If you are looking for information on "Effingham State Court Judge Hube," there is a tiny but very important legal distinction you need to get right first. Matt Hube is actually a Superior Court Judge, not a State Court Judge. I know, it sounds like splitting hairs. But in the Georgia legal system, that’s the difference between handling a misdemeanor traffic ticket and presiding over a felony murder trial or a massive civil lawsuit.
Honestly, the confusion is understandable. Local news often lumps "the courts" together, and when Matt Hube took the bench recently, it was a huge shift for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, which covers Effingham, Bulloch, Jenkins, and Screven counties.
Who is Judge Matt Hube?
Basically, Matt Hube isn't some career politician who stumbled into a black robe. He spent nearly 25 years in the trenches as a trial lawyer. Before he was Effingham County Superior Court Judge Matt Hube, he ran a private practice in Statesboro where he did a bit of everything—criminal defense, family law, personal injury, you name it.
He didn't just wake up and decide to run for office on a whim. He waited for a specific opening. That opening came when longtime Chief Judge F. Gates Peed announced his retirement. It was a "full circle" moment because Hube actually clerked for Peed’s firm back in the late '90s when he was just a law student at Mercer University.
Kinda cool, right? He went from the kid fetching coffee and researching memos to the man sitting in the very seat his mentor occupied for decades.
The Path to the Bench
Hube’s background is pretty grounded. He grew up in Cobb County but has lived in the Bulloch/Effingham area for over 20 years.
- Education: Georgia Southern University (Finance degree) and Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law.
- Experience: Thousands of cases handled across Southeast Georgia.
- Community: He’s been involved with the Boy Scouts and the Bulloch County Historical Society.
Why People Get Confused About "State Court" vs "Superior Court"
You’ve likely searched for "Effingham State Court Judge Hube" because the terminology is confusing. In Effingham County, the State Court is actually presided over by Judge Melissa Calhoun. She took over after a fairly tumultuous period following the passing of the previous judge, Stephen Yekel, in late 2024.
If you have a speeding ticket or a misdemeanor marijuana charge, you are going to see Judge Calhoun.
If you are dealing with a divorce, a land dispute, or a serious felony charge, you are heading to Superior Court to see Judge Matt Hube or one of his colleagues like Judge Lovett Bennett, Jr. or Judge Michael Muldrew. Superior Court is the highest-level trial court in the county. They have "exclusive jurisdiction" over things like equity, land titles, and felonies.
What Kind of Judge is Matt Hube?
Legal circles in Springfield and Statesboro talk. The consensus? He’s studious. During his swearing-in ceremony in late 2024, Judge Peed specifically mentioned that Hube was always the guy who did the extra homework.
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He isn't known for being a "fire and brimstone" personality. Instead, he leans into a more modern, pragmatic approach. He recently went through an intensive orientation in Athens, Georgia, with 23 other new judges. He’s gone on record saying that listening is the most powerful tool a judge has.
"I learned a lot about what makes a good judge—and thankfully, those who taught me what not to do aren't here today," Hube joked during his ceremony. That kind of wit suggests a judge who doesn't take himself too seriously, even if he takes the law very seriously.
What This Means for Your Case
If you’re appearing before Judge Hube, expect a few things:
- Preparation is King: Since he was a "studious" lawyer, he has zero patience for attorneys who haven't read the latest case law.
- Impartiality: He swore an oath to treat the rich and the poor equally. In a small community like Effingham, where everyone knows everyone, that’s a big deal.
- Efficiency: He’s coming from the private sector where time is money. He’s unlikely to let cases linger on the docket forever just for the sake of it.
The Reality of the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit
We have to talk about the workload. The Ogeechee Circuit is busy. Growth in Rincon and Guyton has exploded, and the court system is feeling the squeeze.
Effingham County Superior Court Judge Matt Hube doesn't just sit in the Springfield courthouse. He rotates. One week he might be in Bulloch County, the next in Screven. This "riding the circuit" is an old-school Georgia tradition that keeps judges from becoming too insulated in one small town.
Actionable Steps If You Have Court in Effingham
If you have a date with the Superior Court, don't just wing it.
Check your paperwork. Does it say "State Court" or "Superior Court"? If it’s State, look for Judge Calhoun. If it’s Superior, you might be in Hube’s courtroom.
Dress like you care. The courts in Effingham still have a dress code. No shorts, no flip-flops, no halter tops. If you show up looking like you’re headed to Tybee Island, the bailiff will probably send you home, and you might end up with a failure to appear warrant.
Turn off the phone. It sounds obvious, but people forget. A ringing phone in Judge Hube’s court is a quick way to get a lecture—or a fine.
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Get a lawyer early. Don't wait until the morning of your hearing to find representation. The Ogeechee Circuit moves fast once the calendar is set.
Ultimately, whether you call him the Effingham State Court Judge (incorrectly) or the Superior Court Judge (correctly), Matt Hube is now a permanent fixture of the local legal landscape. He’s got big shoes to fill, but with 25 years of trial experience, he’s probably as ready as anyone can be.