Richard Michael Gailey Jr.

- 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

Putnam

Criminal Justice

Consumer Protection

Georgia

Legal Experience

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement

State Court Judge

Walter Ley

Michael is an attorney with The Gailey Law Firm, LLC. He previously served as the assistant district attorney for Putnam and Morgan Counties from 1997 to 2002. He was elected solicitor general of Putnam County in 2008 and re-elected in 2012. In 2013, he was appointed to the Putnam County State Court.

Meet Our Lawyers - Eatonton - Gailey Law Firm

Michael is currently a judge of the Putnam County State Court. He was appointed to this position in 2013 and has been re-elected twice. He also serves as the municipal court judge for the City of Eatonton. Before his appointment, Michael served as the solicitor general of Putnam County until January 9, 2013, and as an assistant district attorney for Putnam and Morgan Counties from 1997 to 2002.

As a twice re-elected Putnam County State Court Judge, has significant judicial experience in overseeing court proceedings.

As of March 11, 2026, Richard Michael Gailey Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.