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Trellis Law: Judge Lawton E. Stephens

Lawton Evans Stephens graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science in U.S. History from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a law degree from University of Georgia School of Law. 

Lawton Evans Stephens is an attorney with a background working in State and Superior Courts, state legislature, and private practice law. 

Lawton Evans Stephens is the current Superior Court Judge for Western Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to this position in 1991 and has served 7 terms in this role. He is also the current presiding judge of the Western Circuit Felony Drug Court. He previously served as State Representative in the Georgia General Assembly for the 68th House District for Clarke County from 1987-1991. 

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Athens-Clarke County: Western Judicial Circuit Felony Drug Court

Georgia Courts: Guide to Judicial Branch

As the current Superior Court Judge of Georgia's Western Circuit, Judge Stephens advises on conduct, issues, and proceedings. He additionally presides over hearings and issues legal decisions. The Superior Court is responsible for cases involving felonies, civil disputes, real estate matters, and family and domestic relations issues.

As the current presiding judge of the Western Circuit Felony Drug Court, Judge Stephens provides judicial supervision to an outpatient substance abuse treatment program.

Served as the Chief Superior Court Judge of the Western Circuit from 2002 to 2012. Chief Superior Court Judges handle the administrative tasks for each circuit in addition to the regular duties of a Superior Court Judge.

Practiced private law as a trial attorney from 1981 to 1991 with Stephens and Stephens Attorneys in Athens, Georgia.

Served as an assistant prosecuting attorney from 1986 to 1987 at the State Court of Clarke County. Assistant prosecuting attorneys aid in preparing and managing cases for trial, conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents.

- As the current Superior Court Judge of Georgia's Western Circuit, Judge Stephens advises on conduct, issues, and proceedings. He additionally presides over hearings and issues legal decisions. The Superior Court is responsible for cases involving felonies, civil disputes, real estate matters, and family and domestic relations issues.
- As the current presiding judge of the Western Circuit Felony Drug Court, Judge Stephens provides judicial supervision to an outpatient substance abuse treatment program.
- Served as the Chief Superior Court Judge of the Western Circuit from 2002 to 2012. Chief Superior Court Judges handle the administrative tasks for each circuit in addition to the regular duties of a Superior Court Judge.
- Practiced private law as a trial attorney from 1981 to 1991 with Stephens and Stephens Attorneys in Athens, Georgia.
- Served as an assistant prosecuting attorney from 1986 to 1987 at the State Court of Clarke County. Assistant prosecuting attorneys aid in preparing and managing cases for trial, conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Lawton Evans Stephens did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Said his judicial philosophy is summarized by the following mission statement: "the four aspirational goals of a judge [are]: 1) to do individual justice, 2) to provide a forum for the resolution of disputes among fellow citizens, 3) to protect citizens from the arbitrary exercise of governmental power, 4) to honestly seek truth"

- Said his judicial philosophy is summarized by the following mission statement: "the four aspirational goals of a judge [are]: 1) to do individual justice, 2) to provide a forum for the resolution of disputes among fellow citizens, 3) to protect citizens from the arbitrary exercise of governmental power, 4) to honestly seek truth"

Judicial Philosophy

Volunteers at the Deacon and Elder First Presbyterian Church of Athens.

Serves on the Board of Directors of: Northeast Georgia Council Boy Scouts of America, Athens Technical College, Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Georgia Legal History Foundation, and the Athens Area Community Foundation.

- Volunteers at the Deacon and Elder First Presbyterian Church of Athens.
- Serves on the Board of Directors of: Northeast Georgia Council Boy Scouts of America, Athens Technical College, Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Georgia Legal History Foundation, and the Athens Area Community Foundation.

Community Involvement

Lawton Evans Stephens

Lawton Evans Stephens is the current Superior Court Judge for Western Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to this position in 1991 and has served seven consecutive terms in this role. He is also the current presiding judge of the Western Circuit Felony Drug Court. He previously served as State Representative in the Georgia General Assembly for the 68th House District for Clarke County from 1987-1991. 

As the current presiding judge of the Western Circuit Felony Drug Court, Judge Stephens provides judicial supervision to an outpatient substance abuse treatment program that acts as an alternative to incarceration for qualified participants.

Served as the Chief Superior Court Judge of the Western Circuit from 2002-2012. Chief Superior Court Judges handle the administrative tasks for each circuit in addition to the regular duties of a Superior Court Judge.

Practiced private law as a trial attorney from 1981-1991 with Stephens and Stephens Attorneys in Athens, Georgia.

Served as an assistant prosecuting attorney from 1986-1987 at the State Court of Clarke County. Assistant prosecuting attorneys aid in preparing and managing cases for trial, conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents.

- As the current Superior Court Judge of Georgia's Western Circuit, Judge Stephens advises on conduct, issues, and proceedings. He additionally presides over hearings and issues legal decisions. The Superior Court is responsible for cases involving felonies, civil disputes, real estate matters, and family and domestic relations issues.
- As the current presiding judge of the Western Circuit Felony Drug Court, Judge Stephens provides judicial supervision to an outpatient substance abuse treatment program that acts as an alternative to incarceration for qualified participants.
- Served as the Chief Superior Court Judge of the Western Circuit from 2002-2012. Chief Superior Court Judges handle the administrative tasks for each circuit in addition to the regular duties of a Superior Court Judge.
- Practiced private law as a trial attorney from 1981-1991 with Stephens and Stephens Attorneys in Athens, Georgia.
- Served as an assistant prosecuting attorney from 1986-1987 at the State Court of Clarke County. Assistant prosecuting attorneys aid in preparing and managing cases for trial, conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents.

As of March 19, 2024, Lawton Evans Stephens did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- 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. 