Georgia Bar: Sonyja George

Elevated: Magistrate Judge Prepares to Transition to State Court Bench

Sonyja attended Georgia State University and John Marshall Law School. She is married and has children.

Before becoming a judge, Sonyja worked as a juvenile defense attorney and ran her own private law firm.

Sonyja Georgia is currently a Clayton County State Court Judge. She was appointed in 2022. She previously served seven years as a magistrate judge for Clayton County's Magistrate Court.

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

As a juvenile defense attorney, Sonyja 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., Sonyja handled civil and criminal defense.

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

As a Magistrate Judge, Sonyja 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, Sonyja teaches evidence, criminal law, and criminal procedure.

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

- As a juvenile defense attorney, Sonyja 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., Sonyja handled civil and criminal defense.
- As a as a Special Assistant Attorney General Associate, Sonyja represented the Department of Family and Children Services.
- As a Magistrate Judge, Sonyja 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, Sonyja teaches evidence, criminal law, and criminal procedure.
- As a State Court Judge, Sonyja handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil actions.

The candidate's website says, "Judge George is committed to serving the people of Clayton County. Your support fuels her dedication to positive change."

Sonyja previously served as a magistrate judge for 7 years, and during 2 of those years served as presiding judge. She began her legal career in the Cobb County Juvenile Court as a juvenile defense attorney, and serves as a part-time adjunct professor with Georgia State University. In addition to working with Juvenile Court, she started the Law Offices of Sonyja J. George P.C.

Sonyja George was appointed as a state court judge by Governor Kemp in 2022. She is serving her first term.

As presiding judge, presided over a variety of cases, while also being responsible for managing ten judges.

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

During private practice, handled a variety of civil and criminal defense matters.

As an instructor, teaches courses like Evidence, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure.

- As presiding judge, presided over a variety of cases, while also being responsible for managing ten judges.
- As a juvenile defense attorney, represented juveniles charged with delinquent acts as well as parents involved in child abuse and neglect cases. 
- During private practice, handled a variety of civil and criminal defense matters.
- As an instructor, teaches courses like Evidence, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure.

Believes that justice should be fair and impartial.

- Believes that justice should be fair and impartial.

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.

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.

- 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.

As of May 3, 2024, Sonyja George’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judge Sonyja George has served as a judge in Clayton County. Her career has been marked by a dedication to ensuring fair and equal treatment under the law for those who appear in her court. Specific details about her previous jobs or roles within the legal system prior to becoming a judge are not provided.

- 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. 
