When facing a DUI charge in Atlanta, understanding the court process can feel overwhelming. The Municipal Court of Atlanta’s DUI Division, presided over by Judge Teresa A. Mann in Courtroom 6B, operates under a detailed set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). As an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer, George Creal is here to break down these procedures to help you navigate the system with confidence.
Key Communication Guidelines
The SOPs emphasize structured communication with the court:
- No Ex Parte Communication: Direct contact with Judge Mann is prohibited to ensure fairness.
- Written Correspondence: All communications with judicial staff must be in writing, directed to Judicial Office Manager Hazel Boykin, Judicial Case Manager Brittany Mitchell, and Judicial Assistant Robin Decker via their official email addresses. This ensures timely responses and proper documentation.
Court Appearance and Representation
For attorneys and defendants, attendance is critical unless specific exemptions apply:
- Entry of Appearance: Attorneys, like George Creal, must file an Entry of Appearance or Substitution of Counsel before representing a client, including all required contact information, as per Uniform Municipal Court Rule 7.1.
- Mandatory Attendance: Both attorneys and defendants are required to attend all scheduled court calendars unless excused in writing by the court. Attorneys must remain until released, and defendants must appear unless a waiver is filed—except for key hearings like negotiated pleas or Final Plea Calendars, where presence is mandatory.
Court Calendars and Case Progression
The DUI Division follows a structured case management system, with each calendar serving a specific purpose:
- Arraignment Calendar: This initial hearing informs defendants of their charges and rights. George Creal can waive formal arraignment or the defendant’s presence by filing waivers by noon the day before, advancing the case to the Discovery Calendar. Requests to transfer a case to State Court must also be filed by this deadline.
- Discovery Calendar: Focused on exchanging evidence, discovery requests must be filed within 10 days post-arraignment. Attorneys must attend unless discovery is complete with no issues. Failure to attend signals readiness to move to the Pre-Trial Calendar.
- Motion Calendar: Motions, filed within five days of receiving discovery, are heard before trial. Omnibus motions are prohibited, and all filings require a proposed order and service to the Solicitor’s Office.
- Pre-Trial Calendar: Designed for plea negotiations, attendance is required unless a written offer from the Solicitor’s Office is received. Negotiated pleas can be entered here, or cases advance to the Final Plea Calendar.
- Final Plea Calendar: Defendants must attend to enter a plea (negotiated or blind), demand a bench trial, or transfer the case to State Court. Binding over requires notice by noon the prior day.
- Bench Trial Calendar: Trials follow superior court evidence rules, and cases cannot be postponed without Judge Mann’s approval.
- Pleas in Absentia (PIA): Allowed with a notarized defendant signature and a Power of Attorney authorizing the attorney to handle plea-related documents.
Additional Procedures
- Conflict Letters and Leaves of Absence: These must follow Uniform Municipal Court Rules 8 and 9, respectively, and be filed separately. Non-compliant submissions are automatically objected to or denied.
- Continuances: Governed by Atlanta City Code Sec. 62-68, continuance requests follow strict guidelines.
- Add-Ons: Requests to add cases to unscheduled calendars must be emailed to judicial staff by noon the day prior.
Why Choose George Creal for Your DUI Defense?
Navigating Atlanta’s DUI court requires precision and expertise. George Creal’s deep understanding of the Municipal Court’s SOPs ensures every step—from arraignment to trial—is handled strategically. Whether it’s filing timely waivers, securing discovery, or negotiating favorable pleas, George Creal fights to protect your rights and future.
Facing a DUI charge? Contact George Creal today for a consultation and let an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer guide you through the process with confidence.
Disclaimer
This blog post summarizes the Atlanta Municipal Court DUI Division’s SOPs for informational purposes. For legal advice tailored to your case, consult directly with George Creal.