The Trial Division is responsible for managing criminal cases from investigation and charging to plea bargaining and jury trial. In Athens-Clarke County, the Trial Division prosecutes all felony crimes ranging from theft and burglary to armed robbery and murder. In Oconee County, the Trial Division prosecutes both felonies and misdemeanors that occur within the county, including charges from misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges to armed robbery and murder. Each Trial Division team generally consists of two Assistant District Attorneys (“ADAs”), an investigator, and a victim advocate.
Members of the highly-qualified Trial Division staff are experienced and dedicated professionals who handle bond hearings, motions, trials, and revocations of probation. These teams thoroughly investigate each case to determine whether it is in the interests of justice and community safety to file charges and, if so, what charges are most appropriate. The Trial Division pursues and prosecutes cases that best serve the interests of the victims and the safety of our community. The Trial Division is specifically tasked with prioritizing crimes that pose the gravest threat to innocent members of our community such as murder, armed robbery, aggravated stalking, aggravated battery, homicide by vehicle, and kidnapping.