Judge Brian K. Fortner: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Appointed By: Gov. John Nathan Deal

Biography

The Hon. Brian K. Fortner is a judge for the Douglas County State Court in Georgia. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Nathan Deal in 2018, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. W. O’Neal Dettmering, Jr.

Fortner oversees the Moderate Risk Track of the Douglas County Misdemeanor DUI and Drug Accountability Court. He also sits on the Legislative Committee of the Counsel of Accountability Court Judges.

Prior to his appointment, Fortner was the District Attorney for Douglas County, a position to which he was elected in 2014.

Fortner earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Georgia College. He then completed a J.D. at Georgia State University College of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 2000.

After graduating from law school, Fortner began his legal career as an assistant district attorney for the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. He served in that capacity until 2007, at which time he was appointed Solicitor General of Douglas County. Fortner returned to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office in 2012. He spent the next two years as its Chief Assistant District Attorney.

When not presiding over legal matters, Fortner has been involved with Fit For the Future, Beyond the Front Porch, Youth Against Violence, Youth Emporium, and the Boy Scouts. He also assists with Operation Christmas Douglas County.

Fortner resides in Winston, Georgia, with his wife and twin sons.

He is registered as a Republican.

Recent Cases by Hon. Brian K. Fortner

MORGAN V SENEN

On February 12, 2026 an automobile tort case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 12, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

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Court Category

AUTOMOBILE TORT

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 12, 2026

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. VS TEKEYA R PRIESTER

On February 12, 2026 a garnishment case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 12, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

GARNISHMENT

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 12, 2026

LASHELL FULL VS MAKAYLA HULSEY

On February 11, 2026 an automobile tort case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 11, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

AUTOMOBILE TORT

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 12, 2026

CAPITAL ONE, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO DISCOVER BANK V GREEN

On February 11, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 11, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 12, 2026

ASHWORTH LANDING HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC VS ANTONIO L. WALKER

On February 10, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 10, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2026

BARCLAYS BANK DELAWARE V COLLINS

On February 9, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 09, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 10, 2026

SOUTHWOOD FINANCIAL TRUST I A/A/O SALLIE MAE BANK V MUHSEN

On February 9, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 09, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 10, 2026

CAPITAL ONE, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO DISCOVER BANK V LEWIS; CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

On February 8, 2026 a garnishment case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 08, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

GARNISHMENT

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 09, 2026

MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC. VS LUIS ROJAS

On February 6, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 07, 2026

C&F FINANCE COMPANY VS ROGER WHITE

On February 6, 2026 a garnishment case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

GARNISHMENT

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 07, 2026

VILLAGE MIRROR, LLC V RIVER'S SWEETS, LLC, ET AL

On February 6, 2026 a landlord/tenant case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

LANDLORD/TENANT

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Landlord-Tenant

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 07, 2026

MCDONALD V ABC CORP, ET AL

On February 5, 2026 an automobile tort case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 05, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

AUTOMOBILE TORT

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2026

JOHN B. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. VS SYDNEY R SASSER

On February 5, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 05, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2026

CARMAX BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC D/B/A CARMAX AUTO FINANCE VS RONALD GUYTON

On February 5, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 05, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

ANTOINE V BISON PLUMBING, INC. , ET AL

On February 4, 2026 an automobile tort case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

AUTOMOBILE TORT

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

MARINER FINANCE LLC V ASHISON

On February 4, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

CITIBANK N.A. VS KAYDX OMO OSUMARE-IKANDE

On February 4, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

MARINER FINANCE LLC V SMITH

On February 4, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

SOUTHWOOD FINANCIAL TRUST I A/A/A SALLIE MAE BANK V KIRKMAN, ET AL

On February 3, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

WILKERSON V ADDISON, ET AL

On February 3, 2026 an automobile tort case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

AUTOMOBILE TORT

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

ONEMAIN FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC VS IVAN B ATKINS

On February 3, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

TRANSFORM CREDIT D/B/A TOGETHER LOANS VS DEBORAH JOHNSON

On February 3, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

PLAZA SERVICES, LLC VS JAVIS PITTMAN

On February 2, 2026 a contract account case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT ACCOUNT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 03, 2026

PCA ACQUISITIONS V, LLC A/A/O SYNCHRONY BANK VS JEROME BROWN

On February 2, 2026 a contract account case was filed in the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Judge Brian K. Fortner presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2026

Status

Judge

Hon. Brian K. Fortner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian K. Fortner

Court

State

County

Douglas County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CONTRACT ACCOUNT

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 03, 2026

Discover if Hon. Fortner is the right judge for your case based on their ruling history.

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About

Brian K. Fortner
Current Appointment Douglas County State Court	Douglas County State Court
Education J.D., Georgia State University College of Law Bachelor's degree, North Georgia College	J.D., Georgia State University College of Law Bachelor's degree, North Georgia College

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	GA - Douglas County State Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (770) 489-5235
Civil Case Management Clerk:	+1 (770) 920-7404
Staff Attorney:	+1 (770) 489-5236

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judge	Douglas County State Court	Douglas County, Georgia
District Attorney	Douglas County District Attorney's Office	Douglas County, Georgia
Chief Assistant District Attorney	Douglas County District Attorney's Office	Douglas County, Georgia
Solicitor General	Douglas County Solicitor General's Office	Douglas County, Georgia
Assistant District Attorney	Douglas County District Attorney's Office	Douglas County, Georgia

Articles About Brian K. Fortner:

Douglas County Georgia: State Court - Judge Brian K. Fortner

West Georgia Neighbor: Governor Names Douglas District Attorney to Fill State Court Judge Vacancy

Courtroom Rules

Douglas County State Court - Forms

Georgia Court Rules of Procedures

Georgia Uniform Rules

Law Firms

Judge Brian K. Fortner: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Biography

Recent Cases by Hon. Brian K. Fortner

About

Court Info

Career History

Articles About Brian K. Fortner:

Courtroom Rules