Explaining Attorney Conflicts and Why Court Dates Are Changed

One of the most frustrating things for both lawyers and clients is when a case a client's case cannot be reached due to their attorney having a case in another court. 

Georgia Uniform Rule of Superior Court 17.1 governs this situation.  The rule requires the attorney to contact each court and opposing counsel and indicate which case has priority.  The order of cases to be heard is determined by the type of hearing, the level of court (Superior, State, Recorders, Probate, Municipal, and Magistrate), and the age of the case.

Any successful attorney will have conflicts between competing court dates.  If a prospective client finds a lawyer who has no conflicts, the only way that would be possible would be if the lawyer has very few cases.  Needless to say, an attorney in such little demand is unlikely to be excellent at his or her craft.

That all being said, I completely understand why a client would be disappointed if their case is not heard and had to be reset to another date.  I understand that having a criminal or DUI case hanging over a person's head can cause significant anxiety.  I know how much my clients want their cases resolved as soon humanly possible.

Please know that your attorney is also disappointed because there is a limit to the number of cases an attorney is allowed to handle at any one time.  When cases remain open, that restricts the attorney from taking on new cases. 

Understanding is a Two Way Street:

An attorney without any conflicts is like a paint job from Earl Scheib; "Any car, any color for $99."  When I was a young man, I had a car painted once at Earl Scheib.  The paint started to peel off on the third day.  Please know that it takes time to successfully handle your Georgia DUI Case.  At our office, we will do out best to help you through this difficult period and give your case the attention it deserves.