---
title: "John R. Dennis | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-r-dennis-ga-state-58af0228ce9168f520c4da3c"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# John R. Dennis

Chattooga County State Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Chattooga 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/58af0228ce9168f520c4da3c/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af0228ce9168f520c4da3c/)
- [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/58af0228ce9168f520c4da3c/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- The current nonpartisan judge of the Chattooga County State Court in Georgia, serving a term from 2026 to 2030 after winning re‐election in May 2026
- Dennis has been Chattooga County State Court Judge since his initial election in 2014, and is currently serving his third term, running for re‐election in the May 19, 2026 general election
- In 2016, Dennis declined an offer to become Summerville’s municipal court judge, citing a desire to avoid adding to local political contention and to focus on working with the county’s judicial system

### Education

- Georgia State University — J.D.

### Additional information

- He was re‐elected in 2018 without opposition
- He was first elected in 2014, defeating incumbent Samuel C. Finster Sr. with 57.2% of the vote.
- Before becoming a judge, Dennis held a position as a private attorney for 15 years.