---
title: "Brian K. Fortner | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/brian-k-fortner-ga-state-58af01ccce9168f520c4ce09"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# Brian K. Fortner

Douglas County State Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Douglas County State Court
- State: Georgia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-25

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic devices and recording

Scope: statewide

Georgia's class-specific Uniform Court Rules govern electronic devices and recording in state trial courts. Before using recording, photography, livestreaming, or similar courtroom technology, confirm the governing rule and the assigned court's procedure.

Evidence excerpt: Uniform Superior, Juvenile, Magistrate, Municipal and Probate Court Rules

[Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af01ccce9168f520c4ce09/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af01ccce9168f520c4ce09/)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
- [Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af01ccce9168f520c4ce09/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- The incumbent Douglas County State Court Judge (Seat 2) in Georgia, appointed in 2018 and serving until May 21, 2028

### Education


### Additional information

- Appointed: March 2018 by Governor Nathan Deal, replacing Judge Neal Dettmering
- Joanne Woods — 770‐489‐7327, jwoods@ (Criminal Calendar Clerk).
- Anice Johnson — 770‐489‐5231, ajohnson@ (Civil Calendar Clerk).
- He oversees the Moderate Risk Track of the Douglas County Misdemeanor DUI and Drug Accountability Court, a program that has graduated 151 participants and saved the county over $850,000 in jail costs.
- Judge Fortner presides over criminal and civil cases in the Douglas County State Court, with priority given to incarcerated defendants without bond.
- He also serves on the Legislative Committee of the Counsel of Accountability Court Judges