Georgia Bar: Sonyja George

Elevated: Magistrate Judge Prepares to Transition to State Court Bench

Candidate website

Clayton County Magistrate Court

Believes in diverse legal expertise, starting as a Juvenile Defense Attorney, founding her own law firm, and representing Family and Children Services as a Special Assistant Attorney General Associate.

As a juvenile defense attorney, represented "juveniles charged with delinquent acts as well as parents involved in child abuse and neglect cases."

As an attorney at and owner of the Law Offices of Sonyja J. George P.C., handled civil and criminal defense.

As a as a Special Assistant Attorney General Associate, represented the Department of Family and Children Services.

Believes in the value of judicial experience, highlighting Judge Sonyja George's seven-year tenure as a Magistrate Judge, including two years as Presiding Judge, before her State Court appointment by Governor Kemp in December 2022.

As a Magistrate Judge, handled civil disputes involving $15,000 or less, certain misdemeanor criminal offenses county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, and the issuance of warrants.

As a part-time adjunct professor at Georgia State University, teaches evidence, criminal law, and criminal procedure.

As a State Court Judge, handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil actions.

- As a juvenile defense attorney, represented "juveniles charged with delinquent acts as well as parents involved in child abuse and neglect cases."
- As an attorney at and owner of the Law Offices of Sonyja J. George P.C., handled civil and criminal defense.
- As a as a Special Assistant Attorney General Associate, represented the Department of Family and Children Services.
- As a Magistrate Judge, handled civil disputes involving $15,000 or less, certain misdemeanor criminal offenses county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, and the issuance of warrants.
- As a part-time adjunct professor at Georgia State University, teaches evidence, criminal law, and criminal procedure.
- As a State Court Judge, handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil actions.

Legal Experience

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

Ethics & Conduct

The candidate's website says, "Judge George believes that justice should be fair and impartial."

Believes "justice should be fair and impartial."

- Believes "justice should be fair and impartial."

Judicial Philosophy

The candidate's website says, "Judge George strives to reduce administrative delays and enhance people's access to timely justice."

Wants to "reduce administrative delays and enhance people's access to timely justice."

- Wants to "reduce administrative delays and enhance people's access to timely justice."

Judicial Administration

Believes in community engagement through volunteer work as a Career Day speaker, Mock Trial Judge, and mentor, while also participating in local bar associations and receiving accolades for her contributions.

Volunteers as a Career Day speaker and a mock trial judge.

Serves as a member of the Georgia State Bar Association, Clayton County Bar Association, and Gate City Bar Association, and a mentor with the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.

- Volunteers as a Career Day speaker and a mock trial judge.
- Serves as a member of the Georgia State Bar Association, Clayton County Bar Association, and Gate City Bar Association, and a mentor with the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.

Community Involvement

Instagram

Sonyja George

- 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. 
