The Office of the Solicitor General, under the leadership of Keith E. Gammage, is to obtain smart, fair and restorative justice by pursuing a holistic, progressive approach to the criminal justice system which emphasizes public safety, criminal justice reform, community education and the fair, efficient resolution of traffic and misdemeanor criminal matters. The duties of the Office of the Solicitor General of the State Court of Fulton County are to investigate, charge, and prosecute misdemeanor violations of Georgia statutes and county ordinances that occur in Fulton County. The Solicitor General ensures that all persons involved in the criminal process are treated in a courteous and professional manner.
The Office of the Solicitor General:
- Prosecutes misdemeanor cases and violations of the county code in State and Magistrate Court, such as Simple and Family Violence Battery, Simple Assault, Stalking, Driving Under the Influence, Shoplifting, Abandonment of Minor Child, and Criminal Trespass.
- Conducts bench trials, jury trials, and hearings in state court and represents the State in appellate matters.
- Negotiates pleas and may refer appropriate cases to Pretrial Intervention or Diversion Programs, when eligible, in lieu of a criminal conviction.
- Provides information, resources, and support to victims of crime.
- May recommend sentences of up to twelve (12) months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines and probation. ($5,000 for High and Aggravated Misdemeanors)
- May investigate charges, meet with the arresting officers, victims and interview witnesses to prepare for court proceedings.
- Prosecutes cases bound over from Municipal Courts in other Fulton County jurisdictions.
- Handles administrative hearings for welfare fraud and child abandonment cases