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Whitesell Law Firm Biography

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "During his career, William has represented both sides of the courtroom in civil cases... He has prosecuted crimes in municipal court... He has defended the accused in his private practice... His readiness in the law is notable."

Said, "With over two decades of experience, I have real experience in the law…not a mere sampling. I will bring the unmatched experience that the people should expect and can trust on the bench."

Believes in comprehensive legal expertise, with 23 years in law, roles from Judicial Clerk to Prosecutor, and a private practice owner, encompassing civil, criminal, and real estate law.

Said, "During my career, I have represented people and businesses on both sides of the courtroom in civil cases, prosecuted crimes in municipal court, defended the accused in private practice, and handled complicated family cases."

Said, "I also bring the real-world, business perspective of starting and running my own law firm... My broad experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the bench."

- Believes in comprehensive legal expertise, with 23 years in law, roles from Judicial Clerk to Prosecutor, and a private practice owner, encompassing civil, criminal, and real estate law.
- Said, "During my career, I have represented people and businesses on both sides of the courtroom in civil cases, prosecuted crimes in municipal court, defended the accused in private practice, and handled complicated family cases."
- Said, "I also bring the real-world, business perspective of starting and running my own law firm... My broad experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the bench."

Legal Experience

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

Ethics & Conduct

Superior Court candidates answer questions at Moultrie forum

Said, "I think, in a lot of drug cases, we've set up drug courts and I think there's a real place for that and a real potential for expansion on those. I think we're starting to realize there's a difference in an addict versus a pusher and I think we're gonna see that expand and I hope that will expand."

- Said, "I think, in a lot of drug cases, we've set up drug courts and I think there's a real place for that and a real potential for expansion on those. I think we're starting to realize there's a difference in an addict versus a pusher and I think we're gonna see that expand and I hope that will expand."

Judicial Administration

The candidate's website says, "APPLY THE LAW FIRMLY, BUT FAIRLY"

The candidate's website says, "FOLLOW THE CONSTITUTION, NEVER LEGISLATE FROM THE BENCH"

Supports judicial restraint and says he will "follow the Constitution, never legislate from the bench."

Said, "After 23 years of practicing law in our community, I know we need an experienced Judge who will serve with integrity and fairness, faithfully follow the law, and have the courage to ensure justice is done."

Plans to prioritize efficiency and service, uphold the law impartially, avoid judicial activism, exercise patience and sound judgment, offer leniency to non-violent offenders, and firmly hold violent criminals accountable to ensure public safety.

Plans to prioritize efficiency and service, uphold the law impartially, avoid judicial activism (the practice of using court decisions to create social impact), exercise patience and sound judgment, offer leniency to non-violent offenders, and firmly hold violent criminals accountable to ensure public safety.

- Supports judicial restraint and says he will "follow the Constitution, never legislate from the bench."
- Said, "After 23 years of practicing law in our community, I know we need an experienced Judge who will serve with integrity and fairness, faithfully follow the law, and have the courage to ensure justice is done."
- Plans to prioritize efficiency and service, uphold the law impartially, avoid judicial activism (the practice of using court decisions to create social impact), exercise patience and sound judgment, offer leniency to non-violent offenders, and firmly hold violent criminals accountable to ensure public safety.

Judicial Philosophy

Said, "Throughout my life, I have been committed to serving others. It is out of this commitment to service that I am running for Superior Court Judge."

Believes in community involvement through service; began with Boy Scouts, leads in charities, presides over South Georgia Council, and contributes to local non-profits and educational boards, enhancing social welfare and health.

Works in the community as President of the South Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a board member of the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County, Partnership Health Center of Valdosta, Scintilla Charter Academy School Board, and of My Father’s Business, which provides free martial counseling.

- Works in the community as President of the South Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a board member of the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County, Partnership Health Center of Valdosta, Scintilla Charter Academy School Board, and of My Father’s Business, which provides free martial counseling.

Community Involvement

William Whitesell

Believes in equal justice and, with experience at Coleman Talley and public service, understands a Superior Court Judge's impact and is committed to addressing the role's challenges.

Believes in community improvement through legal service, having progressed from Assistant to Senior Assistant District Attorney, handling major criminal cases, and participating in justice-focused community projects.

Believes in the value of diverse legal experience, including insurance, contracts, and estate litigation, gained as an Associate at Coleman Talley after serving as a Senior Assistant District Attorney.

Believes in the value of diverse legal experience, including insurance, contracts, and estate litigation, gained as an associate at Coleman Talley and through cases in the Middle District of Georgia, U.S. District Court.

Has legal experience in different areas, including insurance, contracts, and estate litigation, gained as an associate at Coleman Talley and through cases in the Middle District of Georgia, U.S. District Court.

- Has legal experience in different areas, including insurance, contracts, and estate litigation, gained as an associate at Coleman Talley and through cases in the Middle District of Georgia, U.S. District Court.

As of March 19, 2024, Jeremy Keith Baker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said, "I believe all citizens...deserve an efficient judicial system that is impartial... With the experience I’ve gained being the current Municipal Court Judge for the city of Valdosta, I am and will be that judge."

Said, "I know that integrity is a pillar of our judicial system; ... I know the importance of a judge holding steadfast to the principles of having judicial temperament, patience, humility, tact, decisiveness, open-mindedness and common sense, ... I have that commitment."

- Said, "I know that integrity is a pillar of our judicial system; ... I know the importance of a judge holding steadfast to the principles of having judicial temperament, patience, humility, tact, decisiveness, open-mindedness and common sense, ... I have that commitment."

Believes in community engagement, serving on Citizens Community Bank's Board, the Greater Valdosta United Way, and leading in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church as Parish Council President and Religious Education Catechist.

Believes in nurturing South Georgia's youth through mentorship, mock trial camps, board service at Scintilla Charter Academy, coordinating high school mock trials, and coaching basketball with Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation.

Believes in community engagement, serving on Citizens Community Bank's Board, Greater Valdosta United Way, and leading in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church as Parish Council President and catechist.

Engages with his community through serving on Citizens Community Bank's Board, Greater Valdosta United Way, and leading in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church as Parish Council President and catechist.

Believes in community service as a judicial cornerstone, having served as Valdosta's Municipal Court Judge and with the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office, and aspires to further serve the broader community.

- Believes in nurturing South Georgia's youth through mentorship, mock trial camps, board service at Scintilla Charter Academy, coordinating high school mock trials, and coaching basketball with Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation.
- Engages with his community through serving on Citizens Community Bank's Board, Greater Valdosta United Way, and leading in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church as Parish Council President and catechist.
- Believes in community service as a judicial cornerstone, having served as Valdosta's Municipal Court Judge and with the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office, and aspires to further serve the broader community.

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Jeremy Keith Baker

- 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. 