Deitra Pleshette Burney-Butler earned her bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State College and her law degree from the University of Denver. She lives with her child in Jonesboro, Georgia. 

Deitra Burney-Butler Judge, Clayton County Juvenile Court, Youth Development & Juvenile Justice Center

Deitra previously served as a judge on the Clayton County Juvenile Court. She also worked as an attorney in a private practice, an assistant district attorney with the Clayton County District Attorney's Office, and as an assistant solicitor with the Clayton County Solicitor General's Office. 

Deitra Pleshette Burney-Butler has served as a Clayton County Juvenile Court Judge for 14½ years.

Deitra's campaign for superior court judge in the Clayton County Judicial Circuit is her first run for public office. 

Daily Inspiration: Meet Deitra Butler

Believes her extensive legal experience as a juvenile court judge equips her to make beneficial, law-based decisions for the community.

As a judge for the Clayton County Juvenile Court for 14 years, oversaw all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.

As an assistant attorney general for the Clayton County District Attorney's Office, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under both state and federal law, advised state and federal government officials and agencies on legal matters, conducted legal research and document drafting, and may have mentored or supervised legal staff.

As a deputy solicitor general for the Clayton County Solicitor General's Office, developed legal strategy on issues of constitutional law, researched and drafted legal documents, and provided the solicitor general with recommendations on which cases the government should seek review of.

- As a judge for the Clayton County Juvenile Court for 14 years, oversaw all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.
- As an assistant attorney general for the Clayton County District Attorney's Office, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under both state and federal law, advised state and federal government officials and agencies on legal matters, conducted legal research and document drafting, and may have mentored or supervised legal staff.
- As a deputy solicitor general for the Clayton County Solicitor General's Office, developed legal strategy on issues of constitutional law, researched and drafted legal documents, and provided the solicitor general with recommendations on which cases the government should seek review of.

Legal Experience

Appointment Rescinded: Judge Ousted Amid 'Concerns About Her Ability to Serve'

Was removed from her position on the Clayton County Juvenile Court in 2023 after concerns were raised about her ability to serve.

- Was removed from her position on the Clayton County Juvenile Court in 2023 after concerns were raised about her ability to serve.

Ethics & Conduct

As of March 11, 2026, Deitra Pleshette Burney-Butler’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Supports using brain development science in crime reduction strategies, emphasizing the need to adequately serve youthful offenders to improve community safety and educational outcomes.

Believes that there is inequality in the Clayton County Superior Court and vows to apply standards, rules, and parameters of justice equally to all.

- Supports using brain development science in crime reduction strategies, emphasizing the need to adequately serve youthful offenders to improve community safety and educational outcomes.
- Believes that there is inequality in the Clayton County Superior Court and vows to apply standards, rules, and parameters of justice equally to all.

Judicial Philosophy

Serves on the Board of Directors for the Women of Clayton County.

Serves as a Zero to Three fellow, a leadership program focused on child development, and a National Black Child Development fellow.

- Serves on the Board of Directors for the Women of Clayton County.
- Serves as a Zero to Three fellow, a leadership program focused on child development, and a National Black Child Development fellow.

Community Involvement

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Deitra Pleshette Burney-Butler

Supports equal application of justice standards, rules, and parameters, without personal retribution or favoritism influencing judicial decisions.

Deitra Butler earned her bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State College and her law degree from the University of Denver. She lives with her child in Jonesboro, Georgia. 

As a juvenile court judge, oversaw all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.

As an assistant attorney general, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under both state and federal law, advised state and federal government officials and agencies on legal matters, conducted legal research and document drafting, and may have mentored or supervised legal staff.

As a deputy solicitor general, developed legal strategy on issues of constitutional law, researched and drafted legal documents, and provided the solicitor general with recommendations on which cases the government should seek review of.

- As a juvenile court judge, oversaw all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.
- As an assistant attorney general, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under both state and federal law, advised state and federal government officials and agencies on legal matters, conducted legal research and document drafting, and may have mentored or supervised legal staff.
- As a deputy solicitor general, developed legal strategy on issues of constitutional law, researched and drafted legal documents, and provided the solicitor general with recommendations on which cases the government should seek review of.

- 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. 