Fines may be paid in person at the Probate Court office using cash, money order, or Visa/MasterCard.
PLEASE CALL 706-795-6365 TO PAY YOUR FINE BY PHONE OR FOR ONLINE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS. An additional fee is assessed by a third-party vendor to process credit/debit cards.
Checks are not accepted for traffic citations.
INFORMATION CONCERNING TRAFFIC CITATIONS:
The Judge and Probate Court staff, while they want to be of assistance, may not participate in the negotiation of a traffic case. Furthermore, they cannot discuss the specific details surrounding an arrest and/or the issuance of a citation. The prosecutor and/or public defender will be available to speak with you about your case on your appearance date.
Failure to appear on the date and time specified on the bond contract or citation will result in the issuance of a bench warrant and/or a license suspension.
It is strongly suggested that you speak with an attorney if you wish to dispute your case.
The purpose of the arraignment is to make sure you understand your rights and the charge(s) against you, and to allow the entry of a plea of either guilty, not guilty, or NOLO to the charges. The court uses discretion in accepting NOLO pleas.
You have the right to represent yourself, however, it is dangerous to proceed without an attorney. Most misdemeanor cases can carry a maximum punishment of up to 12 months incarceration.
All Defendants are presumed innocent and the burden is upon the state to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Those charged with an offense do not have to testify or offer any testimony during the proceedings. If a defendant decides not to testify, no assumption is made by the court that the defendant is guilty of any offense, whatsoever. On the other hand, a defendant has the right to testify at trial.
All those charged with a crime have the right to a trial by a jury in the superior court.
All non-US citizens need to understand that a guilty plea may impact any immigration status.
A guilty plea, or a conviction of certain charges, such as NO INSURANCE, SUSPENDED REGISTRATION, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, HIT AND RUN, some CHARGES UNDER THE AGE OF 21, and certain other charges can and will result in the suspension of your driver’s license by the state of GA.
If a defendant is charged with a speeding violation allegedly traveling 75 miles per hour or more on a two lane road or 85 miles per hour or more on a four lane road, the defendant is automatically charged as a super speeder. If convicted, there will be assessed additional fees by the state of Georgia Department of Drivers Services. Notification of these additional fees will be by mail at the address listed on the driver’s license. These fees are totally separate from fines imposed by the court.
All Defendants have the right to enter a plea of not guilty and have a bench trial in the probate court. If you request a bench trial, it will be scheduled to take place on the next court date, after the arraignments. You may present evidence, call witnesses, and testify at your hearing if you so desire. Witness subpoenas may be obtained by you from the clerk of our court. If you choose to enter a plea of not guilty, tell the court clerk upon checking in. You will be given instructions to appear for your trial date and most likely will have to appear before the judge for the formal entry of your not guilty plea.
If you are found guilty on your case, the court has the authority to impose a sentence of up to a $1,000.00 fine and up to 12 months in jail unless you have been charged with a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature which can usually carry a sentence of up to a $5,000.00 fine and up to 12 months in jail or both. Any final decision, judgment or sentence made by this court may be appealed to the Superior Court. Strict timelines govern the appeals process and it is highly suggested that you retain an attorney for the appeals process. There are no standard forms for an appeal.
Please call the office at 706-795-6365 for any procedural questions prior to court.