The chief judge for Atlanta Municipal Court recently announced new assignments for its presiding judges.
Judge Crystal Gaines will preside over the revamped failure-to-appear docket after presiding over the Housing Court for the past six years. Each year more than 40,000 cases enter failure-to-appear status.
Judge Christopher Portis will preside over the Housing Court. Portis was appointed to Municipal Court by Mayor Kasim Reed in July 2015 after serving as a part-time Fulton County Magistrate Judge since 2008.
“This innovative change is a testament to this court’s commitment to fair, efficient, and transparent resolution of cases,” said Chief Judge Christopher Ward. “It was clear that the courts needed to create more capacity for walk-ins, and Judge Gaines didn’t hesitate to answer the call. I’m thankful for her years of service in the housing division and I’m pleased that Judge Portis has agreed to step up to this new opportunity.”
The new assignments will take effect March 14.
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