Lawsuit Against Western Circuit District Attorney Settled for $1 Before Hearing, No Attorneys’ Fees Awarded

A lawsuit filed against Western Circuit District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez on September 10, 2024, has concluded with the plaintiffs accepting a $1 settlement offer just hours before a scheduled court hearing. The lawsuit, which accused Gonzalez of improper social media practices, was settled without the award of attorneys’ fees, marking a key victory for the District Attorney.

The lawsuit stemmed from claims that D.A. Gonzalez used filtering tools on her social media accounts, allegedly blocking certain individuals. The plaintiffs sought several forms of relief, including $2,500 in attorneys’ fees, punitive damages, actions concerning Gonzalez’s campaign social media pages, and a formal letter to Facebook/Meta regarding the matter.

After retaining counsel, D.A. Gonzalez swiftly offered to settle the case for $1, plus minimal court costs under Federal Rule 68, maintaining her legal position. Despite the plaintiffs’ demand for more substantial relief, Gonzalez refused to budge from her initial offer.

Less than four hours before the hearing in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, the plaintiffs accepted the $1 offer. The court later issued a final order stating, “[t]here shall be no attorneys’ fees award,” retracting any previously implied claims regarding such fees.

In a statement following the settlement, D.A. Gonzalez noted that the lawsuit was politically motivated, filed just 60 days before the upcoming election. She also clarified that the “political opponents” referenced in previous releases include the plaintiff’s attorney, who has filed multiple legal actions and complaints against her.

District Attorney Gonzalez, standing firm on the law, expressed her resolve to continue her work in the interest of justice. She invited concerned community members to work with her in promoting the safety and well-being of Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties, calling for an end to the political tactics.

This case, documented under the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, highlights a growing trend of legal battles emerging in the political arena as elections approach.