Thompson makes run for magistrate

Tue, 10/14/2008 - 3:42pm
By: Letters to the ...

I am officially announcing my candidacy for Fayette County magistrate judge. I have had the pleasure of serving our community as a prosecutor and as a municipal court judge for Peachtree City.

In both my capacity as a prosecutor and a judge, I have developed a passion for protecting and improving our community as well as our legal system. I desire the opportunity to revitalize the magistrate court system, and I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 4.

I am a fifth generation native of Fayette County actively practicing law in Peachtree City. I am a graduate of the Fayette County school system, and, as the son of a local business owner, have lived through the trials and tribulations of area businesses.

Since graduating from law school, I have searched for the ideal way to serve the Fayette community. I have dedicated my time to several civic, philanthropic and youth organizations throughout my career.

I believe serving as magistrate judge would give me the opportunity to serve Fayette County further by transforming the current system in order to better serve the public.

Magistrate judge is a nonpartisan position presiding over civil small claim actions and various criminal matters.

On the civil side, our magistrate court hears civil cases with a jurisdictional limit of $15,000. Many litigants appear in magistrate court without an attorney; therefore, the court needs to be easily accessible.

We need a judge with the right skill set, energy and personality for the job. My experiences have provided me with the proper background to meet the needs of future litigants as I strive to strengthen the current system.

While the magistrate court does not hear any jury trials, the magistrate judge is often asked to hold probable cause hearings concerning arrests and search warrants.

I can be the one magistrate judge in our county that looks at the issues with the experience of a practicing attorney, prosecutor and judge in order to make sure the warrants are handled properly from the very beginning to reduce the likelihood of a technicality occurring during a trial. Let my experience work for you.

I will proudly and actively serve Fayette County as magistrate court judge. In addition to my duties on the bench, I will be a good steward of the legal system and will bring a fresh approach to our magistrate court system. I would appreciate your support and your vote on Nov. 4.

Jason B. Thompson

Candidate for Fayette County Magistrate Judge

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