Judge Simmons was born and lives in Greenville, SC.

Judge Simmons graduated from East Tennessee State University, magna cum laude. He then graduated University of South Carolina School of Law. While in law school, he served as Chairman of the Honor Council.

Upon his graduation from law school, he served as law clerk to the Honorable C. Victor Pyle, Jr. He then joined the Carter, Smith Law Firm and later became a partner in the Wilkins Law Firm.

Judge Simmons became Master in Equity for Greenville County in 1989. He also serves by designation of the South Carolina Supreme Court as a Special Circuit Court Judge. He presides over the 13th Circuit Adult Drug Court and the 13th Circuit Veteran’s Treatment Court.

Judge Simmons has served as President of the South Carolina Equity Court Association, President of the South Carolina Treatment Courts Association, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Drug Court Association in Washington, DC.

Judge Simmons is a Recipient of the South Carolina “Order of the Palmetto.” He has also been named to Who’s Who in American Law, the South Carolina Bar Association “Young Lawyer of the Year”, recipient of the Sertoma Club’s “Service to Mankind Award” and the Jaycee’s “Distinguished Service Award.” He has also been named to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals “National Hall of Fame.”