I have been a practicing attorney in the State of Georgia for thirty years in all State and Federal Courts. I obtained my Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University and J.D. from Emory University School of Law. I have been a resident of Gwinnett County for twenty-one years. My husband, Travis and I have three adult children and two grandchildren.
My legal experience has covered a vast area of civil and criminal law, and I have a broad mix of private and public sector experience. I am also a former small business owner in Gwinnett and Atlantic Station. My life experiences and legal experiences have equipped me to be the best qualified District Attorney for our County.
I will approach the issues that we face with proactive creativity and involve our community in finding lasting solutions to those issues.
Please vote for me on November 3rd, 2020, General Election
Patsy Austin-Gatson
LAW PRACTICE EXPERTISE
· Civil and Criminal Law Experience
· Georgia Attorney General’s Office
· Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office
· Law Firm Associate
· Argued in the Supreme Court of Georgia
· Won Highest Soft Tissue Settlement in Georgia 2010
· Has represented individuals in their cases
against major corporations
· Has taught law to students at Clayton College
and State University School of Technology
· Previous employment with Kings County
Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, New York
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA:
Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and all
Superior and State Courts
FEDERAL COURT ADMISSIONS:
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit;
U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia
EDUCATION
Syracuse University 1980, Bachelor of Science
Emory University School of Law 1989, Juris Doctorate
· Keep our children from coming into the criminal justice system in the first place.
· Keep our County safe and maintain security.
· Decrease Recidivism while fighting for citizens to have services when returning to the Community.
· Seek an end to mass incarceration.
· End racial Disparity in the criminal justice system so that it is fair and applies to all.
· Hold our government and police accountable.
· Provide a consistent second chance for non-violent first time offenders.
· Seek to reform the cash bail system and reduce pre-trial detentions.
O my people, out yonder, hear me, they do not love your neck unnoosed and straight. So love your neck; put a hand on it, grace it, stroke it and hold it up. and all your inside parts that they'd just as soon slop for hogs, you got to love them. The dark, dark liver--love it, love it and the beat and beating heart, love that too. More than eyes or feet. More than lungs that have yet to draw free air. More than your life-holding womb and your life-giving private parts, hear me now, love your heart. For this is the prize.” - Toni Morrison