Franklin County Citizen

Crystal resides in Sandy Cross with her husband. She graduated from the University of Georgia.

Crystal has worked with inmates at the Whitworth Women's Facility for three years. 

Ballot Pedia

Crystal Buffington Nelms' campaign for Chief Magistrate is her first entry into politics.

As of April 23, 2024, Crystal Buffington Nelms did not have a website or any information online.

Legal Experience

Ethics & Conduct

Wants to enhance the court system proceedings to improve the time in which cases are handled.

Would like to implement programs for underserved communities in order to expand court access.

- Wants to enhance the court system proceedings to improve the time in which cases are handled.
- Would like to implement programs for underserved communities in order to expand court access.

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Crystal Buffington Nelms

Facebook

Cody attended the University of North Georgia, graduating with a bachelor's degree. He is also married with 3 children. 

Cody has 17 years of criminal justice training and is a POST certified Peace Officer. Before becoming Chief Magistrate, he was a probation officer for almost 5 years. 

Cody Grizzle has served as the Chief Magistrate for the past 12 years. 

Legislator's Guide to the Judicial Branch

As chief magistrate, presides over a magistrate court and assigns cases, sets court sessions, appoints other magistrate judges, and sets policy for the court.

- As chief magistrate, presides over a magistrate court and assigns cases, sets court sessions, appoints other magistrate judges, and sets policy for the court.

Makes "fair and equitable decisions on civil and criminal matters."

- Makes "fair and equitable decisions on civil and criminal matters."

As Cheif Magistrate, has signed 15,865 arrest warrants and overseen 23,252 criminal cases and 8,543 civil cases.

Has a top short-term goal is to continue to use technology to enhance services to officers, litigants and to save tax dollars.

Has long term goals centered on managing case load and educating staff and others about the office.

- As Cheif Magistrate, has signed 15,865 arrest warrants and overseen 23,252 criminal cases and 8,543 civil cases.
- Has a top short-term goal is to continue to use technology to enhance services to officers, litigants and to save tax dollars.
- Has long term goals centered on managing case load and educating staff and others about the office.

Has membership with the Franklin County Young Famers, coaching Little League and travel teams.

- Has membership with the Franklin County Young Famers, coaching Little League and travel teams.

Cody Wayne Grizzle

- 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. 