---
title: "Donald W. Schaefer | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/donald-w-schaefer-ga-municipal-58af020bce9168f520c4d62d"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# Donald W. Schaefer

Johns Creek Municipal Court · Chief Judge

## Profile

- Court: Johns Creek Municipal Court
- State: Georgia
- Role: Chief 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/58af020bce9168f520c4d62d/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af020bce9168f520c4d62d/)
- [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/58af020bce9168f520c4d62d/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Prior Judicial Service: held the role of bailiff and clerk in Atlanta City Court (1980–1986), and as a Judge Pro Hac Vice (1994–2003)
- In private practice as Donald Wesley Schaefer, Attorney at Law in Roswell, GA
- Also part-time judge in Alpharetta, Loganville, and DeKalb Recorder’s Court
- Chief Judge of Johns Creek Municipal Court and as a judge in Sandy Springs Municipal Court

### Education


### Additional information

- In 2021, he received the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® peer rating, the highest professional excellence standard, and was recognized as a Client Champion for exceptional service
- representing clients in criminal defense and personal injury matters
- He is appointed and approved by the respective city councils and is a member of the Council of Municipal Court Judges



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Uniform Municipal Court Rules, December 31, 2025](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-9acfd5d59c7a383c114b177a) — Municipal Court proceedings, including expressly stated civil/criminal limitations. Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule. [Official source](https://assets.georgiacourts.gov/2/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/01171708/UNIFORM-MUNICIPAL-COURT-RULES-12312025.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.