---
title: "Thomas J. Matthews | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-j-matthews-ga-juvenile-58af01d9ce9168f520c4cf9d"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# Thomas J. Matthews

Bibb County Juvenile Court · Chief Judge

## Profile

- Court: Bibb County Juvenile 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/58af01d9ce9168f520c4cf9d/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af01d9ce9168f520c4cf9d/)
- [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/58af01d9ce9168f520c4cf9d/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Chief Judge of the Macon Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court in Georgia, serving from 1997 until his retirement on January 31, 2025, after a 48‐year career dedicated to juvenile justice
- Appointed Chief Juvenile Court Judge for Macon‐Bibb, Crawford, and Peach counties on February 1, 1997
- Current role (until retirement): Chief Judge, Macon Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court
- He also held the role of an adjunct professor at Mercer University, teaching juvenile court procedures to law students

### Education

- Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law and a political science degree in — J.D. (1971)

### Additional information

- He was admitted to the Georgia bar in 1974.
- Before joining the judiciary, he spent 19 years as a prosecutor in the Macon District Attorney’s Office, where he received recognition such as Assistant District Attorney of the Year.