Angela Brown
Jason Fincher
Angela Brown, 42, a defense attorney and Kennesaw resident, is facing Cobb prosecutor and East Cobb resident Jason Fincher, 35, for the local State Court Division II seat. During the November 2 election, Brown received 42 percent of the vote, while Fincher received 31 percent. Both defeated Cobb County attorney Marsha Lake, who received 27 percent of the vote, but neither received the 50 percent plus one needed to claim the traffic court post. The post is currently held by Judge Nancy Campbell, who did not seek re-election. The EAST COBBER recently posed two quick questions to these candidates:
1. What are the responsibilities of the Cobb County State Court Judge, Post 1, Division II?
Ms. Brown: This division is commonly referred to as traffic court and was established in 1964 to handle all traffic violations under state law occurring within the jurisdiction of unincorporated Cobb County and misdemeanor crimes. Traffic Court Judges are responsible for the administration of justice and application of the law to these violations. That means handling arraignments and bench trials, any motions to be heard, pleas and any probation violations that may have occurred. I am the only candidate that has judicial experience in the Cobb County State Court and the only one trusted by the Cobb County State Court sitting Judges to sit on their bench.
Mr. Fincher: The seat I’m running for is Division II of the State Court, which is known as traffic court. Traffic Court Judges preside over all misdemeanor traffic violations committed in Cobb County. This can range from speeding to DUI. Traffic Court judges preside over non jury trials only. However, as a State Court Judge, a traffic court Judge may also assist the jury trial division Judges in conducting Jury Trials and presiding over Civil matters. That being said, the function of a Division II Judge is to preside over misdemeanor traffic violations only.
2. Why are you the better candidate?
Mr. Fincher: For the past 10 years, I have spent every day as a prosecutor in the State Court of Cobb County. I have tried hundreds of non jury trials in traffic court, as well as jury trials in the jury trial division. As Deputy Assistant Solicitor General my duties include training new prosecutors to practice in Division II of the State Court. No other candidate for this position has the knowledge of State Court that I possess. I have chosen to spend my entire career serving the people of Cobb County, and look forward to continuing to do so. I have the temperament that’s required of a Judge, I believe everyone that comes before a traffic court Judge should be treated with respect. As a prosecutor in State Court, I have managed caseloads of 500+ cases, I know how to run a courtroom efficiently. Having worked in the State Court Clerk’s Office, I possess a unique knowledge of the inner workings of the court. With ten years of experience practicing in the very court in which I am running, I am the most qualified candidate to hold this position.
Ms. Brown: I am a person dedicated to public service and have demonstrated that throughout my professional and personal life. I have more legal experience than my opponent. I have been an attorney for approximately 18 years and have a wealth of legal experience in diverse areas. I am a former prosecutor of felony, misdemeanor and juvenile crimes. I have worked as a law firm litigation associate and a corporate attorney. I am a small business owner and manager of my own law firm. Currently, when not on the bench, I advocate on behalf of individuals, families and children as a private lawyer and guardian ad litem. I have conducted hundreds of jury and bench trials both as an attorney and a judge, and have taught others how to be an effective, knowledgeable attorney of integrity.
I am an active member of the Cobb Community where I have lived and served for the last eleven years. I am involved with the Cobb County Bar Association and its Family Law, Criminal Defense, and Women in the Law Section. I have been involved with C.O.P.S. and its community services projects. I have participated in the Moot Court Programs, serving as a co-chair for several years. I am also a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, The American Association of University Women and the Georgia Association of Black Women Lawyers. I am an active member of the Family Law and Appellate Sections of the State Bar Association and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., a public service sorority. I am a member of Mt Paran North Church of God where I serve in the choir, praise team and life group ministries.
Most importantly, I have actual proven experience on the bench. I have served and continue to serve as a pro hac vice judge for the State Court of Cobb County. As such, I have run an efficient, streamlined courtroom while conducting arraignments, bench trials, pleas and probation revocation hearings. Each time I have sat on the bench I have taken an oath to follow the Constitution of the United States and Georgia and have done so. I want this job because I have always felt that the State Court traffic judges are the only face of the judiciary that many people will encounter and I have been that face. As your State Court Judge, I will continue to have the same philosophy and will use my power and discretion wisely within the confines of the law.
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