10/15/2026
We extend our deepest condolences to Judge Irwin's family.
We tried a case in front of Judge Irwin very recently, and it may have been his last jury trial or one of them. He was definitely a "hot bench" but very fair and protected our client's rights, even though we disagreed with some of his rulings.
When sentencing came, he did something that is very rare these days in Georgia - during sentencing, the State asked for a sentence that was much more severe than had been previously offered before trial, which we expected and counseled our client to expect if we did not prevail. Judge Irwin barked that such a request was plainly "unconstitutional" and that he did not see any particularly motivating issue that came out at trial to warrant such a sentence, and proceeded to sentence our client to what the law required, and not punish him for exercising his right to trial.
I did not have much experience in front of Judge Irwin, but I will never forget that experience and know from his reputation that this was only one example of his character and service to this State as a public defender, prosecutor, and judge.
Condolences from our firm, may you rest in peace.
CONYERS — Former Rockdale Judicial Circuit Chief Judge David B. Irwin, 70, who served more than two decades on the Superior Court bench and held several community leadership roles, died
