Thomasville Times-Enterprise, Seery: People want law applied to situations

Andy has previously served as a public defender in Thomas County.

S. Andrews "Andy" Seery is currently the Chief Magistrate in Thomas County, Georgia. He was first elected to the position in 2005. 

As a Public Defender, Andy represented criminal defendants who couldn't afford an attorney.

As a Magistrate Judge, Andy issues search and arrest warrants, conducts first appearance hearings, sets bail, and handles small claims cases up to $15,000.

- As a Public Defender, Andy represented criminal defendants who couldn't afford an attorney.
- As a Magistrate Judge, Andy issues search and arrest warrants, conducts first appearance hearings, sets bail, and handles small claims cases up to $15,000.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, S Andrews "Andy" Seery did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Said, "People who turn to Magistrate Court want a judge who can apply the law to their situation."

- Said, "People who turn to Magistrate Court want a judge who can apply the law to their situation."

Judicial Administration

Believes it is important to give back to the community.

- Believes it is important to give back to the community.

Community Involvement

S Andrews "Andy" Seery

Andrew "Andy" Seery lives with wife and kids in Thomas County, Georgia.

Andrew "Andy" Seery has previously served as a public defender in Thomas County

Andrew "Andy" Seery is currently the Chief Magistrate in Thomas County, Georgia. He was first elected to the position in 2005. 

Plans to use his previous experience as a public defender in Thomas County.

- Plans to use his previous experience as a public defender in Thomas County.

Wants to be a judge who "can apply the law to their situations."

- Wants to be a judge who "can apply the law to their situations."

As of March 19, 2024, S Andrews "Andy" Seery did not have a website or publicly available contact information in order for us to send them our questionnaire.

Said, the county "ha[s]n't found the answer" to overcoming drug and violence problems

- Said, the county "ha[s]n't found the answer" to overcoming drug and violence problems

- 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. 