What is the difference between state and Superior Court in Georgia?
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What is the difference between state and Superior Court in Georgia?
Superior Court is responsible for handling cases involving serious crimes (felonies), civil disputes, real estate matters and family and domestic relations issues. State Court handles civil law actions not otherwise within the jurisdiction of Superior Court, dispossessions, misdemeanors, and certain traffic offenses.
What is Superior Court Georgia?
The Superior Courts of Georgia is a court of general jurisdiction handling both civil and criminal law actions. Superior Court Judges preside over cases involving misdemeanors, contract disputes, premises liability, and various other actions.
Why do civil cases take so long?
Motions involving discovery, evidentiary and legal issues also must be set according to the court’s busy schedule thereby adding to the delays of litigation. The more complicated cases take longer to prepare for trial. The number of parties and issues involved also affect the length of litigation.
Why are most civil cases settled before they go to trial?
In the majority of civil lawsuits, the defendant settles with the plaintiff because it is more economical to do so. The plaintiff will also have to sign an agreement to not pursue any further litigation, so there won’t be additional losses in the future. In a trial, the defendant may prevail.
Why does it take so long for cases to go to trial?
Defense attorneys sometimes want independent analysis of scientific evidence to dispute findings by prosecution witnesses. These type of issues take time to investigate and resolve and judges generally authorize the delays. Having more than one defendant or attorney on the case can also slow things down.
What percentage of cases actually go to trial?
The conservative estimate seems to be that over 90% of cases end in guilty pleas. The United States Courts website estimates that more than 90% of federal cases resolve this way. A 2012 New York Times article reported that 97% of federal cases and 94% of state cases end via plea bargain.
Why do lawyers drag out cases?
Their goal is to drag the case on and pay out as little as possible. This earns more money for the attorney, who gets paid by the hour, and also can help frustrate the plaintiff into making a better settlement for them out of desperation.
How many times can you continue a case?
There is no limit on the number a times a case can be continued. There is an urban legend that each side gets three continuances, but that is just not the case. The real question is whether the prosecution has met their obligations under Rule 600, which is Pennsylvania’s speedy trial rule.
Can a good lawyer get you out of anything?
However no lawyer can get you out of anything if the evidence is solid. At best they can reduce the sentence by arguing mitigating circumstances. Or they have to get evidence thrown out. If you’re guilty, the prosecutor will bring that evidence, and your lawyer has to have a defense.
Can I tell my lawyer I killed someone?
“If, for instance, the client tells a lawyer they committed murder, the attorney cannot disclose,” said Donna Ballman, a Fort Lauderdale-based lawyer who specializes in employment law. “If the client says they intend to kill a witness to the murder, the lawyer must disclose.”
What should you not say to a lawyer?
Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you seriously)
- “The Judge is biased against me” Is it possible that the Judge is “biased” against you?
- “Everyone is out to get me”
- “It’s the principle that counts”
- “I don’t have the money to pay you”
- Waiting until after the fact.
What should you not do in court?
Here are four things you should never do.
- Don’t show up late. On the day of your hearing, it’s very important to arrive early.
- Don’t use your phone. You will not be able to use your phone, computer or any other device in the courtroom.
- Don’t interrupt.
- Don’t be afraid to ask.
Is it OK to wear jeans to court?
To maintain the dignity of the Court, the Court requests that the following list of minimum standards regarding appropriate dress be met before entering the courtroom. 1) Men should wear a shirt with a collar and long pants. (Jeans are acceptable). 2) Women should wear a dress, or a blouse and skirt or long pants.
What are good reasons to get full custody?
Courts award sole custody for a number of reasons, including :
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
- Physical abuse or neglect.
- Mental health issues.
- Money issues.
- Stability of the home.