Facebook

Crystal is from Americus, where she still lives today. She holds both a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She also holds a law degree from John Marshall Law School. 

Americus native becomes Sumter County's first African-American judge

Crystal previously worked for the Sumter County Board of Elections office. She also worked as a part-time on-call officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice and a part-time professor at South Georgia Technical College. 

Ballotpedia, Crystal Cleveland

Crystal Cleveland currently serves as a Chief Magistrate of the Sumter County Magistrate Court. She was elected to this position in 2020 and is serving her first term. She is the first African-American judge to represent Sumter County. 

As a chief magistrate, Cleveland assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court’s schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.

- As a chief magistrate, Cleveland assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court’s schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.

Legal Experience

Americus-Times-Recorder, Candidates for Sumter County Chief Magistrate make their case at Americus Kiwanis Club

Said her promises are "Dedication, integrity, [and] community..."

- Said her promises are "Dedication, integrity, [and] community..."

Ethics & Conduct

As of July 25, 2024, Crystal Cleveland did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement

Crystal Cleveland

- Magistrate Courts hear civil cases only in amounts less than $15,000. There are no jury trials in Magistrate Court. 
- Magistrate Courts hear landlord tenant dispossessory cases (i.e. a case where a landlord is seeking an eviction of their tenant) and can order evictions. 
- The Chief Magistrate can determine procedures for managing the cases in front of the Magistrate. For example, in Fulton County the Chief Magistrate informs parties in landlord tenant dispossessory cases on the benefits of mediation and provides on-site mediators to resolve landlord tenant disputes before the parties appear in front of the judge. 
- Magistrate Courts only have jurisdiction over their respective counties. Each county has its own magistrate court. Magistrate Court Judge term lengths vary per county, however most serve four year terms. Local Superior Court Judges set parameters for Magistrate Courts. 