Recently appointed Wetumpka Municipal Judge Jeff Courtney began his first official day in the position on Thursday.
Courtney, who is also an attorney with Courtney and Mann LLP, said he strives to “provide a fair adjudication of whatever cases come to the municipal court of Wetumpka.”
“It is certainly a great honor to be the municipal court judge and I look forward to serving the citizens of Wetumpka,” Courtney said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be there.”
Courtney was appointed by the Wetumpka City Council in December and is replacing John Thornton, who served as municipal judge for more than two decades. In last November’s general election, Thornton ran unopposed for the seat of Elmore County Probate Judge and was sworn in Monday.
“I’ve got really big shoes to fill with Judge Thornton having been there for so long,” Courtney said. “But I certainly feel up to the challenge and will do an excellent job.”
While he was not sure if he would be nominated, Courtney said he had expressed his interest in the municipal court to the city and was thrilled to have been named as a candidate.
“You don’t ever know for sure but I was certainly hopeful that I would be (nominated,)” Courtney said.
Prior to Thursday, Courtney said he sat in on the first municipal court session of 2019, on Jan. 8. Over the years, Courtney said he has defended several clients in city court sessions presided by Thornton.
“While the adjudication of any misdemeanor is a possibility there, the vast majority of cases are traffic-related,” Courtney said. “I’ve dealt with many of the types of cases as an advocate before, so I’ve certainly been in the courtroom and been a part of it. I think my experience in this area will serve the bench well.”
In addition to his legal experience, Courtney said he expects his experience with a diverse range of clients will help him in city court.
“That’s the way it is with a municipal court and any court,” Courtney said. “You need to have the ability to talk with folks from all types of different backgrounds and different personalities.”
