UGA law school grad is newest federal judge to be appointed in Georgia

The judges for the United States Middle District of Georgia have announced that Amy Helmick has been selected to succeed retiring Magistrate Judge Stephen Hyles as the district's next magistrate judge.

Helmick currently serves as the Columbus Branch Chief for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

She will begin her eight-year term as magistrate judge on July 1.

Noting that Helmick has experience as an assistant U.S. attorney and was staff attorney for the magistrate judge who she is succeeding, District Court Judge Clay Land said, "Amy Helmick is uniquely qualified to be our district’s next Magistrate Judge. She has a keen intellect, broad relevant experience, and the proper judicial temperament.”

A graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, Helmick resides in Columbus with her husband and two children.

Magistrate judges handle a variety of judicial proceedings.

They have authority to issue warrants, conduct preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, such as initial appearances and arraignments, and hear cases involving petty offenses committed on federal lands.

In most districts, they handle pretrial motions and hearings in civil and criminal cases. While most civil cases are tried by district judges, magistrate judges may also preside over civil trials if all parties consent.