STATEWIDE JUDICIAL EMERGENCY

The Honorable Harold D. Melton, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, DOES HEREBY ORDER AND DECLARE a Statewide Judicial Emergency in the State of Georgia. The nature of this emergency is the continued transmission of Coronavirus/COVID-19 throughout the State and the potential infection of those who work in or are required to appear in our courts.

Thus, in order to protect the health, safety, and liberty of all citizens in this State, the undersigned hereby declares a Statewide Judicial Emergency affecting all courts and clerk’s offices in the State as it relates to all judicial proceedings.

Courts should remain open to address essential functions, and in particular courts should give priority to matters necessary to protect health, safety, and liberty of individuals. Essential functions are subject to interpretation; however, some matters that fall into the essential function category are:

1. where an immediate liberty or safety concern is present requiring the attention of the court as soon as the court is available;
2. criminal court search warrants, arrest warrants, initial appearances, and bond reviews;
3. domestic abuse temporary protective orders and restraining orders;
4. juvenile court delinquency detention hearings and emergency removal matters; and
5. mental health commitment hearings

In addition, trials in any criminal case for which a jury has been empaneled and the trial has commenced as of the date of this order shall continue to conclusion, unless good cause exists to suspend the trial or declare a mistrial. The decision whether to suspend a criminal trial or declare a mistrial rests with the judge presiding over the case.

During the period of this Order, the undersigned hereby suspends, tolls, extends, and otherwise grants relief from any deadlines or other time schedules or filing requirements imposed by otherwise applicable statutes, rules, regulations, or court orders, whether in civil or criminal cases or administrative matters, including, but not limited to any:

1. statute of limitation;
2. time within which to issue a warrant;
3. time within which to try a case for which a demand for speedy trial has been filed;
4. time within which to hold a commitment hearing;
5. deadline or other schedule regarding the detention of a juvenile;
6. time within which to return a bill of indictment or an accusation or to bring a matter before a grand jury;
7. time within which to file a writ of habeas corpus;
8. time within which discovery or any aspect thereof is to be completed;
9. time within which to serve a party;
10. time within which to appeal or to seek the right to appeal any order, ruling, or other determination;
11. such other legal proceedings as determined to be necessary by the authorized judicial official.

This Statewide Judicial Emergency shall terminate on April 13, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise extended.

If unsure whether your attendance is required, contact the judge or office where you are scheduled to report.

Statewide Judicial Emergency Order

Standing Order Governing All Domestic Cases