Can I pay my ticket before the court date and keep from having to go to court?
If the violation is not a must appear offense, you may pay the fine any time before the court date and avoid having to come to court. You may call the office to find out the amount of your fine or pay it online using the link provided. Fines are due in full on the day of court. The City accepts cash, check, money orders, cashier’s checks, Mastercard and Visa.
What happens if I fail to appear in court as ordered?
If you fail to appear in court as ordered, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest and you can be jailed and/or fined. For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at (770) 463-8881.
Will the City provide an interpreter for me?
Interpreters are provided when requested. If you require translation for any court appearance, please inform the clerk’s office prior to the court date by calling (770)463-8881.
What if I want to plead not guilty and have a trial?
If you plead not guilty, you will be given the option of having a jury trial (in Fulton County State Court) or a non-jury trial by our judge here in city court. Your trial will not be on the arraignment day – you will be given another date so that all witnesses, including the officer, may be subpoenaed to testify in the trial.
What is a "must appear" offense?
“Must appear offenses” are those for which a defendant is required to appear before the judge in court. Examples include but are not limited to DUI, Possession of Marijuana, Disorderly Conduct, Suspended License, Suspended Registration, Aggressive Driving, All City Code violations, ALL UNDER 21 OFFENSES, and No Insurance citations.
How do I pay my fine?
Several different methods of payment are available. You may come into the office and pay with cash, money order, cashier’s check by mail or a Visa or Master Card. You also have the option of paying online via our Web site.
How do I get an attorney?
You may hire an attorney to represent your case and have them file an entry of appearance with the court. However, if you can not afford an attorney, you may be interviewed to see if you qualify under federal guidelines to have an attorney appointed to represent your case. There is a $50.00 application fee, and the interview will be conducted on your arraignment day.
How do I appeal the judge's decision?
If you do not agree with the judge’s decision of your case you may appeal it through the Superior Court of Fulton County. Contact the clerk’s office in Fulton County Superior Court for further information.
How do I receive a trial by jury?
If you request a trial by jury, your case will be transferred to the Superior Court of Fulton County. Only state misdemeanor charges can be transferred for jury trials. No city ordinance violations may be transferred – they must first be tried in city court by operation of law.
I got a ticket from a Chattahoochee Hills police officer – what do I do?
There is a court date listed on the citation. This is an arraignment date. You will be asked to enter a plea at this time. Please be on time for your appointed court date as the judge will give you a lot of valuable information at the opening of the court session.