Keep Judge Hope
Athens Clarke County State Court
Judge Ryan Hope is deeply committed to fostering trust and fairness in the judicial system. He believes that treating all people with dignity, understanding, and compassion is essential, especially in high-volume courts like State Court, where many individuals encounter the legal system for the first time.
Service
Currently, Judge Hope serves Athens-Clarke County (ACC) as one of two State Court Judges in the county. Sworn in on March 1st, 2023, Judge Hope presides over the ACC State Court, a Trial Court handling traffic violations, and misdemeanor criminal cases, including serious matters such as DUI and family violence cases. He also presides over civil cases, ranging from landlord-tenant disputes to personal injury and wrongful death cases. Additionally, Judge Hope also serves as a Superior Court Judge by designation, supporting Chief Superior Court Judge Eric Norris as a second Judge for the Treatment and Accountability Court (a mental health accountability court).
Throughout his legal career, Judge Hope has been greatly involved in the local accountability courts, recognizing the importance of rehabilitation and support within the justice system. Judge Hope has applied his legal expertise beyond the courtroom, educating other lawyers and Judges, as well as improving access to justice in our local courts by organizing and participating in free legal clinics available to the public.
Experience
With a career spanning over two decades in public service, Judge Hope brings a wealth of balanced knowledge and experience to the State Court bench, having served nearly 6 years as a public defender, 10 years as a prosecutor and now over 6 years as a judge, he has demonstrated his commitment to trust and fairness by treating individuals with respect, listening to their cases attentively, and clearly explaining decisions and outcomes.
Community
Judge Hope has lived in Athens, GA since 1993 and he is actively engaged in his community, along with his wife and two children. His dedication to fairness, transparency, and innovation within the judicial system has undoubtedly made a positive impact on the lives of many individuals who have encountered the legal system. Vote to keep Ryan Hope on the State Court bench so he can continue positively impacting the Athens Clarke-County community, one person, one case, at a time.
