FAQs

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Municipal Court

1. Can I change my court date?: You are allowed one continuance by the court office for your arraignment date. This continuance will go to the next available arraignment date. A request must be completed before 1:00 P.M. on the Monday prior to your court date. NO continuances are granted by the court office for a Trial date.

2. What happens if I miss my court date and do not pay my fine?: Failure to pay your fine or to appear in court will result in an automatic failure-to-appear fee. A license suspension, a bench warrant or a combination of both, depending on the violation, will be issued. A failure-to-appear warrant must be cleared before you can obtain the necessary paperwork to clear your license with the Department of Driver Services. Please contact Municipal Court for instructions on how to clear any outstanding citations.

3. What does my signature on the citation mean?: Your signature on the bottom of the citation is not an admission of guilt. It means that you acknowledge having received a copy of the citation and that you will either pay the fine or or appear in court on the date indicated.

4. What options do I have regarding my ticket?: You may pay the fine prior to your court date for any charge not listed as a mandatory appearance. If you choose not to appear in court, payment must be received by the Monday prior to your court date by 1:00 P.M. Prior payments are treated the same as a guilty plea. If you choose to plead Nolo or Not Guilty, you will have to come to court on your scheduled court date.
A Not Guilty plea will be reset for a court trial.

5. Can I take a defensive driving course for a fine reduction or a ticket dismissal?: Usually our court solicitor will take it into consideration when a defendant has already taken a defensive driving course and brings the certificate of completion with them to court. The solicitor will use that information when considering a recommendation to the Judge.

6. Can I talk to the Solicitor before my court date?: The solicitor is only here during court sessions. You may speak with the solicitor on your court date. You may do so prior to entering a plea. When your name is called, reply "pre-trial" and request to speak with the solicitor.

7. Will a NOLO affect my insurance?: We do not report any violation to your insurance company. Your insurance company has the right to review your driving record and can see that you were issued a citation. The Nolo plea does not keep the citation off your record. It is up to your insurance company as to how any plea affects your policy.

8. Does an officer have to show you the radar gun or video when they stop you for speeding?: Under Georgia law, an officer is not required to show the defendant the speed detection device. The Officer is required by law to ask if you would like a calibration check of the unit. If requested, the officer is obligated by law to perform that calibration check and inform the defendant of the results. The offender is not entitled to witness this check, nor are they entitled to see the radar display.

9. How do I request a Court appointed attorney?: On your first appearance in court when your name is called for a plea, you may ask the judge for a court appointed attorney. You will fill out an application to the best of your ability. The application fee is $50. The judge will then look at your application to make sure you qualify. If you do, you will receive a reset date and your court appointed attorney's name and phone number.

10. How do I clear a drivers' license suspension for failure to appear in court?: You will first have to pay your fine at the court clerk’s office. The Judge sets the fine as CASH ONLY. Once the fine has been paid, you will receive a new court date and time. You will also obtain, from the court clerk’s office and submit to the Department of Driver Services, a release from (DPS912) to clear your license. Paying the fine DOES NOT CLEAR YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE with the Department of Driver Services. Contact the Department of Driver Services for reinstatement information. Their website is below. Phone number is: 678-413-8400 DDS Website:

11. How do I contact my probation officer?: Professional Probation Services 195 Bradford Square, Fayetteville, GA, 30215 - Business: (707) 692-9740 Fax: (770)692-9739

12. Como puedo conseguir un intérprete español?: El tribunal proporcionará a un intérprete español para fechas de tribunal de acusación sólamente. Si necesita a un intérprete para su fecha de juicio, debe decirle al juez. El tribunal entonces tendrá disponible al intérprete español para un costo de $50.