By Eloise Smith, General Manager

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — DeKalb lawyer Teresa Darwin Phillips announces her qualification as a Republican candidate for DeKalb County District Judge. Phillips is a lifelong resident of Sylvania, Ala. and currently practices law in DeKalb and Jackson Counties. She has two children who attend Sylvania School, and is a member of Trinity United Methodist also known as Burnt Church. Phillips received her law degree from Birmingham School of Law. 

Phillips is a past president and active member of the United Givers Fund of DeKalb County, as well as an active member of the local DeKalb County Bar Association and the State Bar Association.

District Judges in Alabama handle drug court, juvenile court, misdemeanor criminal matters, and civil disputes with the amount in controversy less than $10,000.

“My hope is through public service as the District Judge, I can improve the lives of our citizens and our children through common sense problem solving. Our county needs a District Judge with a strong work ethic, a compassion for serving people, and efficiently managing cases as our citizens navigate our legal system,” stated Phillips. 

“I will decide cases fairly, openly and honestly while treating everyone that comes into my courtroom with respect. I will work hard for the people of DeKalb County,” she added.

Currently, the office of DeKalb County District Judge is held by longtime Democrat, Judge Steven L. Whitmire. Whitmire was first elected to office in 2002 and is the last remaining Democrat in the DeKalb County Courthouse.

Qualifying for public office ends on Friday, November 8 at 5pm.