---
title: "John Wheaton | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-wheaton-ga-municipal-58af0201ce9168f520c4d4d0"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# John Wheaton

Leesburg Municipal Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Leesburg Municipal 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/58af0201ce9168f520c4d4d0/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af0201ce9168f520c4d4d0/)
- [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/58af0201ce9168f520c4d4d0/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Probate judge for Lee County, Georgia, serving until 2016 when he chose not to seek re‐election
- Wheaton did not seek re‐election in 2016, and Melanie Gahring was elected to succeed him as Lee County probate judge
- His tenure ended in 2016, and he was succeeded by another judge elected in the county’s judicial race
- In 2013–2014, Wheaton was involved in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Lee County Associate Probate Judge Kathie Cash
- John Wheaton’s judicial career in Lee County, Georgia, was marked by his role as probate judge, his legal background, and a high‐profile employment dispute

### Education


### Additional information

- Also associated with law firms in Atlanta, including Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, during his judicial service
- Cash alleged she was dismissed after reporting alleged misconduct by Wheaton’s granddaughter, a court clerk, and the case was tentatively settled for $150,000 by the county’s insurance carrier
- John Wheaton held the role of the probate judge for Lee County, Georgia, a judicial position responsible for overseeing matters such as wills, estates, guardianships, and related legal cases.
- According to, Wheaton was admitted to the Georgia bar (ISLN 921338985) and had legal experience in matters involving state tax regulations, statutes of limitations, and other civil issues.



## 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.