Essential Rights and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Georgia and Alabama residents are in a state of upheaval due to the current COVID-19 pandemic health crisis. Governors, mayors and other leaders are issuing instructions and declaring medical states of emergency in order to take drastic measures to control the spread of this virus. These measures are for the health and safety of all Americans, and everyone has a duty to respond appropriately.

Many may be wondering about their legal rights during this crisis. Rest assured that your legal protections under the Constitution of the United States, including the right to due process of law, are still in force and absolutely valid. The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown, with locations in Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL, remains open to provide the professional legal representation and counsel you require.

Georgia State and Local Court Proceedings

In Georgia, a statewide judicial emergency was enacted following the declaration of a state health emergency, which remains in effect through April 13 at the time of this writing. All Georgia courts will still take up matters dealing with protections for health, safety and liberty, and the matters and methods of each court varies. Furthermore, all Georgia judicial circuits are operating on a limited basis, but schedules vary between districts. Essential matters may vary between judicial districts, but should commonly include:

• Immediate safety or liberty concerns
• Criminal warrants, appearances and bond hearings
• Protection orders
• Child safety or custody orders
• Mental health hearings
• Other matters deemed necessary by the presiding judge

Attorney Dwayne L. Brown and his team remain in constant contact with judicial officials throughout the State of Georgia in order to serve clients’ needs effectively while still protecting their health. For specific concerns or questions about a particular case or legal matter, call our Atlanta office for information or counsel.

Alabama State and Local Court Proceedings

Alabama state and local judicial districts have suspended in-person court proceedings from March 16 through April 16, 2020. This order is subject to change as conditions change. Those legal proceedings deemed necessary to protect the rights of the people will continue, and they include, but are not limited to:

• Bond-related matters
• Plea agreements
• Protections from abuse
• Emergency child protections and custody
• Temporary injunctions
• Emergent proceedings needed by law enforcement
• Certain trials already in progress

The presiding judge or his or her designee in each circuit is to determine the appropriate manner through which to carry out these matters, including the use of teleconferencing when necessary. Attorney Dwayne L. Brown receives regular updates on matters of the courts throughout Alabama in order to serve your needs during this health crisis. For specific questions about pending or new legal matters for which we provide services, call our Montgomery, AL office.

Legal Services to Serve the Residents of Georgia and Alabama

The Law Offices of Dwayne L. Brown are open and ready to serve the legal needs of the people of Alabama and Georgia. Life continues and residents of GA and AL will need important legal advice and protections throughout the current crisis. Our legal counsel and representation include matters of:

• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Workers Compensation
• Car, Tractor-Trailer and Motorcycle Accidents
• Premises Liability

Residents of Georgia and Alabama have come to expect the most professional and highest-quality legal services from our firm. In fact, The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown was voted Preeminent for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence by our legal peers. Our experienced and talented legal team has the capabilities and know-how to serve you effectively while keeping you safe and protecting your health. Call our Atlanta, GA or Montgomery, AL offices, or send a message online, and allow us to provide the legal assistance you require during the current health crisis.