---
title: "Dustin Hightower | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/dustin-hightower"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# Dustin Hightower

Carroll County Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Carroll County Superior 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

### recording devices and courtroom access

Scope: statewide

For Georgia Superior Court proceedings, statewide Rule 22 governs recording devices and courtroom recording; counsel should confirm judge approval and courtroom conditions before using recording, photographic, or comparable electronic presentation equipment.

Evidence excerpt: The new version will take effect on May 1, 2018.

[Supreme Court of Georgia, New Rule 22 approved for use of recording devices in courtrooms](https://www.gasupreme.us/new-rule-22/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af0238ce9168f520c4dc51/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af0238ce9168f520c4dc51/)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, New Rule 22 approved for use of recording devices in courtrooms](https://www.gasupreme.us/new-rule-22/)
- [Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af0238ce9168f520c4dc51/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Dustin W. Hightower was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal as a Superior Court Judge of the Coweta Judicial Circuit on May 26, 2016, following the retirement of Judge A. Quillian Baldwin, Jr

### Education

- Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in — J.D. (2008)
- Bachelor’s degree in business management cum laude from the University of West Georgia

### Additional information

- He was also invited as the 2023 commencement speaker at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, highlighting his professional achievements and philanthropic efforts
- He was subsequently elected by the citizens of the Coweta Judicial Circuit in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 to continue serving in this role.
- Before joining the bench, Hightower held the role of a Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives for District 68 from 2012 to 2016.
- focusing on personal injury, criminal defense, and divorce cases.
- Judge Hightower presides over cases across Troup, Coweta, Carroll, Heard, and Meriwether counties
- handling both civil and criminal matters.
- Prior to his legislative service, he practiced law in Carroll and Douglas counties with the firm Miller & Hightower
- He also held the role of city prosecutor for Mt.
- He emphasizes fairness, knowledge of the law, and a calm, respectful temperament in his judicial duties
- Hightower grew up in Carroll County, Georgia, and graduated from Central High School.
- During his legislative tenure, he participated in various committees and sponsored multiple bills.
- Judge Hightower has been recognized for his contributions to the legal community and public service.
- He held the role of President of the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia, reflecting his leadership among peers in the judiciary.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Uniform Superior Court Rules](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-815bee855bfd141a25d75d36) — Superior Court proceedings. Collected April 9, 2026 compilation; amendments effective November 5, 2026 are future on this collection date and are not applied. 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/4/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/14025702/UNIFORM-SUPERIOR-COURT-RULES-2026_04_09.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.