R. Robin McDonald

Daily Report reporter R. Robin McDonald's journalism career includes stints as a staff writer at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Wichita Eagle, and The Anniston Star and as a trial tracker at CourtTV and CNN. She is the author of two true crime books -- Black Widow: The True Story of the Hilley Poisonings and Secrets Never Lie: The Death of Sara Tokars.

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November 24, 2020 | Daily Report Online

'Next Logical Step': Chief Justice Considers How to Lift Bond Statute's Suspension

Chief Justice Harold Melton said he intends to address how to lift that suspension in a December order.

By R. Robin McDonald

4 minute read

November 23, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Chief Justice Melton Warns Judges to Enforce Mask Protocols in Court

The warning came after members of the legal community complained about lax mask protocols in certain courts.

By R. Robin McDonald

4 minute read

November 18, 2020 | Daily Report Online

'Proceed With Caution': Judges Raise Alarms After Health Commissioner's Letter on Jury Trials

As three counties summoned hundreds of jurors, the president of the Council of Superior Court Judges sought guidance on whether it was safe to do so. The answer wasn't definitive.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

November 17, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Eleventh Circuit Considers Whether Reality Winner Qualifies for Compassionate Release

A U.S. Army veteran who was the first person prosecuted by the Trump administration for leaking information to the news media, contracted COVID-19.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

November 16, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Dismissed: Georgia Judge Convicted of Theft, but High Court Drops Ethics Case

The opinion opens the door for the former jurist to seek or hold judicial office again after he completes 12 months of probation.

By R. Robin McDonald

6 minute read

November 13, 2020 | Daily Report Online

'I've Been Lucky:' Wilcox County Probate Judge Survives COVID-19

Wilcox County Probate Judge Shawn Rhodes was back at work on Friday, but two clerks are in quarantine after they tested positive.

By R. Robin McDonald

2 minute read

November 12, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Defense Lawyers Say Chief Justice Should Reinstate Bond Deadline

Members of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers say Chief Justice Harold Melton should lift his ongoing suspension of the law requiring a bond if a jailed defendant is not indicted within 90 days.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

November 11, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Four Cobb Probate Court Clerks Contract COVID-19; Another Case Suspected

Seventeen Cobb probate clerks are in mandatory quarantine after potential or confirmed exposure to the coronavirus.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

November 09, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Chief Justice Melton Continues Suspension of Indictment, Jury Trial Deadlines

The new order said courts may not compel anyone's attendance for a court proceeding if it does not adhere to public health protocols.

By R. Robin McDonald

3 minute read

November 03, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Georgia Judicial Circuits Plan for Reinstating In-Person Jury Trials Despite COVID-19

The state's 49 circuit judges have convened jury planning committees to reconfigure courthouses, and to move jury selection and trials when necessary.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

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