Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Michael spent the last 25 years fighting for Justice... The trial experience of a murder and violent crimes prosecutor can now be put to work for the citizens..."

Believes Albany requires judges with insight into gang violence's impact, gained through legal experience in Dougherty County murder scenes, national lectures, and prosecuting murder cases.

The candidate's website says, "Michael is proud to have the reputation for fairness, honesty, and integrity and is well known for trying to help those charged with crimes that can be helped, while also being a tough prosecutor on violent criminals."

The candidate's website says, "Furthermore, Michael has convicted in Albany other gang members for offenses including Human Trafficking and Violations of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act."

The candidate's website says, "Rising to the rank of Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney, Michael prosecuted Murders, Gangs, Violent Crimes such as Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assaults, Drug Traffickers,"

The candidate's website says, "Rising to the rank of , Michael prosecuted Murders, Gangs, Violent Crimes such as Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assaults, Drug Traffickers,"

The candidate's website says, "For more than 10 years, from 2012-2022, Michael proudly served in the Dougherty county District Attorney's Office."

The candidate's website says, "Michael was a first responder for the D.A.'s Office to all Murder Scenes in Dougherty County from 2014 through 2022..."

The candidate's website says, "Michael is a Regional Prosecutor for the Attorney General's Statewide Gang Taskforce and serves as an Assistant Attorney General... Prior to that he spent more than a decade serving in the Dougherty County District Attorney's Office..."

Believes in thorough pursuit of justice for crime victims, deeply affected by witnessing their suffering and the impact on their families, and commits to exhaustive efforts in murder trials to honor victims' rights to a fair legal process.

Said, "We need Judges who have experienced the battles of a courtroom and who have earned firsthand a full understanding of the law."

The candidate's website says, "For the last 25 years, Michael has been trusted to conduct training for more than 30 Law Enforcement Agencies, including the"

The candidate's website says, "Solo Law Practice in the areas of Criminal Law, Personal Injury, and Family Law"

The candidate's website says, "Currently serving in Albany, GA as an Assistant Attorney General in the Statewide Gang Task Force, Michael was the first regional prosecutor for the unit when he joined the A.G.'s Office in September of 2022."

The candidate's website says, "To date, as part of the Attorney General's Office, Michael has convicted at jury trial gang members in Albany for the crimes of Murder, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Violations of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act."

As Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney, "convicted jury trial gang members in Albany for the crimes of murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and violations of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act."

The candidate's website says, "Michael was assigned for the 10+ years to the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit, the Albany Police Department, and the Gang Task Force as their legal advisor so as to provide legal advice on the proper way to proceed with investigations."

Assigned for over 10 years to the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit, the Albany Police Department, and the Gang Task Force as their legal advisor.

The candidate's website says, "Having developed a specialty in Asset Forfeiture Proceedings, Michael was instrumental in the seizure and forfeiture of millions of dollars of assets which became the property of local law enforcement agencies."

Described as "instrumental" after using his specialty in asset forfeiture proceedings to help along the "seizure and forfeiture of millions of dollars of assets which became the property of local law enforcement agencies."

The candidate's website says, "Michael is also the lead prosecutor in what has been hailed as the largest Motorcycle Gang Indictment in the history of Georgia."

Known as the lead prosecutor in "what has been hailed as the largest Motorcycle Gang Indictment in the history of Georgia."

- As Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney, "convicted jury trial gang members in Albany for the crimes of murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and violations of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act."
- Assigned for over 10 years to the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit, the Albany Police Department, and the Gang Task Force as their legal advisor.
- Described as "instrumental" after using his specialty in asset forfeiture proceedings to help along the "seizure and forfeiture of millions of dollars of assets which became the property of local law enforcement agencies."
- Known as the lead prosecutor in "what has been hailed as the largest Motorcycle Gang Indictment in the history of Georgia."

Legal Experience

Plans to create a digitized version of the Dougherty County court system for accessibility and transparency purposes.

Prioritizes efficiency and fairness, saying that "we need Judges that will make sure that victims no longer wait 4 years, 5 years, or even longer for justice."

Said, "We need Judges that will treat every person with kindness and respect. Whether victims, defendants, attorneys, police officers, bailiffs, deputies, or courthouse personnel, every person deserves to be treated with dignity...Race, gender, national origin, age, and other protected classes of persons should know that they will receive equal treatment under the law.""

- Plans to create a digitized version of the Dougherty County court system for accessibility and transparency purposes.
- Prioritizes efficiency and fairness, saying that "we need Judges that will make sure that victims no longer wait 4 years, 5 years, or even longer for justice."
- Said, "We need Judges that will treat every person with kindness and respect. Whether victims, defendants, attorneys, police officers, bailiffs, deputies, or courthouse personnel, every person deserves to be treated with dignity...Race, gender, national origin, age, and other protected classes of persons should know that they will receive equal treatment under the law.""

Ethics & Conduct

Said, "Dougherty County needs to update our court system by creating an online resource where the public can come to the website, find court calendars, and see the court results. The public should know what is happening in our Courts."

Said, "We need to address the backlog of more than 2000 criminal cases and more than 500 civil cases caused by Covid... We need to make sure... that the cases are being moved in a timely manner."

The candidate's website says, "We need Judges that will make sure that victims no longer wait 4 years, 5 years, or even longer for justice."

Said, "I want to make sure that everyone is treated equally under the law. Every person should expect that they will have their day in court and that the law will prevail."

The candidate's website says, "We need Judges that will treat every person with kindness and respect. Whether victims, defendants, attorneys, police officers, bailiffs, deputies, or courthouse personnel, every person deserves to be treated with dignity."

Said, "Finally, I will ensure that everyone in the courtroom is treated with respect and dignity. Whether a victim, a defendant, an officer, a lawyer, or a bailiff, everyone will be treated with respect."

The candidate's website says, "We need Judges who ... understand what can still be improved in our judicial system. This will be done by bringing in fresh ideas that have been proven to work in other jurisdictions."

Supports establishing a Gang Court Program in Albany targeting 17-21-year-old gang affiliates with alternatives to probation and incarceration, focusing on education, employment, community service, curfews, social media oversight, and weekly mentorship.

The candidate's website says, "We need Judges who will address the backlog of more than 2000 criminal cases and more than 500 civil cases since 2018 ."

Plans to address the backlog of "more than 2000 criminal cases and more than 500 civil cases since 2018."

Supports appointing judges with experience and national connections to implement a Gang Court Program, offering early intervention and rehabilitation opportunities like education, employment, and mentorship to young gang members, aiming to reform rather than discard them.

Supports appointing judges with experience and national connections to implement a Gang Court Program, offering early intervention and rehabilitation opportunities like education, employment, and mentorship to young gang members.

- Supports establishing a Gang Court Program in Albany targeting 17-21-year-old gang affiliates with alternatives to probation and incarceration, focusing on education, employment, community service, curfews, social media oversight, and weekly mentorship.
- Plans to address the backlog of "more than 2000 criminal cases and more than 500 civil cases since 2018."
- Supports appointing judges with experience and national connections to implement a Gang Court Program, offering early intervention and rehabilitation opportunities like education, employment, and mentorship to young gang members.

Judicial Administration

The candidate's website says, "We need Judges that will faithfully follow the law regardless of personal feelings. Race, gender, national origin, age, and other protected classes of persons should know that they will receive equal treatment under the law."

- Believes Albany requires judges with insight into gang violence's impact, gained through legal experience in Dougherty County murder scenes, national lectures, and prosecuting murder cases.
- Said, "We need Judges who have experienced the battles of a courtroom and who have earned firsthand a full understanding of the law."

Judicial Philosophy

The candidate's website says, "Michael is an active community volunteer who firmly believes that we are called to serve in all ways that we can."

The candidate's website says, "They are members of Sherwood Baptist Church after previously attending First Methodist Church and the boys attend Sherwood Christian Academy. Jessica is a Certified Biblical Counselor who works at Albany Biblical Counseling Center."

The candidate's website says, "Known for his honesty, integrity, and desire to act as a servant leader, Michael understands Dougherty County."

Believes in community engagement, evidenced by his leadership at the YMCA, board role at Lilypad Center, coaching, hospital toy drives, and extensive disaster relief volunteerism.

Believes in community engagement and has experience in leadership at the YMCA, a board role at Lilypad Center, coaching, hospital toy drives, and disaster relief volunteerism.

- Believes in community engagement and has experience in leadership at the YMCA, a board role at Lilypad Center, coaching, hospital toy drives, and disaster relief volunteerism.

Community Involvement

Michael R. Tabarrok

LinkedIn

Has experience in divorce law, family Law, notary, legal consulting, personal injury law, wills planning law, and property law with a primary practice in auto accidents, family law (adoption, divorce, custody, and child support), real estate and wills and estates.

- Has experience in divorce law, family Law, notary, legal consulting, personal injury law, wills planning law, and property law with a primary practice in auto accidents, family law (adoption, divorce, custody, and child support), real estate and wills and estates.

Included meditation services with her legal practice.

Offers a ClientCredit financing option for fees within her own practice "to ease the financial burden that legal fees can bring."

- Included meditation services with her legal practice.
- Offers a ClientCredit financing option for fees within her own practice "to ease the financial burden that legal fees can bring."

Said, "Southwest Georgia is underserved legally and in desperate need of attorneys."

- Said, "Southwest Georgia is underserved legally and in desperate need of attorneys."

As of March 19, 2024, Valerie Brown-Williams did not have a website or any information online.

Said, "For me, the practice of law has always been about service."

- Said, "For me, the practice of law has always been about service."

Valerie Brown-Williams

The candidate's website says, "Judge Victoria M. Johnson’s career is truly impressive and spans various sectors, showcasing her commitment to both law and community service. The Honorable Judge Victoria M. Johnson was appointed by Judge John Stephenson to serve Magistrate Court in 2018."

Believes justice must be a tangible reality, not just an ideal; touts unique qualifications from Magistrate, State, and Superior Court roles, emphasizing firsthand insights into the legal system's effects and the importance of a fair judiciary.

The candidate's website says, "Judge Johnson was selected to attend a prestigious training at the National Computer Forensic Institute."

Believes in fair, equal, and integral justice, with 15 years in law, including 10 advocating for rights and 5 as a Magistrate Judge in Dougherty County, now seeking a Superior Court position.

Has 15 years of legal experience overall, with 10 of those years spent advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals and communities, and 5 working as a Magistrate Judge in Dougherty County.

Believes in leveraging diverse legal experience, including roles as jurist, prosecutor, and educator, to serve the community, evidenced by her multifaceted career and dedication to law and public service.

Believes in leveraging diverse legal experience, including roles as jurist, prosecutor, and educator, to serve the community.

Said, "My journey in the legal profession has been defined by a steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and the unwavering belief that the law is a cornerstone of our society."

- Has 15 years of legal experience overall, with 10 of those years spent advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals and communities, and 5 working as a Magistrate Judge in Dougherty County.
- Believes in leveraging diverse legal experience, including roles as jurist, prosecutor, and educator, to serve the community.
- Said, "My journey in the legal profession has been defined by a steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and the unwavering belief that the law is a cornerstone of our society."

As of March 19, 2024, Victoria Matu Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said, "My candidacy is not just about securing a position; it’s about serving the community with integrity, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility... I stand ready to bring my judicial experience, legal experience on complex legal matters... to this honorable role, ensuring that the principles of equality and fairness prevail in every case brought before the court."

- Said, "My candidacy is not just about securing a position; it’s about serving the community with integrity, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility... I stand ready to bring my judicial experience, legal experience on complex legal matters... to this honorable role, ensuring that the principles of equality and fairness prevail in every case brought before the court."

Believes in a transparent, accountable judiciary, upholding core legal values, listening to all voices, applying law fairly, and ensuring equitable treatment for all in court, regardless of identity or representation.

- Believes in a transparent, accountable judiciary, upholding core legal values, listening to all voices, applying law fairly, and ensuring equitable treatment for all in court, regardless of identity or representation.

Said, "“I will be there in the community with you”"

Said, "Your Contribution Matters: ... I rely on your support to make this vision a reality. ... enabling us to engage with the community, and uphold the principles of justice."

The candidate's website says, "Overall, Judge Victoria M. Johnson’s multifaceted career and extensive involvement in community service showcase a remarkable commitment to both the legal profession and bettering the lives of those around her."

Supports community engagement through her 15+ years of varied service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and honors civil rights heritage by singing with the Albany Civil Rights Museum Freedom Singers.

Believes in community leadership through service, evidenced by her roles in local legal, educational, and violence prevention organizations, and her active participation in civic groups like the Rotary Club and Junior League.

Believes in community leadership through service, and participates in local legal, educational, and violence prevention organizations, as well as civic groups like the Rotary Club and Junior League.

Believes in community engagement, evidenced by awards for professional dedication and service, including recognition from the Southwest Georgia 40 under 40 and the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association, and participation in Leadership Albany.

Received awards for professional dedication and service, including recognition from the Southwest Georgia 40 under 40 and the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association, and participation in Leadership Albany.

- Believes in community leadership through service, and participates in local legal, educational, and violence prevention organizations, as well as civic groups like the Rotary Club and Junior League.
- Received awards for professional dedication and service, including recognition from the Southwest Georgia 40 under 40 and the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association, and participation in Leadership Albany.

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Victoria Matu Johnson

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 