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J. Hamilton Garner

J. Hamilton Garner

Practice Areas:

  • Probate
  • Civil Litigation
  • Domestic Relations
  • Criminal Defense
  • Real Estate
  • Probate litigation
  • General litigation

Biography

Hamilton Garner provides representation to individual and business clients.  His primary practice areas include probate matters, general civil litigation, domestic relations, criminal defense and real estate.   Recently he has handled diverse matters including:

  • Probate litigation including will contests (caveats); guardianship proceedings; drafting of wills, powers-of-attorney, Advanced Directive for Health Care, trusts; has been court-appointed as both executor and conservator in contested estates
  • General litigation including representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes, construction litigation, personal injury, premises liability and land-line disputes
  • Domestic relations litigation including divorces, child custody, child support, legitimation and adoption
  • Residential real estate purchases, sales and financing
  • Criminal defense including both felony and misdemeanor offenses

Prior to becoming a partner in Whelchel & Carlton, LLP, Hamilton was in private practice both as a solo practitioner and as an associate with a small firm.  He began his career as a Superior Court law clerk and then became an Assistant District Attorney obtaining convictions in a variety of matters including murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, sale of cocaine, DUI and domestic violence.

Hamilton is married to Beth Lee Garner and they have twin boys, William and Robert.  They are active members of Moultrie First United Methodist Church and other local organizations.

Education

  • Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, Macon, Georgia
    • J.D. - 2001
  • Mercer University
    • B.B.A. - 1996
    • Major: Management

Bar Admissions

  • Georgia, 2001
  • Georgia Court of Appeals
  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Moultrie First United Methodist Church, past Chairman of Counsel of Stewards
  • Leadership Colquitt County, 2009 graduate
  • YLD Leadership Academy (State Bar of Georgia), 2009 graduate
  • Hero House – Children’s Advocacy Center of Colquitt County, past Board of Directors
  • Colquitt County Chapter Ducks Unlimited, past Area Chairman
  • Double Gobble Chapter NWTF, past Committee Member

Professional Associations

  • Moultrie Bar Association, President, 2011 to Present
  • Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce, Member of Board of Directors
  • Kiwanis Club of Moultrie, Committee Chairman and past member Board of Directors
  • State Bar of Georgia

Past Positions​

  • Georgia Army National Guard/U.S. Army, Captain, Armor Platoon Leader (M1A1 Abrams), Support Platoon Leader (logistics) and as a Company Executive Officer
  • Superior Court law clerk