Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway Jr., who serves the 4th Judicial Circuit and Dallas County, has stepped down from the bench.
Pettaway Jr. had served for thirteen years and was one year into his third 6-year term. The 4th Judicial Circuit includes Perry County, Hale County, Dallas County, Wilcox County, and Bibb County.
Pettaway cites health concerns as his reason for 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.”
New Appointment to the Bench
Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones of Selma to fill the remaining five years of Pettaway’s 6-year term.
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 judgment necessary to serve well the people of the Fourth Judicial Circuit as their next Circuit Judge,” Gov. Ivey said.
Jones expressed gratitude for the appointment: “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 4th Judicial Circuit as Circuit Judge. I pray for God’s guidance as I carry out the duties of this new endeavor.”
