Greg Douds

THE CANDIDATE

For more than 15 years, Greg has worked as your full-time Chief Associate Magistrate Judge. His prior experience as an accountant and private attorney has helped him to transform the Cherokee County Magistrate Court into one that is modern, efficiently-run, and cost-effective.

 He’s a hard worker, who assists magistrate court judges across Georgia.  They awarded him the Workhorse of the Year certificate in 2018 for the hundreds of times he has helped other judges work through difficult legal issues.

That hard work has paid off. The Cherokee County Magistrate Court has become more efficient, and has remained under budget and returned money to taxpayers 16 times during his tenure. 

Greg has lived in Cherokee County with his wife, Kim, for 23 years.

 He’s an involved father.  His son and buddy, David, is an attorney in Athens. Greg’s served on several nonprofit boards, and has attained the rank of Major in the Georgia State Defense Force, where he has served in the Staff Judge Advocate’s Office for 10 years.


RELIABLE. EFFICIENT. PROVEN.

Important Voter Dates

April 29

EARLY VOTING BEGINS

May 21

PRIMARY ELECTION

Nov 5

TOO LATE!

With 15+ years doing this job as Chief Associate Magistrate, Greg has handled every kind of case and managed every element of the business of the Court (scheduling, payroll, personnel, logistics, budgeting, hiring, etc.).

Greg is a lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience, admitted to practice in all Georgia and Maryland courts, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Supreme Court.  When other judges have been absent for mandatory training, Greg has helped by hearing cases in the State Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court.  Greg has been recognized, both officially and unofficially, as a mentor to other magistrates statewide.

Greg’s forty years of business and accounting experience as a Certified Public Accountant ensures that the Magistrate Court is run with businesslike efficiency and at the lowest reasonable taxpayer cost.

RELIABLE.

EFFICIENT.

Greg rapidly eliminated the backlog caused by the COVID-19 courtroom closures, allowing cases to move through quickly, thoughtfully, and decisively.

Greg makes intelligent use of already-available tools (such as advanced Excel features) to streamline case handling, improve workflows, and minimize error rates . . . without incurring extra taxpayer costs. 

By using zero-based budgeting long before the County Commissioners required it, Greg ensured that the department has come in under budget every single year. Greg will not waste your taxpayer money.

PROVEN.

Greg values punctuality;  he always starts court on time. You’re busy, and your time is important. Greg does not waste your time.

The COVID pandemic shuttered the courts for more than a year.  Without missing a single day of work, Greg quickly found ways to keep your cases moving, and to rapidly cure the trial backlog.

As Chief Associate Magistrate, Greg has led a team of associate judges, providing excellent judicial services for the citizens of Cherokee County 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Greg has kept the department under budget every single year.

15+

YEARS AS CHIEF ASSOCIATE MAGISTRATE JUDGE

28+

YEARS PRACTICING LAW

What People Are Saying

  • As a scared to death new lawyer you heard my very first contested hearing. I will never forget it. You have done an amazing job in the past and I know will do a great job as Chief Magistrate.

    Kevin Roper, Esq.
    Jasper, Georgia

  • My dad has put his heart and soul into the Cherokee County Magistrate Court for 15+ years. It's great getting to watch someone you love truly excel at something, and that's exactly what he's done. Judges in multiple counties have told me unprompted that he's a hard worker and super helpful with legal questions. I pretend to act casual but I'm always so proud to hear that, and proud that he's running for Chief Magistrate! Please consider donating and vote for Greg Douds in the primary on May 21!

    David Douds

  • Judge Douds has the legal knowledge, the character and the temperament of a great judge, and he treats all who go before him with courtesy and as equal before the law.

    Peter Catlin
    Attorney in Georgia, Florida and Alabama

  • “Want to know more about candidates for upcoming local elections? Greg Douds is one that stands out for me. Greg is experienced, accomplished and caring. Greg is laser focused on continuing his Magistrate work and is running for Chief Magistrate in the upcoming primary, being held on May 21st (early voting begins on April 29th). If you haven't met Greg, get to know him at: https://www.gregdouds.com/about “If you like what you're reading, please consider helping to move Cherokee County forward by participating in Greg's journey: “ https://www.gregdouds.com/give-now

    Shawn Tolan
    Canton, GA

  • William H. Turner, Esq.

    This week's Cherokee Ledger-News contained an article on the candidates for the Chief Judge of the Cherokee County Magistrate Court, Mr. Greg Douds & Mr. Trey Goodwin. This is a judicial office for a county level court that has a high volume of cases of both civil and criminal matters. The Chief Judge of the Magistrate Court must not only be a capable jurist but an effective administrator.

    While both of these gentlemen meet the basic qualifications for the office, I offer this endorsement for Mr. Douds, or rather, I should say Judge Douds, as he is and has been a Judge of the Magistrate Court for 15+ years and is the current Chief Associate Judge of that court.

    I first met Judge Douds when he enlisted in the Georgia State Defense Force in 2014 and received a commission as a JAG officer (Captain). We have served together on many occasions assisting the JAG staff of the Georgia National Guard. Currently, now "Major" Douds, serves the GSDF as its second in command, as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate. By the way the GSDF is ALL volunteer and NO pay.

    This is my 42nd year "before the bench and the bar" as the saying goes. I have been engaged in the general practice of law and have occasionally served as a Magistrate, Juvenile & Municipal Court judge during the years. Based on my experience in the legal profession and working with Judge Douds nearly 10 years, there is no doubt that the people of Cherokee County have been and will continue to be, well served by Judge Douds who is just, wise and moderate.

    VOTE DOUDS

    William H. Turner, Esq
    Canton Ga

  • I voted early today. To all my friends in Cherokee County, I enthusiastically recommend Gregory T. Douds for magistrate judge. When I first moved to Cherokee almost 20 years ago, I worked with Greg in a law office and then volunteered with him in Boy Scouts. He has a brilliant legal mind, a calm approach to everything, and an overarching bone-deep sense of justice. We need to keep him on the bench.

    Debbie Ausburn Bailey, Esq.
    Woodstock

  • Abby Ersin, Esq.

    As an attorney who has had the privilege to practice law in front of Judge Douds for over a decade, I wholeheartedly endorse him for election as Chief Magistrate of Cherokee County. With an impressive 16-year tenure on the bench, Judge Douds has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity, and an unparalleled commitment to upholding the principles of justice. The magistrate court is unique as Georgia’s court of first resort and often the access most citizens will utilize and the need for continuity in the judicial and administrative aspects of this court is imperative. Judge Douds provides this continuity and throughout his time on the bench, he has earned a reputation for fairness, impartiality, and sound judgment. He possesses a deep understanding of the law and a keen ability to apply it judiciously in every case that comes before him. His courtroom demeanor is characterized by respect, patience, and a genuine concern for all parties involved.

    Judge Douds ’s extensive experience has equipped him with the wisdom and insight necessary to navigate even the most complex legal matters. He approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every decision is well-informed and grounded in the law.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Judge Douds is a pillar of the community, actively involved in various civic and charitable endeavors. His dedication to serving the public extends far beyond the courtroom, reflecting his genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

    Judge Douds has proven himself to be an outstanding jurist whose unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law make him eminently deserving of election. I am proud to offer my enthusiastic endorsement and urge voters to join me in supporting Judge Douds as Chief Magistrate of Cherokee County.

    Abby Ersin, Esq.
    Atlanta, Georgia

  • I have the privilege to serve with Greg (MAJ) Douds in the GSDF. Greg is a dedicated and conscientious officer. He is the leader for the ongoing mission of GSDF legal support at Clay National Guard Center. MAJ Douds works with our brothers and sisters in the Army and Air Guard to serve both current and veteran service members in their legal needs. He is the epitome of the motto: Mission First People Always. The JAG Corps, GSDF and State of Georgia trust him to lead this important mission. The people of Cherokee County could not be better served in the office of Chief Magistrate.

    Robb Kiker, Esq.
    Clarkesville, Georgia

  • The partners at Flint, Connolly & Walker, LLP are pleased to endorse Greg Douds for Chief Magistrate of Cherokee County. Our firm typically remains neutral in judicial races, but we have made an exception for Greg, as he is a seasoned jurist and a long-time friend. Greg has served on the bench as a Magistrate Judge for over 15 years and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the principles of justice and fairness to the parties who appear before him. He possesses a keen understanding of the law, and his courtroom demeanor is characterized by respect, patience, and a genuine concern for all involved. He is also well known in the legal community, including for his assistance of magistrate judges across the State of Georgia. Prior to his time on the bench, Greg was an associate attorney at Flint, Connolly & Walker for over 6 years. He is also actively involved in many community groups, serving on the boards of several nonprofit groups and is a Major in the Georgia State Defense Force. In sum, he is well deserving of election as Chief Magistrate of Cherokee County, and we urge our Cherokee County clients and friends to cast a vote on May 21st for Judge Douds.

    The Partners of the Flint, Connoly & Walker, LLP Law Fim
    Caton, Georgia