In English
This contains general answers to questions that you may have about your case. For detailed answers, you should consult the Rules of the Office of State Administrative Hearings.
1. What if I cannot come to the hearing when it is scheduled?
2. Do I have to send anything to the Administrative Law Judge before the hearing?
4. What will happen if I do not attend the hearing?
5. What if I can't be at the hearing when it is scheduled?
7. What happens if I am late to the hearing?
10. Can I ask the other side about my case?
11. Can I talk to the Administrative Law Judge about my case?
12. What should I bring to the hearing?
13. Will my hearing be like a trial?
14. What if I can't speak English?
16. When will my case be decided?
What if I cannot come to the hearing when it is scheduled?
You must have a good reason to ask for a different hearing date. You must write the Administrative Law Judge to ask for a different hearing date. This should be done as soon as possible.
Do I have to send anything to the Administrative Law Judge before the hearing?
No, you do not have to send anything to the Administrative Law Judge before the hearing. It is very important for you to come to the hearing. If you don't come to the hearing you may lose your case.
Where is the hearing?
The hearing site is listed in the Notice of Hearing for your case. Hearings are held at various locations throughout the State.
What will happen if I do not attend the hearing?
It is important to attend the hearing. If you do not appear, your case can be decided without your input.
What if I can't be at the hearing when it is scheduled?
You must have a good reason to change the hearing date. You must explain your reason to the Administrative Law Judge in writing and send a copy of your letter to the other side. This should be done as soon as possible.
What if I am disabled?
Please call the Case Management Assistant for your case (listed on your Notice of Hearing) to request accommodations.
What happens if I am late to the hearing?
The Administrative Law Judge may dismiss your case if you are more than 15 minutes late. It is important to be on time.
Do I need a lawyer?
You must decide the answer to this question. The Administrative Law Judge will explain what to expect at the hearing. The Administrative Law Judge may not help either side or offer legal advice.
How do I find a lawyer?
You can call the State Bar of Georgia for help in finding a lawyer. The telephone number is (800) 334-6865.
If you have limited income, a lawyer from the Georgia Legal Services Program may be able to help you. The telephone number for the Georgia Legal Services Program is (800) 498-9469. If you live in Atlanta, a lawyer from the Atlanta Legal Aid Society may help you. The telephone number is (404) 524-5811.
Can I ask the other side about my case?
Yes. You may discuss your case with the other side. You may ask the other side for more information. It is possible to work out your case before the hearing.
Can I talk to the Administrative Law Judge about my case?
The Administrative Law Judge may not talk to you about your case before the hearing. If you write to the Administrative Law Judge about your case, you must send a copy of your letter to the other side. If you have a question about your case, you may contact the Case Management Assistant for your case.
What should I bring to the hearing?
The hearing is your chance to tell your side to the Administrative Law Judge. You should bring what you will need to help you remember important details about your case. You should bring any documents that are important to your case. If there are people who have knowledge of important facts, you should bring them to the hearing. If you need them, the Case Management Assistant for your case can send you subpoenas.
Will my hearing be like a trial?
Your hearing will be similar to a court trial without a jury. The Administrative Law Judge will make a decision based only on the evidence that is presented at the hearing. Usually, the evidence will include the testimony of witnesses and the documents that relate to the case.
What if I can't speak English?
You should bring someone who can speak English to the hearing.
What if I have moved?
You should call the Case Management Assistant for your case with your new address.
When will my case be decided?
The judge will decide your case with a written decision. You will be sent a copy of your decision as soon as it is ready.
What happens if I lose?
In most cases, the judge's decision will explain how to ask for a review of your case.
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