Judge John M. Stephenson - Professional Background & Legal Expertise

Biography

Hon. John M. Stephenson is a judge for the Dougherty County State Court in Georgia. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Nathan Deal in October 2018, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of the Hon. Victoria S. Darrisaw to the Dougherty County Superior Court.

His judicial career has also included presiding as a magistrate judge for the Dougherty County Magistrate Court (2015 to 2018).

Prior to beginning his judicial career, Stephenson practiced for thirty-one years with the law firm of Watson, Spence, Lowe & Chambless. He first joined the firm as an associate in 1984 and was elected partner in 1989.

Stephenson received a B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1981. He went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law in 1984. While a law student, Stephenson served on the Editorial Board of the Georgia Law Review.

His memberships have included the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association (past president) and the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Georgia (former Director).

Stephenson has also sat as a member of the State Bar of Georgia’s Investigative Panel and the Council of Magistrate Court Judges Rules Committee.

His civic involvement has included the Albany Rotary Club (past president), the Georgia Society of the Cincinnati (past secretary), the Southwest Georgia Easter Seal Society (Board of Directors), the Georgia Easter Seal Society, Goodwill of Southwest Georgia, and the Albany Symphony Association. Stephenson also served on the Board of Trustees of Deerfield-Windsor School and was a member of its Head of School Search Committee.

He is a graduate of Leadership Albany, Class of 1996.

Stephenson was married to the late Hon. Nancy Smith (deceased), a former judge of the Dougherty County Probate Court. The couple has two grown sons. Stephenson attends Albany First United Methodist Church.

He is a native of Albany, Georgia.

Recent Cases by Hon. John M. Stephenson

SPRING OAKS CAPITAL SPV, LLC vs WILLIAMS PETER

On April 23, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 23, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 23, 2024

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. vs LIVSCHUTZ MARINA

On April 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 22, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 22, 2024

CREDIT CORP SOLUTIONS, INC. vs POITEVINT BOBBY

On April 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 22, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 22, 2024

MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC AS ASSIGNEE OF COMENITY BANK vs DOUGHERTY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ATTN: PAYROLL/HR et al

On April 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 22, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

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County

Dougherty County, GA

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Creditor

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Collections

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Apr 22, 2024

CREDIT CORP SOLUTIONS, INC. vs BROWN JENNIFER

On April 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 22, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 22, 2024

ELAVON, INC. vs JONES PAQUETA

On April 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 22, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

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Apr 22, 2024

PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, LLC ASSIGNEE OF COMENITY BANK /REED'S JEWELERS vs ADAMS EXTERMINATORS, INC. AFS: JAMES JEFF SINYARD et al

On April 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 22, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

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Dougherty County, GA

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Collections

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Apr 23, 2024

SPRING OAKS CAPITAL SPV, LLC vs KITCHENS WAYNE

On April 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 22, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 23, 2024

SPRING OAKS CAPITAL SPV, LLC vs WILLIAMS DESMOND

On April 19, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 19, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 22, 2024

SPRING OAKS CAPITAL SPV, LLC vs WILLIAMS CYRIL

On April 19, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 19, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 22, 2024

HINES LUCIA vs REDDING LATRIONA

On April 18, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 18, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 18, 2024

NAVITAS CREDIT CORP vs GRIFFIN TRANSPORTATION LLC et al

On April 18, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 18, 2024

Status

Foreign,Sister-State Judgment

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

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Dougherty County, GA

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Apr 18, 2024

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION D/B/A ELAN FINANCIAL SERVICES vs KERLEGON LUMUS J

On April 17, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 17, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 18, 2024

GROW FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION vs JACKSON GLORIA

On April 17, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 17, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 17, 2024

AMERICAN EXPRESS NATIONAL BANK vs LANGFORD TEDDY

On April 16, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 16, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 16, 2024

AUTO CREDIT INVESTMENTS OF GA., INC. D/B/A AUTO CREDIT OF MACON vs BLACKBEARDS B & B INC et al

On April 16, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 16, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

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Dougherty County, GA

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Apr 16, 2024

CAPITAL ONE, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. vs DOUGHERTY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ATTN: PAYROLL/HR et al

On April 15, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 15, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

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Dougherty County, GA

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Apr 15, 2024

ONEMAIN FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC vs WILLIAMS ERIKA A

On April 15, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 15, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 15, 2024

ONEMAIN FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC vs DAVIS RICO Q

On April 14, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 14, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 15, 2024

AMERICAN EXPRESS NATIONAL BANK vs DIXON MD PC ELROY

On April 13, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 13, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 15, 2024

ONEMAIN FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC vs THOMAS TIFFANY D

On April 13, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 13, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 15, 2024

THE CREDIT UNION LOAN SOURCE, LLC D/B/A CINCH AUTO FINANCE vs HOUSTON JOHNNY

On April 12, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 12, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

State

County

Dougherty County, GA

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 12, 2024

FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY LLC vs HARRIS PROFESSIONAL CARE ENTERPRISES, INC. AFS: GREGORY D. HARRIS et al

On April 12, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 12, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

Court

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Dougherty County, GA

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Apr 12, 2024

CAVALRY SPV I, LLC, AS ASSIGNEE OF SYNCHRONY BANK vs BEST BUDDIES DAYCARE AND PRE SCHOOL, INC. et al

On April 11, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Dougherty County. Judge JOHN M. STEPHENSON presiding.

Filed

Apr 11, 2024

Judge

Hon. JOHN M. STEPHENSON 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for JOHN M. STEPHENSON

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Dougherty County, GA

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Case Last Refreshed

Apr 11, 2024

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About

John M. Stephenson
Current Appointment Dougherty County State Court	Dougherty County State Court
Previous Appointment Dougherty County Magistrate Court	Dougherty County Magistrate Court
Education B.A., Vanderbilt University - 1981 J.D., University of Georgia School of Law - 1984	B.A., Vanderbilt University - 1981 J.D., University of Georgia School of Law - 1984

Documents related to John M. Stephenson

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	GA - Dougherty County State Court
Previous Court:	GA - Dougherty County Magistrate Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (229) 431-2198
Fax:	+1 (229) 878-3165

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Associate	Watson, Spence, Lowe & Chambless	None
Partner	Watson, Spence, Lowe & Chambless	None
Magistrate Judge	Dougherty County Magistrate Court	Dougherty County, Georgia
Judge	Dougherty County State Court	Dougherty County, Georgia