Understanding the Georgia Discovery Process It is a legal process in which both parties exchange information relevant to the case. This information can be used to prepare for trials or negotiations.
How Does Someone Request Discovery? Discovery requests must be made in the form of a written motion. The request must be submitted to the opposing party or the State if in a criminal case.
You typically have 30 days to respond to the request During the time you have to respond to discovery requests, you can still use mediation or work to negotiate a settlement with the other side. How you respond will depend upon what type of request you've received.
Generally, the prosecution must provide discovery within a set period after the defense's formal request, often ranging from a few weeks to several months. Evidence should be available to the defense either at the preliminary hearing or after the accused has been indicted by a grand jury.
The party upon whom the request is served shall serve a written response within 30 days after the service of the request, except that a defendant may serve a response within 45 days after service of the summons and complaint upon that defendant. The court may allow a shorter or longer time.
Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending action, whether it relates to the claim or defense of the party seeking discovery or to the claim or defense of any other party, including the existence, description, nature, custody, ...
The California discovery rule stops the clock on the statute of limitations until the plaintiff either finds out about the cause of action or has a good reason to do so. This rule comes into play when the plaintiff didn't realize, and a reasonable person wouldn't have realized, that they were harmed.