All such motions, demurrers, special pleas and notices shall be heard and considered at such time, date, and place as set by the judge. Generally, such will be heard at or after the time of arraignment and prior to the time at which such case is scheduled for trial.
Rule 31.2.Time for Hearing
Rule 31. MOTIONS, DEMURRERS, SPECIAL PLEAS, AND SIMILAR ITEMS IN CRIMINAL MATTERS · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 31.2 leaves the timing of hearings on motions, demurrers, special pleas, and notices to the judge, generally scheduling them at or after arraignment and before the case is set for trial.
Full Text of Rule 31.2
Plain-English Summary
Filing a motion is only half the process — Rule 31.2 covers when it gets heard. The judge sets the time, date, and place for hearing all the motions, demurrers, special pleas, and notices covered by Rule 31.
The rule gives a general expectation rather than a fixed deadline: these matters are typically heard at or after arraignment, and before the case reaches its scheduled trial date. That placement in the timeline lets pretrial issues — competency questions, evidentiary notices, and the like — get resolved before the trial calendar takes over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sets the time, date, and place for hearing motions and special pleas?
The judge sets such time, date, and place.
When are these matters generally heard?
Generally at or after the time of arraignment and prior to the time the case is scheduled for trial.
Is the arraignment-to-trial window a fixed rule or a general pattern?
The rule states this timing as the general pattern, not an absolute requirement.
What kinds of matters does Rule 31.2 govern the hearing of?
All motions, demurrers, special pleas, and notices covered by Rule 31.
Does Rule 31.2 set the filing deadline for these matters?
No, filing deadlines are addressed in Rule 31.1; Rule 31.2 addresses when the hearing on them occurs.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: when are pretrial motions heard GeorgiaUSCR Rule 31.2motion hearing schedule criminal casearraignment to trial timeline Georgiaspecial plea hearing date