The State Court of Bibb County will resume in-person proceedings in misdemeanor cases beginning Friday, May 22, 2020. While resuming in-person proceedings, the Court seeks to balance the needs of public safety, the protection of victims, the rights and health of individual defendants, and the health and safety of lawyers and Court staff.

After consultation with officials from the North Central District Health Office and in compliance with their recommendations and the CDC’s guidelines, the Court has implemented numerous measures to protect all who appear in Court. These measures include screening all individuals at the Courthouse entrance and requiring all individuals to wear facial coverings and to maintain six (6) feet of separation from others.

The Court added additional court sessions to reduce the number of people present. The courtrooms have assigned seating to maintain social distancing standards. The courtrooms are open to the public; however, defendants are strongly encouraged to attend alone, so that distances can be more easily maintained. Bringing children to Court is particularly discouraged.

The Court is also conducting criminal proceedings by video. Any defendant who would like to avoid appearing in person on a misdemeanor case in the State Court of Bibb County should contact the Solicitor General’s Office (478-621-6572), at least seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled Court date. Leaving a voice mail does not relieve the defendant of the requirement to appear on the scheduled Court date.

Any defendant who is in a high-risk category (including over the age of 65) or has a COVID-19 related basis to be excused from Court should contact the Solicitor General’s Office (478-621-6572), at least seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled Court date. Leaving a voice mail does not relieve a defendant of the requirement to appear on the scheduled Court date.

Failure to appear for a schedule Court date may result in a warrant for the defendant’s arrest.