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Judge Billy Tomlinson

Candidate website

Believes in comprehensive legal experience, with 24 years at his Richmond Hill practice, eligibility across Georgia courts, federal districts, appellate courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court, while also serving Garden City and Bryan County judicially.

The candidate's website says, "Judge Tomlinson first donned a judge’s robe as a Municipal Court Judge in Port Wentworth, Georgia... He was also appointed as a Judge in Pooler, Garden City, Ludowici, and in the Magistrate Court of Bryan County..."

Serves on the Executive Committee for the Council of Municipal Court Judges of Georgia, as the Senior District One representative for Municipal Judges, the Legislative Committee, the Judicial Training Council, the Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment, and the Judicial Wellness Committee.

- Believes in comprehensive legal experience, with 24 years at his Richmond Hill practice, eligibility across Georgia courts, federal districts, appellate courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court, while also serving Garden City and Bryan County judicially.
- The candidate's website says, "Judge Tomlinson first donned a judge’s robe as a Municipal Court Judge in Port Wentworth, Georgia... He was also appointed as a Judge in Pooler, Garden City, Ludowici, and in the Magistrate Court of Bryan County..."
- Serves on the Executive Committee for the Council of Municipal Court Judges of Georgia, as the Senior District One representative for Municipal Judges, the Legislative Committee, the Judicial Training Council, the Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment, and the Judicial Wellness Committee.

Legal Experience

As of April 23, 2024, Billy E. Tomlinson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

The candidate's website states, "Billy remains concerned with the efficiency of the court and its impact on the lives of all citizens."

The candidate's website states, "Since becoming the State Court Judge in Bryan County in the last election, Billy has never had any ruling overturned on appeal, he believes in getting it right the first time."

- The candidate's website states, "Billy remains concerned with the efficiency of the court and its impact on the lives of all citizens."
- The candidate's website states, "Since becoming the State Court Judge in Bryan County in the last election, Billy has never had any ruling overturned on appeal, he believes in getting it right the first time."

Judicial Philosophy

The candidate's website says, "He is also especially proud of starting the Pretrial Diversion Program... to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior to reduce recidivism... It has been incredibly successful for all those who have participated."

Created the Pretrial Diversion Program, which provides "alternatives to traditional prosecution to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior to reduce recidivism."

Plans a Family Violence Court Program in Bryan County to address rising family violence, offering first-time offenders a chance to alter their charge status upon meeting specific conditions; a pioneering initiative in Southeast Georgia and non-metro areas.

Created  a Family Violence Court Program in Bryan County.

- Created the Pretrial Diversion Program, which provides "alternatives to traditional prosecution to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior to reduce recidivism."
- Created  a Family Violence Court Program in Bryan County.

Judicial Administration

The candidate's website states, "Judge Tomlinson’s active involvement in the legal and judicial realm offers him the opportunity to meet others in the state and gain first-hand knowledge of the best judicial practices for his courts."

- The candidate's website states, "Judge Tomlinson’s active involvement in the legal and judicial realm offers him the opportunity to meet others in the state and gain first-hand knowledge of the best judicial practices for his courts."

Community Involvement

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Billy E. Tomlinson

- Despite their name, State Courts in Georgia have limited jurisdiction within their county. State Court Judges also have limited jurisdiction over the types of cases they hear, as opposed to Superior Court. 
- State Court Judges hear misdemeanors, like traffic tickets. They also issue arrest and search warrants and hold preliminary hearings in some criminal cases. 
- State Court Judges hear most civil matters that aren't related to land titles, divorce, or cases involving non-monetary damages (those matters are handled by the Superior Court).
- State Court Judges are elected in non-partisan county wide elections and serve four year terms. The Governor can appoint State Court Judges when vacancies arise. 
