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Michelle attended Sequoyah High School. She currently lives in Cherokee County with her three children. 

Michelle was a public defender for 4 years in Fulton County, and she was a prosecutor for 5 years. She also was an Assistant Solicitor in Cherokee County.

Michelle Leigh Helhoski is currently a State Court Judge in Cherokee County. She has been a judge for 12 years. 

Created a Mental Health Court in Cherokee County.

- As a judge, presided over 10,000 cases.
- Created a Mental Health Court in Cherokee County.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Michelle Leigh Helhoski did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Wants to "hold every Defendant accountable with...with extensive treatment and testing, including daily drug tests."

Said, "[I am] an independent and authentic judge who decides every case on its individual facts."

Said, "A vote for me is a vote to make sure that all parts of the Constitution are upheld, not just conservative...Constitutional principles."

Said, "Jail is not always the best place for someone with mental health issues."

- Wants to "hold every Defendant accountable with...with extensive treatment and testing, including daily drug tests."
- Said, "[I am] an independent and authentic judge who decides every case on its individual facts."
- Said, "A vote for me is a vote to make sure that all parts of the Constitution are upheld, not just conservative...Constitutional principles."
- Said, "Jail is not always the best place for someone with mental health issues."

Judicial Philosophy

Has an open-door policy and accessibility, emphasizing ease of access including availability of staff at night and on weekends. 

- Has an open-door policy and accessibility, emphasizing ease of access including availability of staff at night and on weekends. 

Judicial Administration

As of March 19, 2024, Michelle Leigh Helhoski did not have a website.

Community Involvement

Michelle Leigh Helhoski

- 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. 
