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Andy holds an Associate of Science in sociology from Abraham Baldwin College, a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Georgia Southern University, and a master's degree in public administration from Brenau College. He is married and has a family of four children and four grandchildren. 

Andy is currently the principle managing partner of InLand Realty, LLC and the president, CEO of his own consulting business, The Garrison Company, and a Professor at Athens Technical College. He previously served as a Deputy Sheriff in Jackson County, former president of the Jefferson Community Theatre, and a Manager for the State Police Academy in Athens, Georgia. 

Andy Garrison currently serves as an Associate Judge with the Jackson County  Magistrate Court. He was appointed to this position in 2023, and is serving his first term. 

Jackson County Magistrate Court

As a professor at Athens Technical College, Andy teaches Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Ethics.

As an Associate Judge, Andy hears civil actions and criminal cases such as ordinance violations.

- As a professor at Athens Technical College, Andy teaches Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Ethics.
- As an Associate Judge, Andy hears civil actions and criminal cases such as ordinance violations.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Andy Garrison’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Meet the Candidates: Andy Garrison, Candidate for Chief Magistrate

Said, "As a growing county we need to be anchored to the people while servicing them with knowledge of the law and future trends within the State."

Said, "We must continually strive to enhance the efficiency of the court. I have proven experience organizing and managing a large office. As the county grows so will the courts’ caseload. The ability and experience to manage this growth is vital to efficiency."

Said, "Every decision we make must be anchored to Our Constitution. This is essential to bring justice to our citizenry."

Said nationwide growth is a challenge for the judicial system due to a "higher frequency of crime.... adapting ...and managing this frequency of crime. To maintain law and order...we must be strict and fair in our administration of justice."

- Said, "As a growing county we need to be anchored to the people while servicing them with knowledge of the law and future trends within the State."
- Said, "We must continually strive to enhance the efficiency of the court. I have proven experience organizing and managing a large office. As the county grows so will the courts’ caseload. The ability and experience to manage this growth is vital to efficiency."
- Said, "Every decision we make must be anchored to Our Constitution. This is essential to bring justice to our citizenry."
- Said nationwide growth is a challenge for the judicial system due to a "higher frequency of crime.... adapting ...and managing this frequency of crime. To maintain law and order...we must be strict and fair in our administration of justice."

Judicial Administration

Believes in community engagement, serving as a Deacon, leading local Legion post, preserving history with the Tumbling Waters Society, and contributing as a Rotary Assistant Governor and Magistrate Associate Judge.

Serves as Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Jefferson.

Serves as Squadron Commander of Post 56 Sons of the American Legion.

Serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Historical Tumbling Waters Society.

- Serves as Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Jefferson.
- Serves as Squadron Commander of Post 56 Sons of the American Legion.
- Serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Historical Tumbling Waters Society.

Community Involvement

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Andy Garrison

The candidate's website says, "Andy has over 40 years of law enforcement experience... Judge Garrison is also a Professor at Athens Technical College and teaches courses in Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Ethics... Judge Garrison has taught both Judges and Court Clerks for the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education (ICJE) at UGA."

As an Associate Magistrate, Andy hears civil actions and criminal cases such as ordinance violations.

- As a professor at Athens Technical College, Andy teaches Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Ethics.
- As an Associate Magistrate, Andy hears civil actions and criminal cases such as ordinance violations.

Said, "As your next Chief Magistrate I will use both these strengths to provide the people of Jackson County with continued quality service while preparing for our future."

Said, "Represent us at local festivals and events by distributing campaign materials."

The candidate's website says, "If you’d like to chat or share your thoughts with Andy personally, he’s always eager to connect with fellow community members."

Andy received an Associate of Science in sociology from Abraham Baldwin College, a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Georgia Southern University, and a master's degree in public administration from Brenau College. He is married and has a family of four children and four grandchildren. 

Andy is currently the principle managing partner of InLand Realty, LLC. He began his career as a Deputy Sheriff in Jackson County and has been the Public Safety Academy Director in Georgia. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the training of public safety officials across northern Georgia.

Andy Garrison currently serves as a Jackson County Associate Magistrate. 

Said, "What I bring to the table is a commonsense approach to justice based on my understanding of the law and my many years as a law enforcement officer."

Said, "What our county is experiencing is growth, and with growth comes a higher frequency of crime. The challenge for our judicial system is adapting to and managing this frequency of crime. To maintain law and order in our fast-growing community we must be strict and fair in our administration of justice."

- Said, "As a growing county we need to be anchored to the people while servicing them with knowledge of the law and future trends within the State."
- Said, "We must continually strive to enhance the efficiency of the court. I have proven experience organizing and managing a large office. As the county grows so will the courts’ caseload. The ability and experience to manage this growth is vital to efficiency."
- Said, "What I bring to the table is a commonsense approach to justice based on my understanding of the law and my many years as a law enforcement officer."
- Said, "Every decision we make must be anchored to Our Constitution. This is essential to bring justice to our citizenry."
- Said, "What our county is experiencing is growth, and with growth comes a higher frequency of crime. The challenge for our judicial system is adapting to and managing this frequency of crime. To maintain law and order in our fast-growing community we must be strict and fair in our administration of justice."

Andy Garrison is married to the former Hilda Johnson and together they reside in Jefferson, Georgia. They have a family of four children and four grandchildren. Specific details about where they attended school, the church they attend, or other aspects of their personal life are not provided in the information given.

Andy Garrison began his career as a Deputy Sheriff in Jackson County. He has served as a Jackson County Associate Magistrate and has been the Public Safety Academy Director in Georgia. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the training of public safety officials across northern Georgia.

Andy Garrison currently serves as a Jackson County Associate Magistrate. He is seeking the position of Chief Magistrate in Jackson County, GA. Specific details on the length of his tenure as Associate Magistrate, any appointments or committees he serves on, or past political campaigns are not provided in the information given.

- 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. 