There are many steps in a criminal case, and each step is important in coming to a resolution. Calendar calls are no exception. Calendar calls allow the judge to hear about updates in your case and decide how to move forward. Keep reading to learn more about calendar calls and why it is important that you have a criminal defense attorney for a calendar call.
What is a calendar call?
A calendar call is a pre-trial meeting with a judge and the representatives for each party, typically the defense attorney and prosecutor, to determine whether a trial or future hearing is necessary and to schedule a date for the trial or hearing.
What happens during a calendar call?
During a calendar call, there are typically many cases scheduled to be called. Calendar calls can have as few as 10 cases on the calendar and as many as over 60.
Generally, the judge will ask about case updates and whether the case still needs to go to trial. If the case needs to be set for trial, the judge will set a hearing date. If the case does not need to go to trial, the judge may set a future hearing to address any issues. For example, the judge may schedule another calendar call at a later date to give the attorneys more time to prepare their cases.
Why do you need a lawyer for a calendar call?
A calendar call usually happens after the case has progressed rather than at the beginning of a case. As a result, motions must be filed before the calendar call, such as motions to suppress. If the motions are not filed before the calendar call, you may lose the ability to file the motion with the court. It is important that you have a criminal defense attorney because they can make sure that important motions that may be the difference between an acquittal or conviction are filed before the calendar call.
Your criminal defense attorney can also inform the judge of important case updates during the calendar call and speak with the prosecutor before the calendar call to potentially come to a resolution.
Do I have to attend the calendar call?
For in-person calendar calls, most judges require that someone attend the calendar call. This means your attorney can attend the calendar call on your behalf. However, if neither you nor your lawyer attends the calendar call, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest for failing to appear. It is crucial that you attend the calendar call or your lawyer attends on your behalf.
Have questions? Give me a call.
Navigating the criminal legal system can be confusing. I have decades of experience fighting for clients at all stages of their cases, including calendar calls. I know the players in the Georgia criminal court, and I am here to help you reach a resolution in your case. If you need a criminal defense attorney or have legal questions, give me a call today!
