Dallas County Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr., steps down

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr., who serves Dallas County and the 4th Judicial Circuit, has stepped down from the bench.

He had served 13 years and was one year into his third six-year term. The 4th Judicial Circuit includes not only Dallas County, but also Wilcox County, Perry County, Hale County and Bibb counties.

Pettaway says that recent health concerns are the reason that he is stepping down at the age of 65.

“I was suffering from chronic kidney disease and was actually going through dialysis. But it just so happened after I made that decision, I was surprised,” Pettaway told Action 8 News. “I got the call that they had a kidney that matched me. I went straight to the operating room and woke up New Year’s Day with a brand new kidney, so I’m doing great.”

Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones of Selma to fill the five-year remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Bryan Jones, Circuit Judge of Alabama’s 4th Judicial Circuit – Photo from Office of Governor Kay Ivey

Jones is a graduate of Auburn University and the Birmingham School of Law.

“His strong courtroom experience, coupled with his leadership as Director of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, have equipped him with the legal judgement necessary to serve well the people of the Fourth Judicial Circuit as their next Circuit Judge,” Gov. Kay Ivey said.

“Governor Ivey’s decision to appoint me as a Circuit Judge is a great honor,” said Judge Jones. “I am humbled by the confidence that Governor Ivey has placed in me and embrace this new opportunity. It has been an honor and a privilege to work as District Attorney Robert Turner Jr.’s Senior Chief Trial Attorney and I am excited to continue to serve the citizens of the Fourth Judicial Circuit as Circuit Judge. I pray for God’s guidance as I carry out the duties of this new endeavor.”