New DA for Hall, Dawson counties

ATLANTA - Governor Roy Barnes announced Tuesday he will appoint Jason Deal
to serve as the Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney beginning May 1.

Deal will fill the vacancy created by Lydia Sartain's resignation which is effective the end of April.

Barnes says of Deal, the son of 9th District Congressman Nathan Deal, "we have known each other for a long time, so I am proud to be able to appoint someone of Jason Deal's character to the office."

Prior to becoming a Magistrate Judge in Hall County, Deal served for two and half years as Assistant District Attorney for Hall and Dawson Counties where he earned numerous
recognitions, including the 1999 Work Horse of the Year award. Deal also worked as an associate in the Law Office of Thompson, Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks, and McKennon's Dawsonville branch office for two and a
half years and served as County Attorney for Dawson County during this time.

"I intend to bring to the District Attorney's office efficient, hardnosed prosecution, with special emphasis on enhanced punishment for repeat offenders. I believe in the conservative principle that individuals are responsible for their actions and there are consequences for one's actions. I am confidant that by applying these values on a daily basis we can remove dangerous criminals from our community and ensure that Hall and Dawson Counties are a safer place to call home. The District Attorney is the people's voice in the judicial process and I pledge to the citizens of Hall and Dawson Counties that I will be a hard working zealous advocate for
them against those who choose to violate the laws in our community," Deal said.

Deal is a lifelong resident of Hall County, having graduated from North Hall High School. Deal obtained an undergraduate degree from Furman University and his law degree from the University of Georgia. Deal also served honorably as an active duty infantry officer in the United States Army.

Deal is the son of Congressman Nathan and Sandra Deal. He is a resident of Clermont where he lives with his wife Denise Deal and daughter Fallin. He is member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville.