Chattooga County State Court Judge Jon Dennis said over the weekend that the only cases that will be heard in his court are the ones that “must be heard.”

Dennis made the statement following the statewide judicial emergency issued by Georgia’s Supreme Court Justice Harold Melton and a decision from Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Kristina Cook Graham about court activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Dennis said, “As I understand orders from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia and from our Judge Graham, Chief Judge of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, only criminal cases and only civil cases THAT MUST BE HEARD will be scheduled for court during the next few weeks. As for my Civil Clients who have divorces or custody matters pending, the only cases THAT MUST BE HEARD are generally limited to those cases in which an ex parte order has been issued or in which a TPO (temporary protective order) has been entered.”

As far as Judge Dennis’ law practice in Summerville is concerned, Judge Dennis said, “To the extent that my office can operate as normal, I will make myself available, preferably by phone or FaceTime or texts or email, for updates and consults. I must insure the health and welfare of clients and staff alike. In advance, I thank y’all for understanding. I will be available for any emergency, and I will meet you where and when you and I believe it most safe for everyone. To the extent that it is possible, I will endeavor to give you the best legal services that I can, irrespective of the current impediments.”

Judge Dennis added, “I cannot say how long the court orders will remain. I think it the better course, however, to allow the medical professions and the experts to give us the best advice possible.”