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Handling Your Misdemeanor Case in Georgia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The court system in Georgia has changed drastically over the past nine months. Judges have adopted virtual court appearances. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are working their cases from home. Clerks offices and entire courthouses throughout Georgia have been shut down due to positive COVID cases.

The handling of misdemeanor cases in Georgia has become a completely different process from arrest through closure. Police officers are issuing citations instead of arrest in many situations. Cases that would normally require fingerprints at the time of police interaction like theft by shoplifting, driving on a suspended license, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and even DUI are ending with our potential client being released instead of taken to jail.

Court appearances are being postponed, sometimes to months later. It took the Municipal Court of Atlanta almost eight months to re-open after the beginning on the pandemic. They are still catching up on cases at this time. Delays in resolution means cases are outstanding for longer periods, and in some cases able to be seen by persons running background checks for a longer period of time. Also, just because you weren’t arrested doesn’t mean fingerprints will not be required before your case is resolved.

Having a Georgia attorney experienced with misdemeanors during this time is essential in trying to get closure as quick as possible on your case. An attorney can reach out to the prosecutor’s office and try and fast track your case to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

Our office is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a free consultation. Call us today at 404-581-0999.

Yes, Criminal Cases are Still Moving Forward in Georgia during COVID-19

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You may have received a traffic citation, or a citation for misdemeanor possession of marijuana or theft by shoplifting. The officer may have released you on citation instead of taking you to a local detention facility for arrest. This doesn’t mean your case should be ignored, or is not a big deal, now. Cases are being heard in most municipal courts in the State. In fact, many municipalities and counties may ask you to come in and provide fingerprints at a later date when conditions are more safe.

In the past week, our firm has been present for shoplifting, DUI, and marijuana cases in Roswell, Marietta, Acworth, Kennesaw, Douglasville, Sandy Springs, Jonesboro, Forest Park, and many other municipal courts across the state.

Having an attorney represent you at this time can prevent you from having to appear and potentially risk your health. An attorney can also work with the prosecutor to try and get you the best possible outcomes during this time, working on lowering fines, reducing community service, and preventing other activities that may put you at risk for coronavirus exposure.

Our office is available right now to discuss your case with you. Call us at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation. We understand you may be feeling nervous or scared during these uncertain times, and we are here to help.