A Message from Andersen, Tate & Carr
Greetings to all of our clients, family, friends, and associates. We know that these are scary, uncertain times. Many of you are wondering how key businesses you depend on day-to-day will continue to operate.
This message will answer questions you may have regarding the path Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C. will take moving forward in light of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Rest assured that we are preserving all business functions to the best of our ability. If you have an ongoing transaction, case or other matter, we are still managing it.
We are following guidelines recommended by health and epidemiology experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).
Governor Brian Kemp has passed a statewide shelter-in-place executive order effective Friday, April 3rd, 2020. Although law firms are exempt from closure, the majority of business operations at Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C. have moved to remote interactions. During any necessary outings, we are following social distancing guidelines to keep our communities safe.
With regards to civil and criminal litigation, we are working hard to proceed with your case amid courthouse closures and other adjustments made for public health and safety.
Current Clients Can Expect Their Matters to Continue
If you are a current client, your attorney should reach out to you soon with an update on your matter. They will explain any adjusted expectations you should have, and inform you regarding any actions you can take to aid the progression of your case.
You can review the current status of some of the local the court systems below:
- Gwinnett County Courts — Public offices closed until at least April 13, likely later, excepting those entering in a criminal plea in-person. Social distance-compliant services are being offered via web-hosted technologies. Civil documents can be filed online 24/7.
- Forsyth County Courts — Offices are opened on a limited basis from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Trials involving civil cases have been suspended through April 28. Online filing available. Temporary free access to the Cooperative Authority search site provided.
- Fulton County Courts — All hearings and jury trials suspended until further notice. No public facility closures announced to date, but services operating in a limited capacity.
Those in Need of Counsel Can Still Reach Out to Us for Experienced Legal Representation
If you have recently been injured, arrested, or have need of legal representation for business or other purposes, know that we are still taking new clients. Do not hesitate to contact us at 770.822.0900 or via our online form.
We can review your matter remotely via your preferred communication technology, such as through the phone or teleconferencing software.
For most matters, essential activities like hearings may be conducted through digital paperwork, teleconferencing, or other means. Taking the first steps now can ensure that your case or transaction runs more smoothly and that you can get your essential legal questions answered, helping you determine a strategy for moving forward.
We Can Still Provide You Essential Legal Services
The majority of litigation and transactional activities can be handled through digital means or postponed until a later date. For a select few of our clients, though, it may be absolutely necessary to arrange certain services requiring an in-person appointment or a physical visit to a location, such as a courthouse.
In the event that you absolutely need to come to the office or fulfill a vital duty, such as filing a key piece of paperwork, your activities will likely qualify as “essential business.”
We Can Provide Legal Defense for Shelter-in-Place Violation Arrests
While we should all do our part to maintain quarantine guidelines, it is understandable that some of us could be found in places or engaged in activities that authorities may deem “non-essential.” You may even be fined or arrested for an alleged violation of a shelter-in-place order.
In the event of your arrest, Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C. can provide a defense attorney to represent you. We work to reduce your charges, have them dropped, or seek the optimal outcome for your case.
We Stand Together During This Trying Time
Please, do everything you can to respect the guidelines established by our public health experts. Do not violate the statewide shelter-in-place order. We will accommodate you in any way possible. Let us know how we can best serve you during these times.
Give us a call at 770.822.0900 if you have any questions — about your case or your legal rights in general. We are here for you.