GA HB176

Expands the definition of "final judgment" in criminal cases to include orders where fewer than all counts are adjudicated and remaining counts are dead docketed, making such orders directly appealable

Requires applications for appeal for direct appeals from guilty pleas, adding this to the list of cases needing court permission to appeal

Creates a new out-of-time remedy allowing defendants to file motions for new trial or notice of appeal within 100 days after the deadline expires, if they show state consent, excusable neglect, deficient counsel performance, or other good cause

Provides a special extended deadline until June 30, 2026 for defendants whose out-of-time motions were dismissed based on the Cook v. State (2022) Supreme Court decision

Establishes that motions to withdraw guilty pleas must be filed within 30 days of judgment or within the court term, whichever is later, with such motions tolling statutes of limitations and speedy trial demands