David Ralston was the Speaker of the Georgia House until his death in November, 2022. During that time, he continued his practice as a lawyer. Ralston regularly used his position to benefit himself and his clients. Since judges have no choice but defer to scheduling conflicts that elected representatives might have and since he was Speaker, he could have conflicts any time he wanted, not just when the House was in session, he used that power to delay, delay, delay, and delay the cases of his clients until some plea was offered, witnesses moved away, or other impediments to accountability occurred.
For example, he delayed the trial of child rapist Jason Brothers eight times over seven years until the prosecutor felt he had no choice but offer a deal. So Brothers admitted to rape and got probation. In another case, a man with a long history of domestic violence beat up another woman, he hired Ralston and brags about knowing Ralston will just delay his trial.
“Ralston has tied up cases for clients charged with child molestation, child cruelty, assault, terroristic threats, drunk driving and other crimes.”
Seventy-six of the ninety-three delays he requested were on days the legislature was in session. But it seems he didn’t have to prove he was doing legislative work. David Ralston’s legal career was protecting rapists, child molesters, abusers, and other violent people. They all deserve a strong and competent defense, but Ralston’s method was unethical and immoral, enabling abusers to avoid accountability, sometimes altogether.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Athens Banner-Herald: Ralston client gets probation in delayed sex assault case.
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Alleged victims say powerful Georgia lawmaker repeatedly delays cases.
The Atlanta Constitution
Atlanta, Georgia · Sunday, February 24, 2019
