---
title: "William Johnston III | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/william-johnston-iii-ga-municipal-58af020ace9168f520c4d61b"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# William Johnston III

Griffin Municipal Court · Associate Judge

## Profile

- Court: Griffin Municipal Court
- State: Georgia
- Role: Associate 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/58af020ace9168f520c4d61b/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af020ace9168f520c4d61b/)
- [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/58af020ace9168f520c4d61b/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- In 2011, he was appointed Judge of the City of Griffin Municipal Court, serving until his death in 2018
- His legal practice covered general business litigation, banking law, corporate litigation, contract disputes, commercial transactions, wills, trusts, and estate litigation
- He also held the role of general counsel for the Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund, the Spalding County Board of Health, the Butts County Board of Tax Assessors, and the Spalding County Airport Authority

### Education


### Additional information

- He began his legal career in Albany, GA, then moved to Griffin in 1994, where he co‐founded and practiced at Johnston & Owen for 23 years
- Born January 19, 1964, in Fort Benning, Georgia, Johnston graduated from R.E. Lee Institute, obtained a B.S. in Microbiology, and a J.D. from the University of Georgia.
- Johnston’s legacy includes his service as a judge, his legal career, his community leadership, and his role as a devoted father and friend



## 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.