Judge Tim Taylor takes over bench in latest to take over court overseeing families, underage defendants

A former member of the Public Defender’s Office has a new role in the justice system, and he’ll be responsible for some of the most sensitive cases on the docket in his new role.

Tim Taylor was appointed to be the new Juvenile Court Judge by Tallapoosa Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Mark Murphy in recent days, and with a swearing in ceremony to end the month of September he now takes over the court who was previously headed by Judge Crystal Bice, who was appointed in 2022.

Taylor takes over a court with serious responsibilities, as Juvenile Court in the circuit handles cases involving families being helped by the Department of Family and Children Services, foster cases, and defendants who haven’t reached majority or haven’t been charged as adults for serious crimes.

He has served for several years with the Public Defender’s office since 2015 in Polk County.

Judge Murphy – himself a former Juvenile Court Judge – said he took the appointment seriously considering he knew what kind of case load the public defender’s office already has on its plate. But as Murphy put it perfectly “Tim, it feels like you’ve been interviewing for this job for a long time.”

“Judge Roper and I have inflicted a wound on ourselves by removing you from the Public Defender’s office with this decision because your work ethic is exemplary, your character and integrity have served the courts well,” Judge Murphy said. “But I think all of that makes a good package and skill set for your next assignment, which is important and what you have been doing with the courts.”

Taylor said he looked forward to working with the many partner organizations and agencies who are involved in the juvenile court system.

His appointment comes as the third Juvenile Court Judge to serve since Judge Murphy was appointed to serve on the Superior Court.

Taylor is a graduate of Mercer University’s W. George Law School and is a native of Rockmart. His father David Taylor was previously Rockmart First Baptist’s pastor and now serves as a chaplain for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

He lives in the area with his wife and children. He was joined by family, friends and many members of the law community.

Karen Wilkes, a longtime attorney with the Public Defender’s office as well, said she was going to miss working with Taylor to help local defendants get representation.

“All of us in the Public Defender’s office have cherished our time with you,” Wilkes said during Monday’s swearing in ceremony. “We’ve all learned something from you… I know you are the absolute best person for this job. No one could be better than you at this.”

Others during the ceremony welcomed him to his new assignment on the bench, and wished him well as he takes on the role.