Since May 19, 2025…
After being sworn in on May 19, 2025, Inez immediately got to work identifying
what issues of concern needed to be addressed. She recognized that the employees
were a valuable resource and leaned on them heavily to streamline our arraignment,
jail and caseload processes.
Arraignment
The Solicitor’s Office averages three to four hundred people attending arraignment on Thursdays and 300-350 on Fridays twice a month. Our office has significantly decreased those wait times for those appearing for arraignment. During this time, each individual has the opportunity to discuss their citation with Inez or an assistant solicitor. In speaking with each member of our community, we’re able to assess their argument, explain the prosecution side as well as discuss various possible solutions for each person. After reaching a full understanding, the individual is able to determine if they would like to reach a resolution for their case. Since their questions are ideally answered at this point, a large number of people typically choose to resolve their cases which has decreased trials significantly.
Caseload Processes
Since appointment, Inez has also been able to reduce caseloads for her staff through implementing an expansion of our PTD program by making it more available to those who qualify. These are low level, non-violent (which some exceptions) and first offense cases. The program utilizes a variety of educational programs which are available in a virtual format. With this format, our participants are able to choose a time when they can actively listen and particpate resulting in a much higher completion rate for our program. It also allows for tailoring of programs to educate and reduce repeat offenders. Lastly, this program has allowed for a greater community outreach by participants and our staff.
Within weeks of taking office, Inez became aware of a large number of cases from 2022-2023 that had yet to be scheduled for hearings. Naturally concerned, she worked diligently until the cases that could be resolved reached resolution and the remainder were scheduled for trial. Additionally, her team of highly skilled prosecutors have worked to elevate their review of cases to filing with the Clerk to be much more efficient.
Our prosecutors are also tasked with reviewing and determining charges within 60 days of any domestic violence arrest. They must review each file for any pending case or new violation when a matter is pending and file appropriate motions regarding the new criminal case. For other crimes, such as DUI, our team is striving for a 90-day determination date.
To improve efficiency further, one prosecutor is assigned specifically to handle our participation in all accountability courts, with the exception of DUI Court which that prosecutor is the back-up for. This has allowed our office to work much more closely with Truancy Review Court, HELP Court, and Family Treatment Court. It’s also allowed for the input on bonds with Magistrate Court to ensure safety of victims and fair release amounts for Defendants.
DUI Court
Judge Baldwin and the DUI Court Treatment Team determined Hall County was moving to a voluntary program. Inez has worked closely with our DUI Court Team to identify individuals who may be eligible for the program. Our office sends notice along with a short explanation of the program to invite these individuals who would benefit from the program to a short informational session to learn more. The prosecutors have these cases accused so that if the person does decide to move forward with participation, their case is ready. This takes a signifcant period of time for review, but the benefits far outweigh the time required.
Jail Inmate Population
There is a signifcant number of arrests in Hall County in which those detained are not readily able to post bond. Since our office is now appearing in Magistrate Court for committal calendars, we are becoming more aware of these individuals. The office is responsible for preparing and processing inmates before each of the three State Court Judges weekly. These court dates routinely see 10-20 inmates for each Judge. This is a very quick turnaround in our office to receive the reports, accuse the case, review, and design a recommendation. However, this policy has allowed the jail to reduce the inmate count and increase resolution of many cases that would have otherwise been stagnant for months.
While in office, Inez has also noticed that many are repeat offenders with significant mental health issues. She’s made incredible efforts to work alongside mental health providers, NEGMC, and local law enforcement to determine better solutions than arresting and jailing these individuals.
The Solicitor's Office Now
The Solicitor’s Office is structured into teams. Each team is assigned to a State Court Judge. While this works very efficiently, prior to her appointment, Inez realized that these teams worked in a vacuum among themselves. She has since created an “Office Team” atmosphere and now each team supports anyone that’s in need of assistance. This has increased our productivity and morale significantly.
The front office is now equipped with more people and better technology. They operate in a kind, approachable, helpful manner for each person that visits our office.
The Clerk of Court informed Inez that our office processed 18,400 traffic citation in 2025. Considering that she was in office more than half of that year, it stands to reason that Inez has increased productivity exponentially in a time-reducing manner due to her changed which has clearly impacted the efficiency of this office.
Donate Today
Inez Grant is committed to making our justice system fair, impartial, and accountable to the people it serves. With your support, we can build a safer, stronger Hall County. Every contribution makes a difference.