Charles is from Lansing, Michigan. He attended J.W. Sexton High School. He has an Associate Degree from Lansing Community College, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwood University, a Master’s Degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Charles is a public defender. He works at the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office, where he  has been since May 2021. He previously worked as a solo practitioner, worked at the Michigan Department of Transportation, and served as a Lansing City Council Member and a Lansing School Board Member.

Charles Ford’s campaign for Judge of the Superior Court of Cobb County is his first entry into Georgia politics. He was elected to the Lansing School Board in 2008 and to the Lansing City Council in 1990.

GA Bar

MI Bar

Charles is an active member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing.  He has no public disciplinary actions on record.

Charles is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan in good standing.

- Charles is an active member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing.  He has no public disciplinary actions on record. 
- Charles is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan in good standing.

Ethics & Conduct

Charles Ford is a public defender in the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office. As a public defender, Charles represents low income people accused of a crime who cannot afford an attorney.

Previously, Charles Ford was a solo practitioner. As a solo practitioner, Charles handled general civil matters, probate matters such as wills, child custody, criminal defense, personal injury, workers compensation, employment relations, landlord/tenant, and real estate. Other probate matters include conservatorships and guardianships.

Previously, Charles was an Equal Opportunity Executive. As an Equal Opportunity Executive, Charles monitored the hiring process for Michigan Department of Transportation Employees to ensure compliance with employment law.

- Charles Ford is a public defender in the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office. As a public defender, Charles represents low income people accused of a crime who cannot afford an attorney. 
- Previously, Charles Ford was a solo practitioner. As a solo practitioner, Charles handled general civil matters, probate matters such as wills, child custody, criminal defense, personal injury, workers compensation, employment relations, landlord/tenant, and real estate. Other probate matters include conservatorships and guardianships. 
- Previously, Charles was an Equal Opportunity Executive. As an Equal Opportunity Executive, Charles monitored the hiring process for Michigan Department of Transportation Employees to ensure compliance with employment law.

Legal Experience

Charles states he “will be a fair and impartial arbiter.”

He said, “I will not legislate from the bench. Rather, I will always try and discern truth.”

Said “\[I am] committed to ensuring that everyone coming before \[me] on the bench is treated equitably and with respect.”

Says that he will not consider personal outside circumstances of parties before him “unless those circumstances have a bearing on fairness and due process in court.”

Identifies as “a steadfast believer in restorative justice, the notion that our courts should get redress for those who have been wrong and affect positive change for lawbreakers.”

- Charles states he “will be a fair and impartial arbiter.” 
- He said, “I will not legislate from the bench. Rather, I will always try and discern truth.” 
- Said “\[I am] committed to ensuring that everyone coming before \[me] on the bench is treated equitably and with respect.” 
- Says that he will not consider personal outside circumstances of parties before him “unless those circumstances have a bearing on fairness and due process in court.” 
- Identifies as “a steadfast believer in restorative justice, the notion that our courts should get redress for those who have been wrong - and affect positive change for lawbreakers.”

Judicial Philosophy

Said, “I would evaluate the processes in Superior Court to determine if they are indeed fair, equitable, and efficient. I will do a consistent evaluation of results and timeliness of outcomes to determine if adjustments, modifications, or a different direction are necessary.”

- Said, “I would evaluate the processes in Superior Court to determine if they are indeed fair, equitable, and efficient. I will do a consistent evaluation of results and timeliness of outcomes to determine if adjustments, modifications, or a different direction are necessary.”

Judicial Administration

Charles speaks to local schools on the legal profession and career and personal development. He provides “What to do when stopped by law enforcement officers” presentations in his community.

- Charles speaks to local schools on the legal profession and career and personal development. He provides “What to do when stopped by law enforcement officers” presentations in his community.

Community Involvement

Charles Ford

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 