FAQ
How long does it take for a case to be processed and get an assigned court date?
Once our office receives a case file from a law enforcement agency, it is immediately reviewed. The case then begins its journey through the criminal justice process. Each case is unique, and the rate at which a court date is scheduled is effected by many different factors. It is important to note that the District Attorney’s Office does not schedule court dates. The court dates and dockets are scheduled by the Superior Court Judges’ Offices. The public may access these court dockets on this website under each Superior Court Judge’s tab. If you are a victim of a crime and would like to opt in for court notifications, you may reach out through our office’s main line and speak with one of our victim advocates. You may also find advocate email addresses under the “Victim Services” tab.
How do I change my mailing address for court notices?
Change of address requests must be made in person at the Columbia County Clerk of Court’s Office in the Justice Center at 640 Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans, GA, 30809.
I am a bond holder on a case that was just sentenced. What is the process of getting the bond back?
Once a case is sentenced, the final paperwork to release a cash bond is generated by the District Attorney’s Office and forwarded to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office as holders of the bond in Superior Court cases. This process may take up to two weeks. Please contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office with any questions at 706-541-1042/1043.
What is my role as a victim of a crime in Columbia County?
An initial contact letter is mailed out to victims of crime in Columbia County as soon as our office receives the case from the lead law enforcement agency. If you would like to opt in to notifications on your case, you should contact our office. The Victim Assistance Program will then notify you of all court proceedings throughout the prosecution of the case. It is the responsibility of the victims to provide a current phone number (or email) and physical address and keep us informed of any changes to either. Failure to do so may result in our office not being able to keep you up to date on the status of your case.
Will I be notified if the accused bonds out of jail?
It is the responsibility of the custodial authority to notify a crime victim of the accused's release from custody. You may contact the Columbia County Jail at 706-541-0754 to make sure that they have a valid contact number for you. It is your responsibility to notify them should that number change.
Do I have to attend court?
The victim in a case is the main witness for the prosecution. The vast majority of cases resolve without the necessity of a trial and your presence; however, if the accused demands a trial, you will be subpoenaed to court. We understand that this can be a very emotional and traumatizing ordeal. In the event a trial is necessary, the prosecutor assigned to the case and a victim advocate will meet with you prior to that time and explain the entire trial process to you. Again, you are welcome to attend the various court proceedings leading up to a trial, but the only time you will be required to appear is if you receive a subpoena.
Can I dismiss the case?
The victim of a crime does not have the right to drop charges in a case. Crimes are against the community and the State of Georgia and not just the listed victim. A victim may REQUEST that charges be dismissed by completing a Dismissal Request form in person at the District Attorney's Office. The completion of this form does not guarantee a dismissal of the case. The prosecutor will review your wishes, the severity of the case facts, and the criminal history of the accused. The ultimate decision is up to the prosecutor. Please note that your completion of this form also forfeits any right to case notifications from that point forward. The accused will be notified through his/her attorney should the case be dismissed.
How do I complete a Dismissal Request?
Dismissal requests are ONLY accepted in person at the District Attorney's Office on Thursdays from 9 AM to Noon. You must bring a valid photo ID with you. No appointment is necessary; however, you must allow a few days from the date of arrest to make sure that our office has received the necessary paperwork from the law enforcement agency before a request can be completed.
The judge placed a "no contact" order on the bond of the accused. I want contact with the accused. How can I have that changed?
The District Attorney's Office does not initiate changes to a bond order. The accused must hire an attorney or have one appointed by the Public Defender's Office. That attorney will then file a motion on behalf of the accused to amend the "no contact" bond condition to a "no violent contact" condition of bond. A hearing will then be scheduled before the assigned judge. The assigned judge will likely want to hear from the victim at the hearing to confirm that this is the wish of the victim. The ultimate decision is that of the judge.
Is there any financial assistance available for crime victims?
Yes, you may apply for financial assistance in several different areas, including medical, funeral, loss of wages, loss of support, and counseling. Unfortunately, property damage/loss is not covered under victims' compensation. There is an application process and there are requirements that must be met. Any award decision is made by the Georgia Crime Victims' Compensation Program and not our office. We are simply a referral agency. You may obtain an application or learn additional information by contacting our office or by visiting the Criminal Justice Coordinating Site.
The accused in my case was sentenced to prison time. How do I keep up with the status in prison?
The Georgia Office of Victim Services in Atlanta will keep you posted on the custody of the inmate and any consideration of parole, but you must register with them. You can register and learn additional information about the parole process online at Georgia Offices of Victim Services | State Board of Pardons and Paroles.