Hon. Winston P. Bethel

Judge Winston P. Bethel has served as a chief magistrate judge of DeKalb County, Georgia, for over 25 years, where he has been instrumental in developing initiatives based on therapeutic jurisprudence and has given numerous presentations on this judicial philosophy. He received a Faculty Appreciation Award from the Georgia Courts Journal. Judge Bethel specializes in general practice law, with a focus on criminal law, including handling various civil and criminal cases within the Magistrate Court. He has been re-elected multiple times and is currently active in his role. Judge Bethel's extensive experience includes presiding over cases involving serious crimes such as murder and aggravated assault, where he handles bond hearings and other legal proceedings. He has also been involved in significant legal discussions, including the use of therapeutic jurisprudence in the court system and the establishment of the DeKalb Diversion Treatment Court, which focuses on providing mental health treatment to offenders instead of incarceration. Judge Bethel's commitment to his profession is further evidenced by his role as a grant peer reviewer for SAMHSA grant applications related to jail diversion and reentry. He has also contributed to legal literature through his writings in various law journals and cases. Judge Bethel's professional affiliations include membership in the Georgia Bar Association and other unspecified organizations. His dedication to his legal career is reflected in his extensive experience, which spans over four decades, with no reported instances of misconduct.