What does a Solicitor General do?
Prior to 1996, this office was known as the “Solicitor,” a title that was used from 1865. In 1996, the title was re-named as the Solicitor General to align the position with the similar in the Federal system.
The term solicitor is sometimes used locally to refer to this office. In 21 counties, including Hall County, the Solicitor General is a full-time official with a staff of assistants, investigators and administrative personnel
There are 40 counties which utilize part-time officials who may maintain private law practices.
Some counties in Georgia do not have a State Court and those counties utilize the District attorney’s office to prosecute misdemeanor crimes along with the felony charges for which a district attorney is solely responsible.
Hall County Solicitor General, Inez Grant currently holds this elected position after having been appointed by Governor Brian Kemp.
The number one goal of the office is not to achieve victory, but to ensure justice is served to each citizen of Hall County, Georgia.
Thus, Hall County Solicitor General, Inez Grant oversees an office which is solely responsible for the prosecution of all misdemeanor crimes in the State Court of Hall County. This includes a wide range of offenses, such as domestic violence, DUI, theft, and property crimes. The Solicitor General also prosecutes traffic violations, including those bound over from the three municipal courts in Hall County, Georgia. Additionally, The Solicitor General represents the State in all appellate matters related to the cases they prosecute.
Hall County Solicitor General’s office also provides assistance to victims of misdemeanor crimes through its victim-witness advocates. The office also provides a pre-trial diversion program that are deemed eligible for participation.
What is Misdemeanor Crime?
Misdemeanor crimes consist of any crime punishable by a maximum of 1 year in jail or less.
Misdemeanor Crimes Against Persons
Misdemeanors include crimes against persons such as:
- Battery
- Domestic violence
- Simple assault
- Simple battery
- Stalking
Misdemeanor Property Crimes
Misdemeanors may also include property crimes such as:
- Criminal damage to property (less than $500)
- Criminal trespass
- Theft by shoplifting (less than $300)
- Theft by taking (less than $500)
Misdemeanor Traffic Violations
Traffic violations occurring in the county and those bound over from municipal courts for jury trials are also be prosecuted in State Court, including, but not limited to:
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Fleeing and attempting to elude
- Hit and run
- No driver’s license, suspended license or other licensing violations
- Any other moving, tag, or license violations listed under title 40 section 6 of the Official Code of Georgia
Victim witness advocate program
The mission of the Victim Witness Advocate Program is to provide quality and compassionate assistance to all victims and witnesses in the cases that are prosecuted by the Hall County Solicitor General’s office. Victim Advocates are here to assist victims and witnesses through all stages of the criminal process.
Once a case is referred to the Solicitor General’s Office, any victim of a crime is eligible to receive assistance through one of our advocates.
The Victim-Witness Advocate Program is staffed by Victim Advocates whose primary focus is on the needs of the victim. The advocates address the trauma of victimization through:
1. Referrals for community resources that will address specific needs;
2. Orientation for your court appearances;
3. Support during the process;
4. Case status and disposition information;
5. Property return and information about possible restitution.
Accountability Courts
Hall County Solicitor General’s Office is committed to all of the Northeastern Judicial District Accountability Courts.
This commitment includes assigning an assistant solicitor to the accountability courts and representing the State for each misdemeanor participant. The office participates weekly in screening cases while reviewing charges to determine if the accused would benefit from the multi-level approach of accountability courts.
The Solicitor General and the assistant solicitors engage in regular training and meetings to ensure they are providing the highest level of participation.
The available accountability courts in the Northeastern Judicial Circuit cover a wide range of issues present in our community. The Solicitor General attends DUI Court, Family Treatment Court, Parental Accountability Court, Veteran’s Court and H.E.L.P. Court.
Pre-Trial Diversion
Hall County Solicitor General has a pre-trial diversion program. Again, each case is carefully screened to determine if an accused is eligible for the program. Eligibility is based on the nature of the crime, the accused’s criminal history and the likelihood of successful completion. Each case is handled in a personalized manner to allow the accused and victim to benefit from the experience.
Commonly asked questions regarding pre-trial diversion are answered below:
What is pre-trial diversion?
Pre-trial diversion, (commonly referred to as PTD) is an alternative to traditional court prosecution. It allows some first offenders, and low-level offenders with minor criminal histories to complete specific courses, programs or counseling that address issues directly related to their charges. The program director and case manager will implement the recommendations from the prosecutor to ensure compliance. Recommendations could require in-person or online courses for the charges pending against the participant. Many options are available such as anger management, theft courses, decision and law-making, rules of the road, and victim impact panels in addition to community service. Restitution may be requested as well as some other fines.
What offenses are eligible for pre-trial diversion in state court?
The program may be available for such offenses as shoplifting, loitering and prowling, criminal trespass, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce are some examples. Some less serious misdemeanor offenses with the requisite screening and approval may meet the criteria for pre-trial diversion as well.
What happens once PTD is successfully completed?
Individuals who successfully complete our diversion program will have their case fully dismissed and their record restricted.
What happens if the program is not successfully completed?
Upon entering the program, the participant signs a waiver of arraignment and chooses between a jury trial or bench trial. If the program is not successfully completed, the pending charges will be placed on the next available trial calendar, either jury or bench based on the participant’s waiver. The case will be handled through the traditional criminal justice process with court calendars, including a criminal trial which may result in an adverse effect on the participant’s criminal record/history.
What is the cost of the program?
The participation fee will be determined by the prosecutor, program director and will consider the individual circumstances of each participant.
Questions?
Have more questions about how Inez Grant serves the Hall County community as Solicitor General? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us today!
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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.