How Will the Georgia Judicial Emergency Affect My DUI Case

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, it is my goal to help answer any questions that I can concerning DUI Law in Georgia. However, with the recent developments regarding COVID-19, it has been difficult to answer normal concerns regarding court dates and hearings.

The Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, the Honorable Harold D. Melton, has issued a  statewide judicial emergency order which goes through April 13. Therefore, until April 14, courts across the state of Georgia have reported that they will only conduct the following essential hearings: jail calendars, probation revocations of accused persons in custody and bond reviews. All other court appearances will be rescheduled.

Find the Order Declaring Statewide Judicial Emergency here.

Although this may seem straightforward, it is imperative that you stay in contact with your Georgia DUI Attorney regarding your case as each stage of your case is subject to change. As of right now, however, it appears that the following delays and holds can be expected:

• Filing declines on hold
• Statute of limitations on hold
• Pretrial conferences delayed
• Motions delayed
• Trials delayed
• Committal hearings delayed

In addition, dates to file and respond to briefs will also likely be delayed. There could also be some minor changes to bond amounts and bonding company fees. And it could even result in bond reductions for those who are in custody and have not been able to make bond.

Moreover, with cases involving DUI in Georgia, there could also be added inconveniences. These inconveniences could include license reinstatements as well as delayed hearings with the Department of Driver Services. This will become more likely if government offices close due to quarantine.

There is discretion based on jurisdiction as to just what qualifies as an essential hearing. Staying in contact with your attorney is extremely important. The goal of the judicial system is to abide by the order set by Justice Melton ini order to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Your attorney will be in contact with the judge in the jurisdiction in which your case is being heard so as to update you properly and timely regarding your case.

In times like these, the DUI Defense Bar and Georgia Prosecutors will work together to make sure that people receive essential legal services. This will be a team effort in the interest of fairness and justice.

I would like to remind everyone to be safe and pay attention to all notices released by state and federal government.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call our offices.