Judge Melynee Leftridge
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All Motions
Courtesy copies
Exhibit List
- 2 copies • Prior To Jury Selection
Extension Motions
Adjournments
- Counsel must submit all conflicts at least two weeks before the trial calendar and comply with U.S.C.R. 17.1 when proposing a resolution.
- Filing a conflict letter does not release counsel from appearing at trial or automatically result in a continuance.
- Continuances from trial calendars are granted sparingly and only for clearly articulated exceptional circumstances; requests for mediation, additional discovery, or awaiting a related case typically will not result in a continuance.
- +13 more
Request must include
- Continuance motions must be filed at least 14 business days before the Final Plea Calendar or Trial Date, absent good cause, and must identify the grounds for the request.
- A motion for continuance and/or status conference from the Final Plea Calendar or Trial Calendar must be filed at least 14 business days before the applicable date and must state its grounds, absent good cause.
Communication
Chambers7 contacts
- sarah.thomas@fultoncountyga.gov
- angela.sims@fultoncountyga.gov
- tmya.tomlinson@fultoncountyga.gov
- seneca.mcrae@fultoncountyga.gov
- dawn.parkman@fultoncountyga.gov
- 404-612-2805
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- (404) 612-2806
Other Contacts1 contacts
- shenika.fhammond@fultoncountyga.gov
Page & Word Limits7 rules
Each party is limited to 15 non-pattern jury charges unless the Court grants written leave to file additional charges.
Each party is limited to 15 NON-pattern jury charges, unless leave to file additional NON-pattern jury charges is sought (and obtained in writing) from the Court.
Non Pattern Jury Charge
Each side is limited to 15 non-pattern jury charges unless written leave to file more is obtained from the Court.
Each side is limited to fifteen (15) NON-PATTERN charges, unless leave to file additional NON-PATTERN charges is sought and obtained (in writing) from the Court.
Non Pattern Jury Charges
Requests for leniency must be in writing, on point, directed to the Court, and limited to two pages.
Any requests for leniency must be in writing, on point and directed to the Court and not others. These requests are to be no longer than two pages in length and may be read by Defendant, the Defendant's family or loved ones or Defendant's attorney.
Leniency Request
2 pages
Victim impact statements must be in writing, on point, directed to the Court, and limited to two pages.
All victim impact statements must be in writing, on point and directed to the Court and not others. They are to be no longer than two pages in length and may be read by the victim, victim's family or loved ones or the prosecutor.
Victim Impact Statement
2 pages
Motions, briefs, and responses are limited to 20 pages absent advance permission; documents filed over the limit without permission may be struck from the record.
Absent advance permission, no party may file a motion, brief, or responses in excess of twenty (20) pages (excluding affidavits, deposition extracts, and other relevant exhibits). Documents exceeding twenty (20) pages which are filed without permission may be struck from the record.
Motion
20 pages
Victim impact statements are limited to two pages and may be read by the victim, victim's family or loved ones, or the prosecutor.
All victim impact statements must be in writing. on point and directed to the Court and not others, They are to be no longer than two pages in length and may be read by the victim. victim's family or loved ones or the prosecutor.
Victim Impact Statement
2 pages
Requests for leniency are limited to two pages and may be read by the Defendant, the Defendant's family or loved ones, or the Defendant's attorney.
Any requests for leniency must be in writing. on point and directed to the Court and not others, These requests are to be no longer than two pages in length and may be read by Defendant, the Defendant's family or loved ones or Defendant's attorney.
Request For Leniency
2 pages
Document Format Requirements18 rules
Proposed verdict forms must be e-mailed to Ms. Thomas in Word format before jury selection.
The parties must also submit their proposed verdict forms to Ms. Thomas via e-mail in WORD FORMAT, prior to jury selection.
DOCX
Jury charges must be submitted to the Court's Senior Staff Attorney in Word format.
Jury charges must be submitted to the Court's Senior Staff Attorney in WORD FORMAT.
DOCX
Proposed orders for standard procedural motions must be emailed to the Litigation Manager in editable WORD format so the Court can make changes.
All such proposed Orders shall be transmitted by email to Ms. McRae in WORD format, such that the Court is able to make any changes amendments to any such proposed Orders.
DOCX
PATTERN jury charges must be listed on a single cover page, numbered and identified by title and paragraph, with only the charge name and paragraph number submitted and no charge text.
PATTERN jury charges shall be listed on a single cover page. Each PATTERN charge shall be numbered and identified by title and paragraph. The substance/content of any such PATTERN charge shall not be put forth. In other words, for PATTERN charges, each party is to submit, in a numbered listing on a cover page, only the PATTERN charge by name and paragraph---- and not the text of each such PATTERN charge.
Each side is limited to 15 NON-PATTERN jury charges unless the Court grants written leave for additional charges.
Each side is limited to fifteen (15) NON-PATTERN charges, unless leave to file additional NON-PATTERN charges is sought and obtained (in writing) from the Court.
DVDs, CDs, and thumb drives must be provided to the court reporter as the original plus one copy, contained in a hard case such as a jewel case.
Regarding DVDs/CDs/thumb drives and the like. provide the court reporter with the original and one copy. They must be contained ina hard case (such as a jewel case).
Orders and judgments presented to the Court must be in WORD format.
Counsel shall promptly prepare orders or judgments to be presented to the Court. Such orders shall be presented to the court in WORD format.
DOCX
Each non-pattern jury charge must appear one to a page and each page must be numbered.
Each NON-pattern jury charge shall be listed one to a page and each page must be numbered.
Proposed Orders must be transmitted in WORD format (DOCX) to Ms. Sims.
All such proposed Orders shall be transmitted by email to Ms. Sims in WORD format, such that the Court is able to make any changes/amendments to any such proposed Orders.
DOCX
Proposed orders must be presented to the Court in WORD format.
Such orders shall be presented to the court in WORD format.
DOCX
Documents e-mailed for the Court's signature, such as proposed orders, must be sent in Microsoft Word format.
Documents e-mailed for the Court's signature (proposed orders, etc.) should be sent in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Motions and other pleadings e-mailed for the Court's review must be sent in .PDF format.
Documents e-mailed for the Court's review (motions and other pleadings) should be sent in .PDF format.
All proposed orders must be submitted to Ms. Sarah Thomas in Microsoft Word format.
All proposed orders should be submitted electronically to Ms. Sarah Thomas in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
The proposed order accompanying a continuance/status conference motion must be in WORD format.
a proposed order in WORD format shall be emailed to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae (Seneca.McRaeqa fultoncountyga.gov)
DOCX
The emailed courtesy copy of all requests to charge the jury must be in Word format.
A COURTESY COPY OF ALL REQUESTS TO CHARGE JURY (PATTERN charge cover page and NON-PATTERN charges) SHALL BE EMAILED TO THE COURT IN WORD FORMAT TO THE COURT'S SR. STAFF ATTORNEY, SARAH THOMAS AT Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountvga,gov, in addition to being emailed to Ms. McRae.
DOCX
Oversized or non-paper exhibits may be submitted as a digital photograph marked with an exhibit sticker; otherwise the court reporter will insert a paper description in their place.
For oversized or non-paper exhibits. such as guns, poster boards. etc... vou may submit a digital photograph ofthe object marked with an exhibit sticker. If no photograph is submitted, then a piece of paper describing the exhibit (such as gun, poster board. ete.) will be inserted by the court repolter in its place as the exhibit attached to the transcript.
Counsel may use electronic devices with voir dire questions, but must bring a paper copy of the anticipated general and individual voir dire questions to court for potential use.
Counsel is permitted to use electronic devices containing his/her/their voir dire questions during the jury questioning phase of the trial. HOWEVER, should the use of such electronic devices during juror questioning interfere with the efficiency of the jury selection process, the Court will compel counsel to utilize a paper copy of the voir dire questions in interacting with the jurors. Accordingly, counsel shall bring to court a PAPER COPY of his/her/their anticipated general and individual voir dire questions for potential use during the voir dire process.
Paper
Proposed orders accompanying ministerial motions must be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word document.
Every ministerial motion (e.g. motion for leave to file a reply brief, for leave to extend discovery, etc.) must be accompanied by a proposed order (with the proposed order submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word document).
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements52 rules
Briefs must not rely on AI-generated case law, and mistake, time constraints, or lack of technical expertise are not accepted as good faith excuses for violations.
Counsel and *pro se* parties are cautioned that mistake, time constraints and lack of technical expertise are not recognized by the Court as a good faith excuse for submission of documents that violate the Georgia Civil Practice Act or this disclosure rule. Accordingly, arguments in briefs to the Court which are supported by AI-generated case law (that is, cases that do not exist or are substantially dissimilar from their presentation to the Court) are not acceptable.
Document Type
Brief
Counsel and pro se parties must disclose any AI use in preparing a filing by signing and filing a Disclosure of Use of Artificial Intelligence before the signature block, using the required certification language.
All counsel and *pro se* parties must disclose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in any capacity to prepare documents submitted to the Court. If AI was used in any way to prepare a filing or submission to the Court or chambers, counsel and/or *pro se* parties are **REQUIRED** to sign and file a Disclosure of Use of Artificial Intelligence at the end of said document, before the signature block, stating as follows:
Document Type
Filing
Parties intending to call witnesses or present deposition testimony must provide two copies of a witness list to the Court and one copy to each opposing party before jury selection.
Any party intending to call witnesses (or present deposition testimony) must provide two copies of a witness list to the Court and one copy to each opposing party prior to jury selection.
Document Type
Witness List
The objecting party must provide a list of disputed deposition page/line numbers with the relevant text to the Court when filing its motion in limine; failure to comply waives the objection.
If the parties cannot agree on what portions of the deposition testimony, if any, should be excluded, the objecting party must prepare a list of page and line numbers at issue and provide it to the Court **at the time it files its motion *in limine*** – along with the relevant text from the deposition(s). Failure to comply with this requirement will constitute a waiver of objection to the challenged deposition testimony.
Document Type
Deposition Objection List
Before jury selection, each party must provide the Court an exhibit list identifying each exhibit by number/letter and a brief description.
Before jury selection begins, each party shall provide the Court with an exhibit list. The exhibit list should include for each exhibit both the exhibit number/letter and a brief description of what the exhibit purports to be.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Pattern jury charges must be listed and numbered on a single cover page by name and paragraph number, and the text of Pattern charges must not be included.
All Pattern jury charges shall be listed and numbered on a single cover page identifying each charge by name and paragraph number. Counsel SHALL NOT include the text of such Pattern jury charges.
Document Type
Pattern Jury Charge List
Each non-pattern jury charge must include the charge text and the supporting case/statute citation.
All NON-pattern jury charges must include the text of each charge and the case/statute citation which supports the respective charge.
Document Type
Non Pattern Jury Charge
Motions must be sufficiently particularized and identify the specific item, statement, or evidence at issue; omnibus motions are prohibited.
Only those motions sufficiently particularized as to provide legal notice to the opposing parties will be considered by the Court. Generalized and omnibus motions are not to be filed, and if filed will be denied as vague, dilatory and in violation of this Order. Motions must specify, with particularity, the item or statement or event at issue and must be tailored to the facts of the case before the Court. Thus, a general motion seeking to suppress any and all statements or any and all evidence is insufficient and will be denied. The motion must identify the specific statement or evidence that the movant is seeking to suppress, as well as provide a theory of suppression.
Document Type
Motion
Proposed orders must be emailed to the Litigation Manager and opposing counsel within three business days of the order's pronouncement.
Unless directed otherwise, proposed orders shall be submitted by email to the Court via the Court's Litigation Manager, Ms. Angela Sims (Angela.Sims@fultoncountyga.gov) and opposing counsel simultaneously and within three business days of the pronouncement of that order or judgment.
Document Type
Proposed Order
An attorney may not appear before the Court until filing an entry of appearance complying with USCR 4.2 or a notice of substitution of counsel complying with USCR 4.3(3).
No attorney shall appear in that capacity before the Court until the attorney has filed an entry of appearance which fully complies with USCR, 4.2 or a notice of substitution of counsel which fully complies with USCR, 4.3(3).
Document Type
Entry Of Appearance
A filed conflict letter does not excuse counsel's appearance unless there is an actual conflict, and counsel failing to follow USCR 17.1 and its subsections will not be deemed to have a conflict.
Counsel should be particularly mindful of the fact that the filing of a conflict letter **DOES NOT** serve to excuse counsel from appearing before the Court unless there is an **actual** conflict. Should counsel fail to follow the guidance of USCR 17.1 and its subsections, counsel **shall not** be deemed to have a conflict, in accordance with USCR 17.1 (A).
Document Type
Conflict Letter
Discovery and motion filing deadlines are set by a Case Specific Scheduling Order entered at Plea and Arraignment, and re-indicted cases remain bound by the original case's CSSO dates absent good cause and court order.
The specific deadlines for discovery and motion filing are provided in accordance with a separate Case Specific Scheduling Order ("CSSO") at Plea and Arraignment ("P &A"). Re-indicted cases are likewise bound by the CSSO dates, notices and published calendars for the originally indicted case, absent good cause shown and further Order of this Court.
Document Type
Case Specific Scheduling Order
Motions for extension of the discovery deadline must be accompanied by a proposed Order for the Court's consideration.
Such motions must provide a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension, including the amount of time actually needed to provide outstanding discovery, along with a proposed Order for the Court's consideration.
Document Type
Motion For Extension
Parties relying on expert testimony must provide written notice to the opposing party including a meaningful summary of the expert's testimony and the expert's qualifications.
Any party seeking to rely on expert testimony at trial (or any evidentiary hearing) must provide written notice to the opposing party. The notice must include a meaningful summary of the expert's testimony, as well as, his/her/their qualifications to serve as an expert witness.
Document Type
Expert Witness Notice
Counsel must email a proposed Order to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae for standard procedural motions such as motions to withdraw as counsel, continuances, and deadline extensions.
Counsel shall ensure he/she/they email, to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae, a proposed Order in connection with any "standard" procedural motions (such as, Motions to Withdraw as Counsel, Motions for Continuance, Motions for Extending Deadline Imposed by the Court and similar such motions).
Document Type
Standard Procedural Motion
Motions to compel discovery must itemize specific, case-specific instances of discovery noncompliance; non-specific 'form' motions seeking generalized disclosure or exclusion will not be considered.
The parties are ordered not to file "form" motions seeking an order compelling the generalized disclosure of discoverable materials or the general exclusion of evidence. Any such non-specific "form" motions will not be considered by the Court. Should a party need to file a motion to compel discovery, the party shall itemize the articulable and case-specific instances in which the party believes the opposing party has failed to comply with discovery obligations.
Document Type
Motion To Compel Discovery
Only sufficiently particularized motions tailored to the facts of the case will be considered; generalized and omnibus motions, including blanket suppression motions, will be denied.
Only those motions sufficiently particularized as to provide legal notice to the opposing parties will be considered by the Court. Generalized and omnibus motions are not to be filed, and if filed will be denied as vague, dilatory and in violation of this Order. Motions must specify, with particularity, the item or statement or event at issue and must be tailored to the facts of the case before the Court. Thus, a general motion seeking to suppress any and all statements or any and all evidence is insufficient and will be denied. The motion must identify the specific statement or evidence that the movant is seeking to suppress, as well as provide a theory of suppression.
Document Type
Motion
A continuance/status conference motion must identify the grounds for the request and include a proposed order.
Such motion shall specifically identify the grounds for the request for continuance and/or conference and. as indicated above. a proposed order in WORD format shall be emailed to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae
Document Type
Motion For Continuance
Pretrial submissions must include all proposed general voir dire questions, a list of potential witnesses (with names and any applicable professional titles/positions), and motions in limine.
a. All proposed GENERAL voir dire Questions b. A list of potential witnesses This witness list will simply provide the Court with the names of any potential witnesses and any applicable professional titles/positions. c. Motions in Limine
Document Type
Pretrial Submissions
NON-PATTERN jury charges must be submitted with the full text of each requested charge, followed by a reference to the case law, statute, or other authority supporting it.
For all NON-PATTERN charges, the parties are required to submit the full text of each such requested NON-PATTERN charge and, below such text, the requesting party shall reference the case law, statute or other authority supporting such requested NNON-PATTERN charge.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
The State must include the applicable portion of the code section for each indicted offense in its submitted jury charges, and those charges do not count against the State's 15 NON-PATTERN charge limit.
Counsel for the State shall also include, within its submitted charges, the applicable portion of the code section for each offense alleged in the indictment; these jury charges will not count against the number of NON-PATTERN charges allowed the State.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Counsel may use electronic devices for voir dire questions but must bring a paper copy of all anticipated general and individual voir dire questions to court as a backup in case electronic use interferes with jury selection.
Counsel is permitted to use electronic devices containing his/her/their voir dire questions during the jury questioning phase of the trial. HOWEVER, should the use of such electronic devices during juror questioning interfere with the efficiency of the jury selection process, the Court will compel counsel to utilize a paper copy of the voir dire questions in interacting with the jurors. Accordingly, counsel shall bring to court a PAPER COPY of his/her/their anticipated general and individual voir dire questions for potential use during the voir dire process.
Document Type
Voir Dire Questions
Counsel must submit all proposed general voir dire questions to the Court, which will confer with counsel before voir dire begins to determine which questions will be permitted.
Counsel shall submit to the Court all proposed general voir dire questions as directed above. Prior to the commencement of the voir dire process, the Court will discuss with the counsel/parties which of their proposed questions will be permitted to be asked.
Document Type
Proposed Voir Dire Questions
All exhibits must be marked before trial begins.
Exhibits SHALL be marked BEFORE trial.
Document Type
Exhibits
Stipulations must be in writing, signed by the parties, and presented to the Court outside the jury's presence; oral stipulations before the jury are prohibited without prior Court permission.
All stipulations must be made in writing. signed by the parties and presented to the Court outside the presence of the jury. No counsel should offer to enter into a stipulation orally in front of the jury. unless prior permission is granted by the Court.
Document Type
Stipulation
Requests for leniency must be in writing, on point, and directed to the Court and not others.
Any requests for leniency must be in writing. on point and directed to the Court and not others,
Document Type
Request For Leniency
Victim impact statements must be in writing, on point, and directed to the Court and not others.
All victim impact statements must be in writing. on point and directed to the Court and not others,
Document Type
Victim Impact Statement
No attorney may appear before the Court until filing an entry of appearance complying with USCR 4.2 or a notice of substitution of counsel complying with USCR 4.3(3).
No attorney shall appear in that capacity before the Court until the attorney has filed an entry of appearance which fully complies with USCR. 4.2 or a notice of substitution of counsel which fully complies with USCR.4.3(3).
Document Type
Entry Of Appearance
A Leave of Absence that is not filed or served pursuant to USCR 16.1 or 16.2, that is filed before entry of appearance of counsel in a case at issue, or that is not served upon chambers stands denied under USCR 16.6.
Note that any Leave of Absence not filed or served pursuant SCR 16.1 or 6.2 or filed prior to entry of appearance of counsel in acase at issue and not served upon chambers. stands DENIED under USCR .6.
Document Type
Leave Of Absence
Plaintiff/Petitioner consolidates the pre-trial order; other parties must provide their portions no later than two business days before the due date, and failure to submit is deemed an election for a non-jury trial.
Unless the parties otherwise agree, Plaintiff/Petitioner shall be responsible for consolidating the pre-trial order. All other parties shall provide their portions of the consolidated pre-trial order to the Plaintiff/Petitioner no later than two business days prior to the due date. Failure to submit a pre-trial order will be deemed an election to proceed with a non-jury trial.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Parties may import their own courtroom equipment with a U.S.C.R. 22 order, but a proposed order must be provided to Ms. Thomas at least one day before trial.
Parties are also free to import their own equipment, although this will require the issuance of an order pursuant to U.S.C.R. 22. Any party seeking such an order must provide a proposed order to Ms. Thomas at least one day before trial.
Document Type
Courtroom Equipment Import Order
Expert notice must include a meaningful summary of the expert's testimony and qualifications.
The notice must include a meaningful summary of the expert's testimony, as well as, his/her/their qualifications to serve as an expert witness.
Document Type
Expert Notice
Motions to compel discovery must itemize specific instances of noncompliance.
Should a party need to file a motion to compel discovery, the party shall itemize the articulable and case-specific instances in which the party believes the opposing party has failed to comply with discovery obligations.
Document Type
Motion To Compel
Proposed Orders must be emailed to Litigation Manager Angela Sims for standard procedural motions.
Counsel shall ensure he/she/they email, to Litigation Manager Angela Sims, a proposed Order in connection with any "standard" procedural motions (such as, Motions to Withdraw as Counsel, Motions for Continuance, Motions for Extending Deadline Imposed by the Court and similar such motions).
Document Type
Standard Procedural Motion
A proposed order in WORD format must be emailed to Litigation Manager Angela Sims.
a proposed order in WORD format shall be emailed to Litigation Manager Angela Sims (Angela.Sims@fultoncountyga.gov)
Document Type
Proposed Order
Motions in limine should be limited to discrete evidentiary or procedural matters, such as admissibility of a specific piece of evidence.
Such motions should be limited to discrete evidentiary or procedural matters, such as the admissibility of a specific piece of evidence.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Pattern jury charges must be listed on a single cover page.
PATTERN jury charges shall be listed on a single cover page.
Document Type
Pattern Jury Charges
Each pattern charge must be numbered and identified by title and paragraph, without reproducing the text of the charge.
Each PATTERN charge shall be numbered and identified by title and paragraph. The substance/content of any such PATTERN charge shall not be put forth.
Document Type
Pattern Jury Charges
For all non-pattern charges, the full text must be submitted and, below the text, the requesting party must cite the supporting case law, statute, or other authority.
For all NON-PATTERN charges, the parties are required to submit the full text of each such requested NON-PATTERN charge and, below such text, the requesting party shall reference the case law, statute or other authority supporting such requested NON-PATTERN charge.
Document Type
Non Pattern Jury Charges
The State must include the applicable code section portion for each offense in its submitted charges, and these do not count toward the State's non-pattern charge limit.
Counsel for the State shall also include, within its submitted charges, the applicable portion of the code section for each offense alleged in the indictment; these jury charges will not count against the number of NON-PATTERN charges allowed the State.
Document Type
Non Pattern Jury Charges
Counsel must submit all proposed general voir dire questions to the Court as directed.
Counsel shall submit to the Court all proposed general voir dire questions as directed above.
Document Type
Voir Dire Questions
Requests for court production orders must be submitted in writing, with inmate identifying information matching GDC records.
For individuals located within the Georgia Department of Corrections system, the requested inmate's identifying information should coincide with the Georgia Department of Corrections' identifying information for that inmate. Counsel parties must submit his/her their request in writing
Document Type
Court Production Order Request
Victim impact statements must be in writing, on point, and directed to the Court.
All victim impact statements must be in writing, on point and directed to the Court and not others.
Document Type
Victim Impact Statement
Requests for leniency must be in writing, on point, and directed to the Court.
Any requests for leniency must be in writing, on point and directed to the Court and not others.
Document Type
Leniency Request
Every ministerial motion must be accompanied by a proposed order submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word document.
Every ministerial motion (e.g. motion for leave to file a reply brief, for leave to extend discovery, etc.) must be accompanied by a proposed order (with the proposed order submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word document).
Document Type
Motion
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed jury charges must be e-filed by the Court-set deadline, with an additional Microsoft Word copy e-mailed to Ms. Thomas by that same deadline.
Counsel must submit to the Court any proposed jury charges in accordance with deadlines set forth by the Court. In addition to e-filing proposed charges, the parties must also e-mail a copy, in Microsoft Word format, to Ms. Thomas by this deadline.
Page 4 | Jury Charges/Verdict Form
Court reporters must e-file all transcripts and accompanying exhibits.
All transcripts, and accompanying exhibits, must be e-filed by the court reporter.
Page 14
Every attorney of record and pro se litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system at www.efilega.com; those e-filing through Peach Court must be registered as a service contact through E-file Odyssey.
If you are e-filing through "Peach Court", you are responsible for ensuring you are registered as a service contact through "E-file Odyssey." Every attorney of record and every pro se litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system. This can be accomplished at www.efilega.com.
Page 2 | II. E-Filing
E-filing is mandatory for civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court.
E-filing is mandatory for civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court.
Page 2 | II. E-Filing
Proposed orders must not be filed with the Clerk of Court because they clutter the case index in the Odyssey system.
Proposed Orders shall not be filed with the Clerk of Court as they unnecessarily clutter the index of case in the Odyssey system.
Page 5 | MOTIONS
All motions must be filed with the Office of the Clerk of Fulton Superior Court.
All motions must be filed with the Office of the Clerk of Fulton Superior Court.
Page 7 | Filing, Courtesy and Service Copies
All transcripts and accompanying exhibits must be e-filed by the court reporter.
All transcripts. and accompanying exhibits. must be e-filed by the court reporter.
Page 25
Due to EFileGa size limits, attorneys must scan each exhibit individually and email them to the court reporter rather than e-filing them.
Due to the size limits of EFileGa. the attorneys are ordered to scan individually and email to the court reporter all exhibits within five (5) business days after final disposition of the case.
Page 25
Proposed Orders must not be filed with the Clerk of Court.
Proposed Orders shall not be filed with the Clerk of Court as they unnecessarily clutter the index of case in the Odyssey system.
Page 3 | MOTIONS - 1. General
Proposed orders must not be filed with the Clerk of Court but instead are submitted to chambers staff.
Proposed orders shall not be filed with the Clerk of Court, inasmuch as, proposed orders have no force and effect in law and arguably serve no other purpose than to unnecessarily clutter the public record.
Page 7 | Proposed Orders
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Motions in limine must be filed no later than one week before the beginning of the trial calendar, unless otherwise specified by the Court.
Unless otherwise specified by the Court, counsel must file motions in limine no later than one week before the beginning of the trial calendar
Page 2 | 7. Motions in limine
Parties needing an interpreter for a trial witness must notify Ms. Thomas at least five business days before trial, specifying the required language skills.
any party needing an interpreter for a trial witness must notify Ms. Thomas at least five business days before trial that an interpreter is needed (and the specific language skills required) such that the Court might timely arrange for proper services.
Page 4 | Interpreters
Motions to compel must be filed after the discovery deadline and no later than the motion filing deadline.
Such a motion shall be filed immediately after the discovery deadline has passed and no later than the "motion filing" deadline.
Page 3 | 3. Compelling Discovery
Motions filed after the motion filing deadline are untimely and will not be considered absent just cause.
Motions filed after the due date are untimely and will not be considered, absent a showing of just cause for the late filing.
Page 3 | MOTIONS - 1. General
Pretrial submissions (proposed voir dire, witness list, motions in limine) must be emailed to the Litigation Manager at least five days before the start of the trial calendar.
day of Trial Calendar Unless the Court directs otherwise, counsel is required to submit, by email to Litigation Manager Angela Sims, AT LEAST five (5) days before the start of the trial calendar the following items: a. All proposed GENERAL Voir Dire Questions b. A list of potential witnesses
Page 8 | 3. Pretrial Submissions Due AT LEAST five (5) days prior to the 1st day of Trial Calendar
Motions concerning identification evidence, confessions, or severance that are filed as motions in limine will be denied as untimely unless good cause is shown.
Such a motion cast as a motion in limine will be denied as untimely, absent good cause shown.
Page 9 | d. Proposed Requests to Charge Jury (preamble)
Due to the size limits of EFileGa, the attorneys are ordered to scan individually and email to the court reporter all exhibits within five (5) business days after final disposition of the case.
Due to the size limits of EFileGa, the attorneys are ordered to scan individually and email to the court reporter all exhibits within five (5) business days after final disposition of the case.
Page 14
A leave of absence does not excuse an attorney from filing a document by its deadline.
A Leave of Absence filed which covers the period in which a filing is due does not absolve the attorney from submitting the filing timely.
Page 3 | 3. Extensions of time
Dispositive motions must be filed within 30 days after the deadline for mandatory mediation, unless otherwise established in the Scheduling Order.
Unless otherwise established in the Scheduling Order, dispositive motions must be filed within thirty (30) days after the deadline for mandatory mediation.
Page 6 | V. Motions - Deadlines
Supplemental discovery must be provided as soon as practicable and no later than 5 business days after receipt of additional discoverable information, documents, or reports.
Any supplemental discovery must be supplemented as soon as practicable--- but in any event no later than five (5) business days after receipt of any additional information, documents, reports or other matters which are subject to disclosure pursuant to applicable criminal discovery statutes.
Page 3 | DISCOVERY - General
Parties must promptly and completely comply with O.C.G.A. § 17-16-4 discovery requirements by the discovery deadline set by the Court in the separate CSSO for each Defendant's case.
The parties shall promptly and completely comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 17-16-4 by the specific discovery deadline communicated by the Court as set forth in the separate CSSO entered in each Defendant's case.
Page 3 | DISCOVERY - General
All outstanding forensic testing requested by either party must be raised by a timely extension motion filed before the discovery deadline to prevent delays to trial and other court deadlines.
Any and all outstanding forensic testing requested by either party, must be brought to the Court's attention by way of timely request for an extension filed PRIOR TO the discovery deadline in order to prevent delays in connection with the trial of the case and/or other court dates and/or court-imposed deadlines.
Page 3 | DISCOVERY - Extensions
Motions to compel discovery must be filed immediately after the discovery deadline passes and no later than the motion filing deadline.
Such a motion shall be filed immediately after the discovery deadline has passed and no later than the "motion filing" deadline.
Page 5 | Compelling Discovery
All motions are due by the motion filing deadline communicated in the CSSO; late motions will not be considered absent a showing of just cause.
The due date for all motions is the specific motions filing deadline, communicated by the Court in the CSSO. Motions filed after the due date are untimely and will not be considered, absent a showing of just cause for the late filing.
Page 5 | MOTIONS
Expert witness notice must be provided at least 14 days before trial and at least 7 days before any evidentiary hearing.
The notice must be provided at least 14 days before trial and 7 days before any evidentiary hearing.
Page 5 | Experts
Untimely motions to suppress, dismiss, or sever defendants that are disguised as motions in limine will not be considered after the filing deadline absent a showing of just cause.
However, untimely filed motions to suppress, to dismiss, or to sever defendants, etc. which are improperly titled or "fashioned" as motions in limine will not be considered after the motion filing deadline has passed, absent a showing of just cause for the late filing.
Page 7 | MOTIONS
Motion filing requirements and deadlines apply to all motions, including immunity motions, demurrers, pleas in bar or abatement, and specified State and Defendant pretrial notices.
The motion filing requirements and deadlines apply to all motions, including O.C.G.A. § 26-3-24 immunity motions as well as demurrers, pleas in bar or abatement and apply to the following notices: (a) State's notice of O.C.G.A. §§ 24-4-404(b), 24-4-413 and 24-4-414 evidence; (b) State's notice of intention to use child hearsay; (c) Defendant's notice of intent to raise issues of incompetency, insanity, or mental illness; (d) Defendant's notice of intent to raise alibi defense; and (e) Defendant's notice of intent to introduce evidence of specific acts of violence by victim against third parties.
Page 7 | MOTIONS
Counsel must email pretrial submissions (proposed general voir dire questions, witness list, and motions in limine) to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae at least 5 days before the start of the trial calendar unless the Court directs otherwise.
Unless the Court directs otherwise, counsel is required to submit, by email to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae, AT LEAST five (5) days before the start of the trial calendar the following items: a. All proposed GENERAL voir dire Questions b. A list of potential witnesses c. Motions in Limine
Page 15 | Pretrial Submissions Due at Least Five (5) Days Prior to the 1st Day of Trial Calendar
Attorneys must email scanned exhibits to the court reporter within five business days after final disposition of the case.
Due to the size limits of EFileGa. the attorneys are ordered to scan individually and email to the court reporter all exhibits within five (5) business days after final disposition of the case.
Page 25
Proposed orders must be submitted within three business days of the pronouncement of the order or judgment.
Unless directed otherwise. proposed orders shall be submitted by email to the Court via the Court's Litigation Manager. Ms. Seneca McRae (Seneca.McRae@ fultoncountyga.gov) and opposing counsel simultaneously and within three business days of the pronouncement of that order or judgment.
Page 27 | Preparation of Orders
All exhibits and demonstrative evidence must be marked and exchanged before the trial begins.
All exhibits and demonstrative evidence must be marked and exchanged **prior to the start of the trial**.
Page 3 | Exhibits
Production requests to Litigation Manager Angela Sims must be received no later than 14 days before the scheduled court appearance.
to Litigation Manager Angela Sims and the production request must be received no later than fourteen (14) days before the scheduled court appearance.
Page 17
Motion filing deadlines do not apply to motions in limine involving discrete evidentiary issues whose significance is not apparent until trial preparation.
These deadlines do not apply to motions in limine involving discrete evidentiary issues, the significance of which is not readily apparent until focused trial preparation.
Page 7 | MOTIONS
Sentence fragment continuing from the prior page imposing a deadline of fourteen (14) days before the scheduled court appearance; the requirement's subject is not contained in this chunk.
later than fourteen (14) days before the scheduled court appearance.
Page 30
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Supplemental discovery must be provided within five business days of receiving additional information subject to disclosure.
Any supplemental discovery must be supplemented as soon as practicable--- but in any event no later than five (5) business days after receipt of any additional information, documents, reports or other matters which are subject to disclosure pursuant to applicable criminal discovery statutes.
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
Expert notice must be provided at least 7 days before any evidentiary hearing.
and 7 days before any evidentiary hearing.
Page 3 | 4. Experts
Expert notice must be provided at least 14 days before trial.
The notice must be provided at least 14 days before trial
Page 3 | 4. Experts
Discovery requests must be served so that responses are due on or before the last day of the discovery period.
All discovery requests must be served early enough such that the responses thereto are due on or before the last day of the discovery period.
Page 4 | IV. Discovery
Written communications sent to the Court must also be sent to counsel of record in the same format, unless a proper ex parte filing.
All written communications this court shall be sent. in the same format sent to the Court, to counsel of record. unless the matter is a proper ex parte filing.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT - General
Electronic service of pleadings, other than the initial Complaint and Summons, is legally sufficient.
This means that electronic service of pleadings, other than the initial Complaint and Summons, is now legally sufficient.
Page 2 | II. E-Filing
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A courtesy copy of any motion for an extension of a deadline must be emailed to Judge Leftridge's chambers via Ms. Sims.
As with all motions, a courtesy copy of any filed motion for an extension of any deadline must be forwarded to Judge Leftridge's chambers via email to Ms. Sims.
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
Counsel must send an emailed courtesy copy of any pending motions from a previous indictment to Ms. Sims within 10 days of reindictment.
An emailed courtesy copy of any pending motion(s) filed under a previous indictment number(s) shall be sent by counsel to Ms. Sims, within 10 days of any reindictment of the case.
Page 5 | Motions and Orders in Re-indicted Cases
Motions requiring a hearing must have emailed courtesy copies received by Litigation Manager Angela Sims or they will not be heard.
If no motions which require a hearing are timely filed, with emailed courtesy copies received by Litigation Manager Angela Sims, your case will not appear on the motions hearing calendar and any such purported motions will not be heard by the Court.
Page 5 | Published Motions Hearing Calendar
When filing motions in limine, a courtesy copy must be emailed to Ms. Sims with opposing counsel copied.
At the time of filing motions in limine with the Clerk's Office, a courtesy copy of the motion(s) in limine shall be attached to an email sent to Ms. Sims with opposing counsel copied on such email.
Page 8 | 3c. Motions in Limine
Courtesy copies of all requests to charge jury must be emailed in Word format to the court's senior staff attorney Sarah Thomas, in addition to being emailed to Ms. Sims.
A COURTESY COPY OF ALL REQUESTS TO CHARGE JURY (PATTERN charge cover page and NON-PATTERN charges) SHALL BE EMAILED TO THE COURT IN WORD FORMAT TO THE COURT'S SR. STAFF ATTORNEY, SARAH THOMAS AT Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountyga.gov, in addition to being emailed to Ms. Sims.
Page 9 | d. Proposed Requests to Charge Jury
A courtesy copy of any and all motions must be emailed to Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas.
To that end, a courtesy copy of any and all motions SHALL be emailed to the Court's Senior Staff Attorney, Ms. Sarah Thomas, to her email address, which again is: Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountyga.gov.
Page 2 | II. E-Filing
As with all motions, a courtesy copy of any filed motion for an extension of any deadline must be forwarded to Judge Leftridge's chambers by email to Ms. McRae.
As with all motions, a courtesy copy of any filed motion for an extension of any deadline must be forwarded to Judge Leftridge's chambers via email to Ms. McRae.
Page 3 | DISCOVERY - Extensions
Parties must email a courtesy copy of each motion to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae in Judge Leftridge's chambers so it is received the same day the motion is filed with the Clerk, and counsel is responsible for confirming receipt.
Parties filing motions are required to deliver a courtesy copy to Judge Leftridge's chambers via email to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae. Courtesy copies of motions must be received by Ms. McRae on the same day the motions are filed with the Clerk's office. It is counsel's responsibility to ensure Ms. McRae received any such emailed courtesy copies.
Page 7 | Filing, Courtesy and Service Copies
Motions requiring a hearing must be timely filed with emailed courtesy copies received by Litigation Manager Seneca McRae, or the motions will not appear on the hearing calendar and will not be heard.
The Court will publish a motions hearing calendar. Ifno motions which require a hearing are timely filed. with emailed courtesy copies received by Litigation Manager Seneca McRae, your case will not appear on the motions hearing calendar and any such purported motions will not be heard by the Court.
Page 9 | MOTIONS
Upon reindictment, counsel must email a courtesy copy of any pending motions filed under the previous indictment number to Litigation Manager Ms. McRae within 10 days of the reindictment.
Counsel must, however. send a courtesy copy of any pendjng motions filed in the previously indicted case to the Court's Litigation Manager. so that the Court may be made immediately aware ofthe existence ofthe Motion pending in the previously indicted case. The need for this is even more amplified when the previously indicted case was assigned to another jurist. ** An emailed courtesy copy of any pending motion(s) filed under a previous indictment number(s) shall be sent by counsel to Ms. McRae, within 10 days of any reindictment of the case.**
Page 9 | Motions and Orders in Re-indicted Cases
When filing motions in limine with the Clerk's Office, counsel must email a courtesy copy of the motion(s) in limine to Litigation Manager Ms. McRae with opposing counsel copied.
At the time of filing motions in limine with the Clerk's Office, a courtesy copy of the motion(s) in limine shall be attached to an email sent to Ms. McRae with opposing counsel copied on such email.
Page 15 | Pretrial Submissions Due at Least Five (5) Days Prior to the 1st Day of Trial Calendar - Motions in Limine
A courtesy copy of all requests to charge the jury (PATTERN cover page and NON-PATTERN charges) must be emailed to the Court's Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas (Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountyga.gov), in addition to being emailed to Ms. McRae.
A COURTESY COPY OF ALL REQUESTS TO CHARGE JURY (PATTERN charge cover page and NON-PATTERN charges) SHALL BE EMAILED TO THE COURT IN WORD FORMAT TO THE COURT'S SR. STAFF ATTORNEY, SARAH THOMAS AT Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountvga,gov, in addition to being emailed to Ms. McRae.
Page 17 | Proposed Requests to Charge Jury
Parties introducing trial exhibits must deliver two hard copies of an exhibit list to the Court (one for the judge, one for the court reporter) and one copy to each opposing party before jury selection.
Any party that intends to introduce exhibits during trial shall provide two hard copies of an exhibit list to the Court (one to the judge and one to the court reporter) and one copy to each opposing party prior to jury selection.
Page 24 | 7. Exhibits
A courtesy copy of motions in limine must be emailed to Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas.
with a courtesy copy of same email to the Court’s Senior Staff Attorney Ms. Sarah Thomas at: Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountyga.gov.
Page 2 | 7. Motions in limine
A courtesy copy of each motion must be emailed to Judge Leftridge's chambers on the same day it is filed.
Parties filing motions are required to deliver a courtesy copy to Judge Leftridge's chambers via email to Litigation Manager Angela Sims. Courtesy copies of motions must be received by Ms. Sims on the same day the motions are filed with the Clerk's office.
Page 4 | MOTIONS - 3. Filing, Courtesy and Service Copies
Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings; electronic copies of pleadings are preferred, while hard copies of lengthy exhibits or attachments are required.
Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court. Electronic copies of pleadings are preferred; hard copies of lengthy exhibits or other attachments are required.
Page 6 | V. Motions - Deadlines
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties must confer before the motions hearing date to discuss narrowing issues, the State's offer, and the Defendant's plea options.
The Court hereby directs the parties to confer before the motions hearing date to determine whether any of the issues set forth in the motions can be narrowed or resolved by agreement and to discuss the State's offer to resolve the case, as well as, Defendant's desire to enter a plea of "guilty"--- or move forward with the motions hearing and trial.
Page 5 | Order to Confer in Advance
Parties must discuss the issue with opposing parties and notify the Court by letter/e-mail demonstrating USCR 6.4 compliance before filing a motion to compel or protective order.
**No party may file a motion to compel or a motion for a protective order without first having discussed the issue with opposing parties.** This stricture applies to disputes with non-parties as well. Motions to compel which do not comply with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.4 will be denied.
Page 5 | IV. Discovery - Disputes
Parties must confer before the motions hearing date to attempt to narrow or resolve issues by agreement and to discuss plea possibilities versus proceeding to the motions hearing and trial.
The Court hereby directs the parties to confer before the motions hearing date to determine whether any of the issues set forth in the motions can be narrowed or resolved by agreement and to discuss the State's offer to resolve the case. as well as. Defendant's desire to enter a plea of"guilty"--- or move forward with the motions hearing and trial.
Page 9 | Order to Confer in Advance
Parties must confer and complete all plea negotiations well before the Final Plea Calendar so that defense counsel can announce at calendar call whether the case will resolve by guilty plea or proceed to trial; no pre-trying or last-minute negotiations are permitted during the calendar.
The Court hereby orders the parties to confer and negotiate with each other well before the date ofthe Final Plea Calendar. such that there will be an announcement from defense counsel. at the calendar call ofthe Final Plea Calendar. as to whether the case is anticipated to resolve that day by guilty plea or whether Defendant desires a trial. There will be no pre-trying cases during the Final Plea Calendar. All negotiations shall be resolved before the commencement of the Final Plea Calendar. The Court is simply and only entertaining announcements from defense counsel as to how his/her client would like to proceed in resolving the case. The progress of the Final Plea Calendar will not be delayed by last minute discussions/negotiations between counsel.
Page 11 | Order to Confer in Advance
State and defense counsel must work together diligently, including defense counsel relaying information to the client, so that all offers and counter-offers are communicated and concluded well before the Final Plea Calendar date.
*** Again. in order to facilitate this mandate, counsel for the State and the defense MUST work together diligently (and defense counsel in relaying information to his/her/their client) to ensure the communication of offers and counter-offers have concluded well before the date of the Final Plea Calendar. ***
Page 11 | Order to Confer in Advance
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Requests for extension of the discovery deadline must be a written motion filed by the deadline, including a detailed factual explanation, time needed, and a proposed order.
Any request for an extension of the deadline within which to serve discovery shall be submitted in the form of a written motion to the Court by the discovery deadline. Such motions must provide a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension, including the amount of time actually needed to provide outstanding discovery, along with a proposed Order for the Court's consideration.
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
Outstanding forensic testing must be raised via a timely request for an extension filed before the discovery deadline.
Any and all outstanding forensic testing, requested by either party, must be brought to the Court's attention by way of timely request for an extension filed PRIOR TO the discovery deadline in order to prevent delays in connection with the trial of the case and/or other court dates and/or court-imposed deadlines.
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
The Final Plea Calendar date will not be reset unless good cause is shown and the Court expressly authorizes it.
The Court will not reset the Final Plea Calendar date absent a showing of good cause and express authorization by the Court.
Page 6 | FINAL PLEA DATE, NEGOTIATED and NON-NEGOTIATED PLEAS / General
Continuance motions must be filed at least 14 business days before the Final Plea Calendar or Trial Date, absent good cause, and must identify the grounds for the request.
In the event counsel desires to seek a continuance from the Final Plea Calendar or the Trial Calendar, counsel must notify the Court by filing a motion for continuance and/or status conference at least 14 business days before the Final Plea Calendar and/or Trial Date, absent good cause shown. Such motion shall specifically identify the grounds for the request for continuance and/or conference
Page 7 | 5. Continuance/Request for Status Conference
A Leave of Absence that is not filed or served pursuant to USCR 16.1 or 16.2, or filed before entry of appearance in a case at issue, or not served on chambers, stands automatically denied under USCR 16.4.
Note that any Leave of Absence not filed or served pursuant USCR 16.1 or 16.2 or filed prior to entry of appearance of counsel in a case at issue and not served upon chambers, stands DENIED under USCR 16.4.
Page 17
Joint agreements to extend deadlines have no legal effect without a court order.
While counsel/the parties may jointly agree to the extension of the discovery period deadline or other Court imposed deadlines, be advised that such agreements are without legal effect without an Order entered by the Court authorizing any such extension(s).
Page 3 | 3. Extensions of time
Extension requests for Scheduling Order deadlines must include a proposed Amended Scheduling Order, prior extension history, discovery status, and a schedule of outstanding discovery.
the deadlines(s) set forth in the Scheduling Order is requested, the moving party shall submit a proposed Amended Scheduling Order, which must include all proposed deadline extensions, as well as, a statement indicating whether the Court has previously granted extension requests. All requests for extensions of the discovery period shall include a basic description of discovery conducted thus far, the requested deadline extension, a specific schedule of outstanding discovery to be completed during the requested extension, and an Page 3 of 8 ===== PAGE 4 ===== explanation as to why the deadline set forth in the original Scheduling Order should be altered.
Page 4 | IV. Discovery
Requests to extend the discovery service deadline must be made by written motion filed by the discovery deadline, with a detailed fact-based explanation including the amount of time actually needed to provide outstanding discovery.
Any request for an extension of the deadline within which to serve discovery shall be submitted in the form of a written motion to the Court by the discovery deadline. Such motions must provide a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension, including the amount of time actually needed to provide outstanding discovery.
Page 3 | DISCOVERY - Extensions
All counsel and defendants must appear at the Final Plea Calendar unless the case was previously resolved or appeared on a prior trial calendar, and the Final Plea Calendar date will not be reset absent good cause and express Court authorization.
All counsel and defendants must appear at the Final Plea Calendar. unless the case was previously resolved or it appeared on a previous trial calendar. The Court will not reset the Final Plea Calendar date absent a showing of good cause and express authorization by the Court.
Page 11 | FINAL PLEA DATE, NEGOTIATED and NON-NEGOTIATED PLEAS
A motion for continuance and/or status conference from the Final Plea Calendar or Trial Calendar must be filed at least 14 business days before the applicable date and must state its grounds, absent good cause.
In the event counsel desires to seek a continuance from the Final Plea Calendar or the Trial Calendar. counsel must notify the Court by filing a motion for continuance and/or status conference at least 14 business days before the Final Plea Calendar and/or Trial Date, absent good cause shown. Such motion shall specifically identify the grounds for the request for continuance and/or conference
Page 13 | FINAL PLEA DATE, NEGOTIATED and NON-NEGOTIATED PLEAS - Continuance/Request for Status Conference
Attorneys must appear at all published calendars and properly noticed court appearances unless a timely Leave of Absence under USCR 16.1/16.2, a conflict letter under USCR 17.1, or express Court excusal applies.
Attorneys are required to appear at all published calendars and properly noticed court appearances. unless a proper Leave of Absence in accordance with USCR. 16.1 or 16.2 or a proper conflict letter in accordance with USCR 17.1 is timely filed--- or the attorney is otherwise expressly excused by the Court.
Page 30 | APPEARANCE AT ALL CALENDARS AND HEARINGS
Continuances from trial calendars are granted sparingly and only for clearly articulated exceptional circumstances; requests for mediation, additional discovery, or awaiting a related case typically will not result in a continuance.
The Court will grant continuances from trial calendars sparingly and only on the basis of clearly articulated exceptional circumstances. Requests to mediate cases, to engage in additional discovery or to await the resolution of some other related case will typically not result in a trial continuance being granted.
Page 1 | 2. Conflicts/Continuances
Counsel must submit all conflicts at least two weeks before the trial calendar and comply with U.S.C.R. 17.1 when proposing a resolution.
Counsel must submit all conflicts at least two weeks before the trial calendar begins and must comply with Uniform Superior Court Rule (U.S.C.R) 17.1 in proposing a resolution.
Page 1 | 2. Conflicts/Continuances
Filing a conflict letter does not release counsel from appearing at trial or automatically result in a continuance.
The mere act of filing a conflict letter does not release counsel from appearing at trial, nor does it automatically result in a continuance. Should a matter that takes precedence over the trial of a case in this Division resolve before or during the trial calendar in this Division, the case in this Division is subject to being called to trial.
Page 1 | 2. Conflicts/Continuances
Requests to extend the discovery period, even by consent, are granted only when exigent circumstances exist.
Requests to extend the discovery period, even by consent, will only be granted when exigent circumstances exist.
Page 2 | III. Case Management - 1. Scheduling Order
Parties seeking an extension of Scheduling Order deadlines must file a formal request specifying the unforeseen circumstances and a completion timetable.
The Court will generally be disinclined to grant extensions of the time periods set forth in the Scheduling Order. However, parties seeking an extension should file a formal request with the Court explaining with specificity the unanticipated or unforeseen circumstances necessitating the extension and should set forth a timetable for the completion of the task(s) for which the extension is sought.
Page 3 | 3. Extensions of time
Sentencing proceeds immediately after conviction, but the Court will consider a continuance upon a good cause showing.
The Court anticipates proceeding with sentencing hearings immediately after any conviction. However, should any party make a good cause showing, the Court will consider continuing the sentencing to a date occurring very shortly thereafter.
Page 16 | SENTENCING HEARINGS - Timing
Sentencing proceeds immediately after conviction, but the Court will consider a continuance to a nearby date upon a good cause showing by any party.
The Court anticipates proceeding with sentencing hearings immediately after any conviction. However. should any party make a good cause showing. the Court will consider continuing the sentencing to a date occurring very shortly thereafter.
Page 28 | Timing
Chambers Communication Rules
All written communications with chambers must be in writing, emailed to the Litigation Manager and/or submitted as hard copies, and copied to counsel of record unless a proper ex parte filing.
While the Court encourages counsel to communicate with chambers, such communication shall be in writing and emailed to the Court's Litigation Manager, Ms. Angela Sims (Angela.Sims@fultoncountyga.gov) and/or hard copies submitted. All written communications this court shall be sent, in the same format sent to the Court, to counsel of record, unless the matter is a proper ex parte filing.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT
Counsel must never email the Judge directly.
In no instance, should counsel directly email the Judge.
Page 2 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT
Parties must contact Angela Sims, Litigation Manager, at (404) 612-2806 to schedule a guilty plea before the Final Plea Calendar.
The parties are directed to contact Angela Sims, Litigation Manager, at (404) 612-2806 to schedule a date for entry of a guilty plea, prior to the date of the Final Plea Calendar.
Page 6 | FINAL PLEA DATE, NEGOTIATED and NON-NEGOTIATED PLEAS / Entering Guilty Pleas
Interpreter requests must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at least five business days before the hearing.
The request for an interpreter must be submitted in writing via email to the court's Judicial Assistant, Ms. T'Mya Tomlinson (TMya.Tomlinson@fultoncountyga.gov) no later than (five) 5 business days prior to the hearing date.
Page 16 | REQUEST FOR COURT SERVICES - Court Interpreter
Counsel must provide email addresses to the Litigation Manager at entry of appearance and ensure emails are monitored or forwarded.
At the entry of appearance ofcounsel, the attorneys are required to provide their email addresses to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae by emailing same to her. If you do not personally check your emails, you must arrange to have your emails forwarded to someone in your office who will be responsible for checking them and informing you of
Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT - Email
Chambers communication must be in writing, emailed to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae and/or submitted as hard copies.
While the Court encourages counsel to communicate with chambers, such communication shall be in writing and emailed to the Court's Litigation Manager, Ms. Seneca McRae (Seneca.McRae@fultoncountyga.gov) and/or hard copies submitted.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT - General
Counsel must never directly email the Judge.
In no instance, should counsel directly email the Judge.
Page 3 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT - Communication with Judge
All questions, explanations, or discussions concerning the case must be submitted by email with a copy to opposing counsel, with appropriate ex parte communications excepted.
submit all questions, explanations or discussions concerning your case by email, with a copy to opposing counsel. Appropriate ex parte communications are excepted from this rule.
Page 3 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT
The proposed order for a continuance/status conference motion must be emailed to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae at Seneca.McRae@fultoncountyga.gov.
a proposed order in WORD format shall be emailed to Litigation Manager Seneca McRae (Seneca.McRaeqa fultoncountyga.gov)
Page 13 | FINAL PLEA DATE, NEGOTIATED and NON-NEGOTIATED PLEAS - Continuance/Request for Status Conference
Once a case is called to trial, the Court will give counsel at least 4 hours' notice to report to Judge Leftridge's courtroom ready to proceed.
The Court will notify counsel, at the contact number offered by counsel, that the case has been called to trial and will give counsel notice of at least 4-hours within which to report to Judge Leftridge's courtroom ready to proceed.
Page 15 | Report for Trial Calendar
Counsel must ensure the Court's Litigation Manager (Seneca McRae) has a working cell phone number and email address so counsel can be contacted immediately to receive a message to report to trial.
it is counsel's responsibility to ensure the Court's Litigation Manager, Seneca McRae, has a working cell phone number and email address upon which counsel can be contacted immediately to receive a message to report to trial.
Page 15 | Report for Trial Calendar
Counsel must never directly email the judge.
In no instance. should counsel directly email the judge.
Page 27 | Preparation of Orders
Unless directed otherwise, proposed orders must be emailed simultaneously to the Court's Litigation Manager (Seneca.McRae@fultoncountyga.gov) and opposing counsel.
Unless directed otherwise. proposed orders shall be submitted by email to the Court via the Court's Litigation Manager. Ms. Seneca McRae (Seneca.McRae@ fultoncountyga.gov) and opposing counsel simultaneously and within three business days of the pronouncement of that order or judgment.
Page 27 | Preparation of Orders
Interpreter requests for non-English speaking defendants must be emailed to Judicial Assistant Dawn Parkman (Dawn.Parkman@fultoncountyga.gov) at least five business days before the hearing.
The request for an interpreter must be submitted in writing via email to the court's Judicial Assistant. Ms. Dawn Parkman (Dawn.Parkman@ fultoncountyga.gov) no later than (five) 5 business days prior to the hearing date.
Page 28 | Request for Court Services - Court Interpreter
Counsel must provide their email addresses to the Litigation Manager at the entry of appearance.
At the entry of appearance of counsel, the attorneys are required to provide their email addresses to Litigation Manager Angela Sims by emailing same to her.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT
Counsel should avoid telephoning chambers except in exceptional circumstances.
To prevent miscommunications and inappropriate ex parte communications, avoid telephoning chambers except in exceptional circumstances.
Page 2 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT
All questions, explanations, or discussions about a case must be submitted by email with a copy to opposing counsel.
To avoid inappropriate ex parte communications, submit all questions, explanations or discussions concerning your case by email, with a copy to opposing counsel.
Page 2 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT
Proposed Orders must be emailed to Litigation Manager Angela Sims.
Counsel shall ensure he/she/they email, to Litigation Manager Angela Sims, a proposed Order in connection with any "standard" procedural motions
Page 3 | MOTIONS - 1. General
Counsel must provide a working cell phone number and email address to the Litigation Manager so counsel can be contacted to report to trial.
it is counsel's responsibility to ensure the Court's Litigation Manager, Angela Sims, has a working cell phone number and email address upon which counsel can be contacted immediately to receive a message to report to trial.
Page 8 | 2. Report for Trial Calendar
The Court will notify counsel by phone with at least 4-hours notice to report to the courtroom for trial.
The Court will notify counsel, at the contact number offered by counsel, that the case has been called to trial and will give counsel notice of at least 4-hours within which to report to Judge Leftridge's courtroom ready to proceed.
Page 8 | 2. Report for Trial Calendar
Attorneys who intend to use exhibits but are unfamiliar with Courtroom 8C evidence presentation technology must email a written equipment training request to Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas no later than 5 business days before trial.
In the event any party intends to utilize exhibits during any hearing, trial or other proceeding and counsel is unfamiliar with the evidence presentation technology in Courtroom 8C, that attorney is required to email a written request for equipment training to the Court's Staff Attorney, Ms. Sarah Thomas (Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountyga.gov). Training can generally be accomplished in fifteen (15) minutes. This request should be submitted in writing to Sr. Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas no later than five (5) business days before the trial date.
Page 17
The Court will not engage in practice by email and will only respond to matters properly filed with the Clerk's office.
the Court will not condone or participate in "practice by email." The Court will only respond to matters that have been properly filed with the Clerk's office.
Page 1 | I. Contacting the Court
Copy opposing counsel, parties, and pro se litigants on all communications with Court staff.
When communicating with the Court, parties are reminded to ensure opposing counsel, parties, and pro se litigants are copied on all communication with the Court staff.
Page 1 | I. Contacting the Court
Counsel should avoid telephoning chambers except in exceptional circumstances.
To prevent miscommunications and inappropriate ex parte communications, avoid telephoning chambers except in exceptional circumstances.
Page 3 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT
To enter a guilty plea before the Final Plea Calendar, the parties must contact Litigation Manager Seneca McRae at (404) 612-2806 to schedule the plea date, and the Court will make every effort to accommodate such requests.
Negotiated and/or non-negotiated pleas may be entered prior to the date of the Final Plea Calendar. The parties are directed to contact Seneca McRae. Litigation Manager. at (404) 612-2806 to schedule a date for entry ofa guilty plea. prior to the date of the Final Plea Calendar. The Court will make every effort to accommodate such requests.
Page 11 | 3. Entering Guilty Pleas
Attorneys unfamiliar with the Courtroom 8C evidence presentation technology must email a written equipment-training request to Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas no later than five (5) business days before the trial date.
In the event any party intends to utilize exhibits during any hearing. trial or other proceeding and counsel is unfamiliar with the evidence presentation technology in Courtroom 8C, that attorney is required to email a written request for equipment training to the Court's Staff Attorney. Ms. Sarah Thomas (Sarah.1Thomas-a fultoncountyga.gov). Training can generally be accomplished in fifteen (15) minutes. This request should be submitted in writing to Sr. Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas no later than five (5) business days before the trial date. Timely email notification to Ms. Thomas is sufficient.
Page 30 | Courtroom Evidence Presentation
Sarah Thomas, Senior Staff Attorney, is the principal contact for all trial matters, reachable by email or phone.
Sarah Thomas, Senior Staff Attorney, is your principal contact on all trial matters. She can be reached at Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountyga.gov and 404-612-2805.
Page 1 | 1. Contacting the Court
Parties must alert the Court if a motion in limine hearing is expected to last more than an hour.
If a party filing a motion in limine believes the motion will require a hearing lasting more than an hour, the party must alert the Court, so that the Court might properly manage the prospective jurors’ schedule.
Page 2 | 7. Motions in limine
General voir dire questions must be submitted to the Court via Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas.
General Voir Dire questions shall be submitted to the Court by way of the Court’s Senior Staff Attorney, Sarah Thomas.
Page 2 | 6. Voir Dire
Email is the primary method of communication with the Court; use the telephone only for exceptional circumstances.
The Court has chosen email as the primary method of communication. Telephone calls to the Court should be reserved for exceptional circumstances.
Page 1 | I. Contacting the Court
Contact Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Thomas by phone or email rather than communicating directly with Judge Lefridge.
Sarah Thomas, Senior Staff Attorney, is your principal contact. Please refrain from communicating directly with Judge Lefridge. Ms. Thomas may be reached by telephone (404-612-2805) or e-mail (Sarah.Thomas@fultoncountyga.gov).
Page 1 | I. Contacting the Court
The Court does not answer legal strategy questions and will not counsel self-represented litigants on legal procedure.
The Court does not answer questions regarding legal strategy or approaches to legal questions. Rather, the Court insists attorneys simply follow applicable Georgia law and all Uniform Superior Court Rules. Please be advised that the Court will not counsel self-represented litigants on the procedure of law.
Page 1 | I. Contacting the Court
The USCR 6.3 oral argument pleading and a proposed rule nisi in Word format must be emailed to Ms. Sarah Thomas.
That Rule 6.3 pleading must also be emailed to Ms. Sarah Thomas along with a proposed rule nisi in Microsoft Word format.
Page 6 | V. Motions - Hearings
Counsel seeking assistance scheduling an Accountability Court referral or interview should contact Litigation Manager Seneca McRae early in the case, preferably before Plea and Arraignment.
The Court encourages counsel to contact Litigation Manager Seneca McRae. early in the pendency of the case. preferably before Plea and Arraignment. ifcounsel is requesting assistance in scheduling an Accountability Court referral or interview.
Page 13 | FINAL PLEA DATE, NEGOTIATED and NON-NEGOTIATED PLEAS - Accountability Court Sentence Recommendations
The Court's certified court reporter is Ms. Shenika Hammond, who may be reached by email at Shenika.FHammond@fultoncountyga.gov.
This Court's certified court reporter is Ms. Shenika Hammond. Her email address is Shenika.FHammond| a fultoncountyga.gov.
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