Bell runs for judgeship

Law Office of Joshua Bell

Joshua Bell is originally from Thomasville, Georgia. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in public administration, and a law degree, all from the University of Georgia. Joshua lives with his wife and two children in Whigham, Georgia. He is a member of Whigham United Methodist Church. 

Joshua C. Bell is new circuit juvenile judge

Joshua currently serves as State Court Judge for Grady County, Georgia. He was first elected in 2014 and is serving his third term.


Joshua founded currently operates The Law Office of Joshua C. Bell, LLC in Whigham, Georgia. He previously was a partner at Kirbo, Kendrick & Bell, LLC in Bainbridge, and before that a partner at Chason, Willett & Bell LLP. 

2026 Georgia Primary Election

Democrat

Nonpartisan

Republican

2026 Georgia Primary Runoff

As municipal court judge for the cities of Cairo (since October 2001), Bainbridge (since April 2007), Climax (since July 2007), Donalsonville (since September 2008), and Meigs (since July 2015), and as recorders court judge for Whigham (since August 2001), oversees cases involving traffic violations, minor misdemeanors, and other offenses not punishable by imprisonment.

As a circuit juvenile judge for the Southwest Georgia Judicial Circuit since 2017, conducts hearings, issues recommendations and rulings on behalf of the presiding judge, and oversees cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, concentrating on Grady, Decatur, and Calhoun counties.

As Grady County State Court Judge since 2015, oversees traffic cases and civil and criminal jury and non-jury trials, and grants applications for search and arrest warrants.

As assistant magistrate court judge for Grady County from 2004 to 2009, held preliminary hearings in minor criminal cases, oversaw civil suits and the recovery of personal property, and issued search and arrest warrants.

- As municipal court judge for the cities of Cairo (since October 2001), Bainbridge (since April 2007), Climax (since July 2007), Donalsonville (since September 2008), and Meigs (since July 2015), and as recorders court judge for Whigham (since August 2001), oversees cases involving traffic violations, minor misdemeanors, and other offenses not punishable by imprisonment.
- As a circuit juvenile judge for the Southwest Georgia Judicial Circuit since 2017, conducts hearings, issues recommendations and rulings on behalf of the presiding judge, and oversees cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, concentrating on Grady, Decatur, and Calhoun counties.
- As Grady County State Court Judge since 2015, oversees traffic cases and civil and criminal jury and non-jury trials, and grants applications for search and arrest warrants.
- As assistant magistrate court judge for Grady County from 2004 to 2009, held preliminary hearings in minor criminal cases, oversaw civil suits and the recovery of personal property, and issued search and arrest warrants.

Legal Experience

Supports holding offenders accountable while treating them with respect and working to reduce recidivism.

- Supports holding offenders accountable while treating them with respect and working to reduce recidivism.

Ethics & Conduct

As of March 11, 2026, Joshua C Bell did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Supports transitioning court systems to paperless operations and expanding technology to reduce case processing time and increase access to justice.

- Supports transitioning court systems to paperless operations and expanding technology to reduce case processing time and increase access to justice.

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement

Joshua C Bell

Pavel Tantchev

Walter Ley

- 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. 


Local Judges who hear misdemeanors and some civil cases