Meet Scott
Scott Childress has dedicated his entire 46-year professional career to the Criminal Justice System in various capacities.
In 2005, Scott was elected as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Alpharetta. During his tenure, he implemented several community-based alternative sentencing programs aimed at helping minor offenders and at-risk youth. Although his tenure as Judge came to an end due to differing philosophies—Scott’s belief in constitutional principles and the rule of law clashed with a City Council that held unwavering support for its police force—his commitment to justice remains strong.
Since 1983, Scott has worked as a sole-practitioner Trial Attorney with a focus on defending individuals facing criminal charges. His cases have ranged from serious felonies such as burglary, aggravated stalking, and drug offenses, to probation violations, battery, traffic offenses, DUI, and underage possession. He has represented clients throughout Georgia, from the mountains to the coast.
From 1979 to 1983, Scott served as a Trial Assistant District Attorney under longtime Fulton County DA Lewis R. Slaton. In this role, he prosecuted a wide range of felony cases before the Honorable Judge John S. Langford Jr.
While living in Roswell during his time as an ADA, Scott became active in the community and was elected to the Roswell City Council. He later ran for Mayor, challenging longtime incumbent “Pug” Mabry—though that campaign didn’t go as planned.
Earlier, from 1977 to 1979, Scott worked in the Fulton County Grand Jury Division as a Principal ADA, directly under Mr. Slaton. He evaluated and screened cases for indictment, determining whether or not they should proceed based on their legal merit.
Scott’s career began in 1971 when he joined the Atlanta Police Department, serving as both an officer and sergeant. His roles included downtown foot patrol, prisoner transport, patrol car duty, undercover stakeouts, and leadership in the City’s Domestic Crisis Intervention Program. He also served as a Community Relations Officer in downtown middle schools and worked in the City Jail.
In 1974, Scott began studying at the Woodrow Wilson College of Law (now part of Georgia State University) to advance his law enforcement career. After being admitted to the State Bar of Georgia, his focus shifted from policing to prosecution.
Originally from Southern California, Scott moved to Atlanta in 1971 after studying Criminology at California State University, Long Beach.
Today, Scott lives in Alpharetta with his wife, Gretchen. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.