VALDOSTA — Brad Shealy said he plans to work with the courts to expand successful programs as the new Southern District Attorney.

Shealy, who has worked in the DA’s office since 1988, said he would “keep things running smooth,” to continue protecting victims’ rights and prosecuting cases.

He said he wants to “run the numbers” and model programs in the superior courts off successful versions of the same programs in state courts.

Shealy said he wants to do “anything we can to take the burden off taxpayers without putting them at risk.”

He wants, when possible, to “give people a chance to rehabilitate instead of just locking them up.”

As DA, he said he wants to institute a “pre-trial diversion” for minor domestic disputes.

“If somebody gets shot three times, that’s different,” he said.

“If it’s a push or a slap,” he said he plans to offer a 12-month program that includes anger management and counseling.

Shealy said any violation of the program and the agreed-upon terms would end the pre-trial diversion and the violator would have to serve his or her time.

Shealy also wants to expand the ankle-monitor program to Thomas and Colquitt counties that he said has been successful in Lowndes.

The Southern Judicial District includes Lowndes, Thomas, Colquitt, Brooks and Echols counties.

The ankle-monitor program allows certain criminals the option of house arrest and in some cases to work, he said. Shealy said the program saves taxpayers money.

“I won’t let them (the taxpayers) down,” Shealy said.

He added “it takes a little time to get the programs started.”

Shealy takes the place of retiring Southern District Attorney David Miller, who opted not to seek a sixth term. Miller has served as DA for 20 years.