Office of the Cherokee County Solicitor-General

06/14/2026

06/12/2026

Weekend plans should end with everyone getting home safely.

Before you head out, make a plan. Drive sober, buckle up, slow down, and do not let distractions take your attention off the road.

A safe ride home is always worth planning ahead.

Have a safe weekend, Cherokee County.

06/10/2026

A text can wait. A life cannot.

During National Safety Month, we are reminding drivers to stay focused behind the wheel. Looking away for just a moment can change everything.

Put the phone down. Watch the road. Protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone traveling around you.

Safe driving starts with one decision.

06/08/2026

June is National Safety Month, and this week’s focus is staying safe on the roads.

Every safe choice matters. Buckle up, slow down, put the phone away, follow traffic laws, and never drive impaired.

Whether you are driving, walking, cycling, or riding as a passenger, roadway safety is a shared responsibility.

Let’s work together to keep Cherokee County roads safer for everyone.

06/06/2026

Today we say farewell and congratulations to Emily Thornton.

Emily first joined our office as an intern, then returned full time after passing the Bar Exam. Over the past two years, we have had the privilege of watching her grow into a skilled, thoughtful, and compassionate attorney.

Emily approaches every day as an opportunity to learn and serve. That spirit was recognized this week when she became the first recipient of the Victim Advocacy Excellence Award, presented by the victim advocates of our Victim/Witness Unit.

Emily kept a sign over her desk that said, “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.” That perfectly captures the way she has worked, grown, and contributed to this office.

Emily is moving on to continue her legal career in probate work. We are grateful for her service to the citizens of Cherokee County and to this office, and we will miss her.

Congratulations, Emily. We are proud of you.

06/03/2026

Today is World Bicycle Day, a good reminder that traffic safety belongs to all of us.

Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all share the road. That means slowing down, staying alert, giving cyclists room, obeying traffic laws, and making safety a priority every time we travel.

For drivers: look twice, especially at intersections and when turning.

For cyclists: ride predictably, use lights when needed, wear a helmet, and follow traffic signals.

Small choices prevent serious crashes. Let’s work together to keep Cherokee County roads safer for everyone.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to newly-elected State Court Judge Christopher L. Bishop. Mr. Bishop will succeed Judge W. Alan Jordan this coming January, and we are looking forward to working with him for many years to come. Welcome to the State Court Family, Judge Bishop!

04/24/2026

As Crime Victims’ Rights Week comes to a close, we at the Solicitor’s Office want to take a moment to recognize our incredible “Glitter Squad”—the dedicated advocates who ensure victims feel informed, prepared, supported, and empowered every step of the way. ✨

Meet the Director of the Glitter Squad / Victim Witness Unit, Kayla Cleveland, who founded the unit here at the Solicitor’s Office. When Director Cleveland first began, she was the sole advocate serving victims across three courtrooms. Over the past decade, she has grown the program into a strong, three-advocate team. Today, she leads the unit while continuing to work closely on vehicular homicide and conflict cases, bringing both leadership and hands-on compassion to those who need it most.

Meet Senior Victim Witness Advocate Rebekah Allen Smith, who has served with the Solicitor’s Office for ten years. Ms. Allen Smith is our bilingual advocate, providing critical support for Spanish-speaking victims across all State Court courtrooms as well as Magistrate Court, ensuring language is never a barrier to justice.

Amanda Hall has been a valued member of our office for over three years. With a Master’s degree and a deep commitment to victim advocacy, Ms. Hall brings both knowledge and compassion to her work every day. She takes the time to guide victims through what can often be a confusing and overwhelming process, offering reassurance, clarity, and steady support. Her ability to connect with individuals and provide meaningful resources makes a lasting difference for the many people she serves.

Last, but certainly not least, meet Susan Stern, who brings more than twenty years of advocacy experience to our team. Ms. Stern has supported victims in a wide range of roles, from specialized units to pre-trial diversion, offering seasoned insight and unwavering dedication.

Please join us in thanking our Glitter Squad for all they do to serve and support the victims of Cherokee County. 💜

03/16/2026

Discovery Process Update – Effective April 1, 2026

The Cherokee County Solicitor-General’s Office is implementing a new discovery process to make State Court more efficient.

Beginning April 1, 2026:

• Media discovery through Axon Justice
• Paper discovery through Tracker’s TED System
• Discovery cost reduced to $0 for attorneys current on media discovery fees
• Applies to retained and appointed counsel

Because the system requires a bar number, pro-se litigants will receive:
• Non-media discovery by email or office pickup
• Media discovery through Axon via secure link

We are always looking for ways to make State Court run faster and more efficiently, and this is the next step. The full written policy is attached below.