and defendants feeling discouraged.

"The average citizen doesn't understand due process," Benson says. "As a Clerk, it is our responsibility to educate our citizens on the process so they aren't frustrated. Justice prevailing requires the public to understand how it works."

Breaking the Silos of 201 Poplar

Benson describes 201 Poplar as a building filled with separate entities—the Sheriff, the DA, the Public Defender, and the Courts—that all touch the same case. The "dysfunction," she argues, comes from a lack of communication among these stakeholders.

"We all deal with the same individuals as they go through the system," Benson notes. "My goal is to get all these stakeholders to the table. I understand the needs of each department because I’ve worked alongside them for 30 years. I want to make sure these cases flow seamlessly through our system, ensuring transparency and accessibility for everyone involved."

The 30-Year Journey

Benson’s run for Criminal Court Clerk is the culmination of a career dedicated to correcting the dysfunctions she has witnessed from the inside. She is a "court professional" who views the office through the lens of service and technical mastery. As she approaches the primary, she is asking voters to choose the person who has already been doing the work.

"I’ve spent 30 years with one goal: to make the law function as it was intended," Benson concludes. "Shelby County doesn't need a politician in this office; it needs a visionary who understands court operations."