Judge declines to dismiss suit aimed at DA Deborah Gonzalez

The Superior Court judge from Douglas County who was in a courtroom in Oconee County earlier this week has rejected a request from District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez, who called on the judge to dismiss a writ of mandamus filed as part of a lawsuit filed against her DA’s office.

Judge David Emerson is hearing the case as judges in Clarke and Oconee counties have recused themselves. An Athens attorney, working on behalf of a downtown business owner, has filed suit, alleging Gonzalez is not prosecuting cases as required by state law.

Judge Emerson, in his decision, wrote  “This court finds if the defendant has adopted such a policy, she has grossly abused her discretion.”

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