Municipal Court of Atlanta

Crystal Gaines - Ballotpedia

Crystal Gaines earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Albany State College, a law degree from North Carolina Central University of Law, and a master's degree in litigation from Atlanta Law School. She is a member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Prior to being appointed to the bench, Crystal worked as an attorney.

Crystal is currently a judge on the Atlanta Municipal Court. She was appointed to serve as judge in the Municipal Court of Atlanta by Mayor Shirley Franklin in 2005, after previously serving four years on the City Court of Atlanta. She was retained to the Atlanta Municipal Court in 2017 and 2021.

As a municipal court judge, presides over general traffic cases.

- As a municipal court judge, presides over general traffic cases.

Legal Experience

As of September 8, 2025, Crystal A. Gaines did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Served as chairperson of Atlantans for Democracy in South Africa and as president of Fulton County Conflict Defender, Inc.

Served as president of Fulton County Conflict Defender, Inc.

- Served as president of Fulton County Conflict Defender, Inc.

Community Involvement

Crystal A. Gaines

Served as a judge in the City Court of Atlanta before being appointed as a judge in the Municipal Court of Atlanta.

Crystal Gaines earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Albany State College, a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University of Law, and a Master of Laws in litigation from Atlanta Law School. She is a member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Crystal is currently a judge on the Atlanta Municipal Court. She was appointed to serve as judge in the Municipal Court of Atlanta by Mayor Shirley Franklin in 2005, after previously serving on the City Court of Atlanta. She was retained to the Atlanta Municipal Court on November 2, 2021 with 79.3% of the vote. Her current term ends on January 5, 2026. 

Crystal Gaines earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Albany State College, a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University of Law, and a Master of Laws in litigation from Atlanta Law School. She is a member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Crystal is currently a judge on the Atlanta Municipal Court. She was appointed in 2005 and is running for re-election in 2025. 

Previously served as a judge on the City Court of Atlanta.

Zachary Odom

Buket Urgen

- Municipal Court Judges hear cases on traffic violations and local ordinance violations, such as building code violations or animal control issues. 
- Municipal Court Judges can issue warrants and handle disputes on nuisances. In some cities Municipal Court Judges hear some misdemeanors like shoplifting and marijuana possession. 
- Jurisdiction and selection of municipal court judges vary per city. Some Municipal Court Judges are appointed by the Mayor or City Council while others are elected. 

City Judges who hear cases on traffic citations and city ordinance violations and other misdemeanors