Are Court Open During COVID-19?

I have received many inquires as to whether court is proceeding as usual during the coronavirus pandemic.

Statewide, Chief Justice Harold D. Melton declared a judicial emergency on March 14, 2020 and then extended the Order again on April 6, 2020. The Order runs through May 13, 2020 and states that courts should remain open (if possible) to address essential matters. Additionally, the Order cancels all jury trials through the May 13 date. The Order encourages courts to use videoconferencing technology to address non essential functions.

Whether or not a courthouse is open to the public varies by jurisdiction. Most municipal courts are closed to the public with their staff working from home at this time. Courthouses that remain open are often doing so with a skeleton crew for essential matters only. You can find more detail on your local courthouse here.

If you have a question about the status of your case, contact ME at melanie@hiremelaw.com or 404-803-3105 and I will help you navigate your case during these uncertain times.

Melanie Ellwanger is a North Georgia DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney. She is a former prosecuting attorney and judicial candidate. She has been ranked as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine 2013-2020.