Limited criminal court activity

Limited activity is scheduled next week in the Oconee General Sessions Court in Walhalla.  The circuit’s chief prosecutor, David Wagner, said his office expects during Monday through Wednesday next week, the resolution to several cases in which defendants wish to have their charges resolved through pleas of guilt.  Prosecutors will focus on defendants who have been “carded” to report for court week.  In keeping with efforts to keep down the potential to transmit COVID-19, the numbers of those to be seated in the courthouse fourth floor courtroom will be limited.  In spite of the pandemic, some cases have been resolved, but Solicitor Wagner says state Court Administration has yet green light any jury trials, so cases involving defendants who want an impartial panel of jurors to decide their fate must continue to wait.  We asked Wagner if this is playing on the psyche of those who sit in jail unable to make bond while awaiting trial.  “Whether that’s bothering them, I don’t know.  To be honest with you, I’m not real concerned about what they think.  We’re going to get to them as soon as we can,” Wagner told us.