R. Chris Phelps

Professional career

• Davis (S17G1333) before the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2017, which involved complex issues regarding sex offender registration Overall, Judge Phelps is recognized for his decades of legal experience, community involvement, and dedicated service to the Northern Judicial Circuit in Georgia
• Trial lawyer in civil and criminal cases and held the role of Municipal Court Judge for the City of Elberton from 1977 to 1987
• Judge Phelps has also participated in significant cases, such as serving in place of Justice Britt C. Grant for the appeal of The State v

Education

Additional information

• He ran unopposed in the 2020 judicial election, beginning another term in January 2021, which will continue through December 31, 2024
• He was subsequently elected to a full four-year term in May 2016, winning 64.77% of the vote and carrying all five counties of the Northern Circuit: Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Madison, and Oglethorpe.
• Joined the Northern Judicial Circuit Superior Court by Governor Nathan Deal on January 30, 2015, and was sworn in on March 4, 2015.
• He also acted as the attorney for the City of Elberton from 1987 until 2015.
• Before his appointment, Judge Phelps had a long career in both private practice and public service.
• Additionally, he represented attorneys of the Northern Judicial Circuit on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia for over three decades and chaired the State Bar's Finance Committee for 10 years