Court is now in session…online.
The Mountain Judicial Circuit is temporarily suspending all in-person hearings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Chief Superior Court Judge Russell Smith Monday ordered that all court proceedings in the circuit will be conducted remotely through at least April 13.
The circuit includes Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens counties.
Judge Smith cited Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter in place order and the fact there are confirmed cases of the virus in all three counties served by the circuit as reasons to suspend in-person hearings. He says attorneys and others involved in court proceedings will be sent an email with a link to access their hearing.
Public access
Members of the public who would like to attend a hearing may contact the office of the clerk of court for the county where the case is scheduled to be heard. The Clerk will provide a link that can be used to access the hearing from any laptop or smartphone.
Laptop computers are available at each courthouse for use by the parties or their witnesses who do not have other access to a laptop or smartphone.
Judge Smith’s order states “In the event that an attorney or party believes that a proceeding cannot effectively be heard or presented in the manner required, they may move the assigned judge for an order waiving the requirements of this rule.”
Litigants should direct any questions regarding a particular case to their attorneys. General questions or concerns may be directed to Chief Judge Russell W. Smith by email to [email protected] or at his office at (706) 886-7525.
Read Judge Smith’s full order here
