FORSYTH COUNTY -- Forsyth County Chief Superior Court Judge Jeffrey S. Bagley has qualified for a fifth term. 

Bagley has served as a judge in the county for more than 17 years, starting as the county’s sole State Court judge after being appointed by Gov. Zell Miller in 1997. He was then tapped for a Superior Court judgeship by Gov. Roy Barnes in 2000.

In addition to his duties in State Court, Bagley served as Juvenile Court judge until a full-time judge was hired.  He became chief Superior Court judge in 2003 and has presided over a number of high profile cases during his tenure.

Bagley is a native of Forsyth County and a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Law.  He joined the Cumming firm of Boling, Rice & Bettis as a civil trial attorney after being admitted to practice law in 1987.  He was named a partner in the firm before becoming a judge.

Bagley is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Forsyth County Bar Association and Atlanta Bar Association. He works annually with local elementary school students through the Partners in Education program sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. He also helps the county’s high school students prepare for the annual mock trial competition.

In a statement, Bagley said he remains committed to running an efficient and effective court.

“My goal is to see that all parties involved in any type of litigation are treated fairly and equally,” he said. “I strive to ensure that all parties coming before the court are permitted to be fully heard so that no one ever feels that they have not been afforded a full and fair opportunity to present their case.

“At the conclusion of every case, I want to be comfortable that I have arrived at the right decision which complies with the law and is just and fair.”

Bagley founded the Forsyth County Drug Court in 2004 and continues to preside over that accountability program, which diverts certain felony drug offenders to a prison alternative of extensive treatment and rehabilitation, including a strict drug-testing regimen. 

Bagley sits on many state accountability court committees and represents Georgia on the National Association of Drug Court Professionals Board.

He is a member of several civic and community organizations, including South Forsyth Rotary Club, Longstreet Baptist Church, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Lawyer’s Club of Atlanta. He also serves as vice chairman of Citizens Bank of Forsyth County.

Bagley is running unopposed in the May 20 primary.