Judge Karen Riggs Jones launches campaign for Chief Magistrate with key endorsement

As a magistrate judge, Jones issues warrants and conducts proceedings that must occur before criminal cases can proceed.

- As a magistrate judge, Jones issues warrants and conducts proceedings that must occur before criminal cases can proceed.

Legal Experience

As of April 23, 2024, Karen Riggs Jones did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Promises to be available to law enforcement officials "24 hours a day and 7 days a week."

- Promises to be available to law enforcement officials "24 hours a day and 7 days a week."

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement

Karen Riggs Jones

- 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. 