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Name:
Palmer, Joseph Rayford
Date of Booking:
05/29/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
Entering or Crossing Roadway
Homicide by Vehicle in 2nd Degree
The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
11/7/25
ACCUSATION FILED
What this means: Prosecutors officially filed formal charges against Joseph Palmer in Paulding County State Court case 25-SC-1209. The accusation charges Palmer with two counts: homicide by vehicle in the second degree and failure to yield upon entering roadway. According to the document, Palmer is accused of causing the death of Mariya Slavcheva on December 7, 2023, while operating a motor vehicle and crossing Church Street, allegedly failing to yield to oncoming traffic while entering and crossing Church Street. The case is being prosecuted by Solicitor General Makia Metzger.
11/7/25
BOND SET AT $9,550
What this means: Joseph Palmer’s bail was set at $9,550 for the charges against him. The bail bond document shows this was processed through Paulding Quick Bail bonding company. Palmer was required to appear before Trooper Daniel #471 on these charges. Once the bond was posted, Palmer could be released from custody while his case proceeds through the court system.
11/26/25
STATE ENTRY OF APPEARANCE FILED
What this means: Solicitor General Makia Metzger and prosecutor Tad Keller officially entered their appearance as the attorneys representing the state of Georgia in Joseph Palmer’s case. This formal filing notifies the court and defense that these prosecutors will be handling the case for the prosecution.
12/4/25
DEFENSE ENTRY OF APPEARANCE FILED
What this means: Attorney Theo M. Sereebutra officially entered his appearance as Joseph Palmer’s defense lawyer. This filing tells the court that Sereebutra will be representing Palmer throughout the criminal proceedings.
12/4/25
DEFENSE MOTION TO INVOKE STANDING ORDER AND WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT
What this means: Joseph Palmer’s attorney Theo Sereebutra filed a motion asking the court to invoke the standing order in criminal cases and waived Palmer’s right to a formal arraignment. The standing order typically covers routine procedural matters and discovery rules. By waiving arraignment, Palmer’s lawyer is indicating that Palmer understands the charges and doesn’t need the formal reading of charges that normally happens at arraignment.
1/6/26
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED
What this means: Despite the defense waiving arraignment, the court has scheduled a formal arraignment hearing for Joseph Palmer at 9:30 AM. This is when Palmer will appear before the judge to hear the charges against him and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The arraignment is typically the next major step in the criminal process after charges are filed.