Trellis Law: John M Stephenson

John earned his bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, and his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. He is a widower with two grown sons, and attends Albany First United Methodist Church.

Before his appointment, John practiced with the law firm of Watson, Spence, Lowe, & Chambless for 31 years. He joined the firm as an associate in 1984 and became a partner in 1989.

John M. Stephenson is currently a state court judge for Dougherty County. He was appointed by Governor Deal in 2018. He was also a magistrate judge for Dougherty County from 2015 to 2018.

Sat as a member of the State Bar of Georgia's Investigative Panel and the Council of Magistrate Court Judges Rules Committee.

- Sat as a member of the State Bar of Georgia's Investigative Panel and the Council of Magistrate Court Judges Rules Committee.

Legal Experience

As of April 23, 2024, John M. Stephenson did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Has membership with the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

Involved with the Albany Rotary Club, the Georgia Society of the Cincinnati, the Southwest Georgia Easter Seal Society, Goodwill of Southwest Georgia, and the Albany Symphony Association with various leadership roles.

- Has membership with the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Georgia.
- Involved with the Albany Rotary Club, the Georgia Society of the Cincinnati, the Southwest Georgia Easter Seal Society, Goodwill of Southwest Georgia, and the Albany Symphony Association with various leadership roles.

Community Involvement

John M. Stephenson

- 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. 
