Professional Background
Judge Fortner was appointed to the State Court of Douglas County by Governor Nathan Deal in March, 2018, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Neal Dettmering who retired in December, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Judge Fortner served as the Douglas County District Attorney.
Judge Fortner earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from North Georgia College and State University and a law degree from the Georgia State University College of Law. After being admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 2000, Judge Fortner served as a prosecutor with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office for over six years. In 2007, Governor Sonny Perdue appointed him as Solicitor General of Douglas County and he was elected to that position in 2008. He returned to the district attorney’s office as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in 2012 and was elected District Attorney in 2014.
Judge Fortner oversees the Moderate Risk track of the Douglas County Misdemeanor
DUI and Drug Accountability Court. Since its inception, the Accountability Court has graduated 151 participants and saved the county over $850,000 in jail costs. Judge Fortner also serves on the Legislative Committee of the Counsel of Accountability Court Judges.
Community Service
Judge Fortner volunteers with several organizations in Douglas County. He has mentored youth involved with various local organizations like:
- Beyond the Front Porch
- Boy Scouts
- Fit For the Future
- Youth Against Violence
- Youth Emporium
He also works with Operation Christmas Douglas County (founded by Superior Court Judge William McClain) during the holiday season organizing and delivering Christmas gifts for needy local children.
Judge Fortner serves on the Board of Directors at the local church he has attended for the past sixteen years.
Personal Information
Judge Fortner lives in Winston with his wife and twin teenage sons.