Peach Tree Times

Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced several judicial appointments to fill vacancies in Georgia's court system. Judge Nichole Carswell will join the Mountain Circuit Superior Court, succeeding Judge Chan Caudell following his retirement. Judge Carlton "Hobbie" Jones III is also appointed to the Mountain Circuit Superior Court, taking over after the passing of Judge Rusty Smith.

James "Jay" Crowe, Jr. will serve as State Court Judge for Worth County, filling the position left by Judge Ralph Powell's elevation to the Superior Court of the Tifton Judicial Circuit. Ryan English is appointed as Solicitor General of Houston County, replacing Judge Amy Smith who was appointed to the Superior Court of the Houston Judicial Circuit.

Judge B. Nichole Carswell currently serves as a juvenile court judge and presides over family dependency treatment court within the Mountain Judicial Circuit. She began her role as a full-time juvenile court judge in 2017 after working at McClure, Ramsay, Dickerson & Escoe, LLP in Toccoa.

Judge Carlton "Hobie" Jones III has been Rabun County's probate judge since 2020 and has previously held various judicial roles throughout his career spanning 39 years. His legal background includes serving as a municipal judge and magistrate judge.

James “Jay” E. Crowe, Jr., before his appointment, was solicitor general for Worth County State Court and practiced law through his firm Jay Crowe, Attorney At Law, LLC. He is involved with several community organizations including serving on the Executive Board for the Georgia Solicitor General’s Association.

Ryan W. English has served nine years as an assistant district attorney with assignments in both Houston and Oconee Judicial Circuits and brings experience from private practice and public defense work to his new role as Solicitor General of Houston County.

These appointments aim to maintain continuity within Georgia's judicial system while recognizing each appointee's contributions to their communities and professional fields.