As many of you know, one of our current magistrate court judges has retired and Fayette County will elect a new judge on July 31. I am seeking the position and will be on the non-partisan ballot. As I speak to groups and meet voters across the county, one question is consistent: what does a magistrate judge do?
In Fayette County, we have four magistrate judges and they are all part-time positions. Magistrate judges preside over small claims in civil trials, as any party suing for less than $15,000 may bring an action against another party in Magistrate Court. The magistrate judge hears the matter and rules without a jury. In this regards, it is also known as “Small Claims Court” or “People’s Court.”
However, there is another important aspect that I would like to share with the voters of Fayette County. Our magistrate judges are involved at the beginning of the criminal process. Before a warrant is issued in a case, law enforcement must present the case to a magistrate judge.
Experience counts at this crucial junction. A hearing for a warrant does not always take place during business hours, or even during the day. Many of the hearings take place after hours or in the middle of the night. Our magistrate judges are “on call” 24 hours a day.
Experience and knowledge of criminal law are important, and I will use my experience as a judge and prosecutor to ensure warrants are properly obtained so that the case is not jeopardized when it goes to trial.
I have served our community as a judge, and I have also proudly served as a prosecutor for the state of Georgia. My experience is crucial to the position and separates me from the other candidate. There is no “on the job training” necessary as I’ve been in the trenches with law enforcement officials after these warrants are obtained.
On July 31, you will be voting for a new magistrate judge. I ask for your vote and support in the election. As I have spoken with local leaders, voters, and our law enforcement officials in this campaign, I am consistently told that “judicial experience counts.” For more information, please visit our website at www.ElectThompson.com.
Jason B. Thompson
Candidate, Fayette County Magistrate Judge
Fayetteville, Ga.
