The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Mayor and Commission appointed Stephanie Thompson to the position of Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer at a Special Called Session on June 10, 2025. The initial two-year appointment begins on July 1, 2025.  

"Given her past work and exemplary praise from former colleagues, it is clear that Stephanie Thompson will handle the complexity and high volume of activity in Municipal Court very well," said Mayor Kelly Girtz. "We are fortunate to have her join our strong local judiciary."

Thompson has worked for the Hall County Solicitor General’s Office in Gainesville, GA since 2015. She has served as Assistant Solicitor General, Chief Assistant Solicitor General, and, most recently, as the Interim Solicitor General since August 2024. The office is responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanor crimes in Hall County, including, but not limited to, driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, theft, stalking, statutory rape, acts of family violence, drug possession, and traffic offenses. 

"I am truly honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the next Municipal Court Judge of Athens-Clarke County," said Thompson. "I accept this responsibility with humility, a deep respect for the law, and a commitment to the people that I will serve. My goal is to foster an environment that reflects the highest standards of public service and earns the trust of our community every day."

Thompson also served as the State Court Prosecutor for the Hall County Mental Health Court (H.E.L.P. Court) and Hall County Family Treatment Court. She was awarded the Hall County Employee of the Year Award for Outstanding Work in 2021 as Assistant Solicitor General.  

Outside of the office, she has worked with the Hall County Domestic Violence Task Force since 2016 and served as both vice chair and chair. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Center for Hope and Healing. 

Thompson holds a Juris Doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Georgia State University. 

"I am grateful to the appointing authorities, my mentors, colleagues, family, and the community for their support," she said. "I am committed to working hard every day to earn and honor that trust."

Under the ACCGov charter, the mayor recommends a candidate for Municipal Court Judge who can be approved or rejected by the Commission. Thompson replaces Interim Municipal Court Judge Jim Davis, who has served in the position since the resignation of former Municipal Judge Marcy Jolles in March 2025. 

The Municipal Court of Athens-Clarke County is the busiest court in Athens-Clarke County. In 2024, the court handled over 72,000 cases. The court has jurisdiction over Athens-Clarke County ordinance violations; state misdemeanor traffic violations, including DUI; and state misdemeanor crimes of theft by shoplifting, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, and underage possession of alcohol. The court also handles domestic partnership filings and performs weddings. 

The Municipal Court Judge also typically is appointed as the Administrative Hearing Officer. This position’s duties involve the hearing of all issues under the ordinances of Athens-Clarke County which would determine the granting, denial, probating, suspending, or revoking of any license or permit granted under Athens-Clarke County ordinances. 

For more information about the Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court, visit www.accgov.com/municipalcourt.