The Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney’s Office made a positive change and one of the attorneys was sworn into a new position.

Jaeson Smith, one of the Assistant District Attorneys for Polk and Haralson Counties, was named the new Chief Assistant District Attorney for the circuit.

Superior Court Judge Mark Murphy presided over a swearing-in ceremony for the new job with District Attorney Jack Browning as well.

Smith was thankful for the opportunity in his new role with the District Attorney’s office.

“First, I want to thank Jack for his trust and confidence. Most importantly, I look forward to working with court staff and law enforcement in restarting our judicial system,” Smith said. “While speaking to people of Haralson and Polk, I have always referred to myself as “one of your ADA’s.” I really mean that. I work for the 70,000 people of these two counties.”

Browning pointed out that the hard work of Smith earned him the new role within his office.

“Today was a proud moment in my career as District Attorney, as I had the pleasure and honor of appointing Jaeson Smith as Chief Assistant District Attorney for our circuit, and watching Judge Murphy swear him into that position,” Browning said. “Jaeson, a lifelong resident of Tallapoosa, has been with the office since 2013, and has proven himself, on a daily basis, as a great attorney and capable leader within the office.”

Smith however is no stranger to taking on leadership roles.

A native of Haralson County, Smith joined the District Attorney’s office in 2012. During his service at the D.A.’s Office, he has prosecuted cases at every level. He has overseen the prosecution of over 5,000 cases in the Haralson and Polk County Superior Courts. He served as the prosecutor for the Tallapoosa Circuit Juvenile Court for three years.

Smith also currently serves as the Solicitor for the Municipal Courts of Bremen and Tallapoosa and Haralson County Probate Court. In those courts, he manages the prosecution of over a thousand traffic cases a year. Outside the office, Smith leads the Haralson County 5th Grade Mock Trial Program. A program that uses students to put a teacher on trial for the heinous crime of giving too much homework.

Prior to his service in the District Attorney’s Office, he served three years in the Office of the Public Defender.

Most recently, Smith prosecuted the first jury trial in the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit after the reopening of the courts.