Locations by Type
Magistrate Court Locations
Municipal Court Locations
State Court Locations
Superior Court Locations
Types of Courts
Juvenile Court protects the well-being of children, provides guidance and control conducive to child welfare and
the best interests of the state, and secures care for children removed from their homes.
Municipal Court these courts try municipal ordinance violations, issue criminal warrants, conduct preliminary
hearings, and may have concurrent jurisdiction over shoplifting cases and cases involving possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.
Magistrate Court jurisdiction includes civil claims of $15,000 or less; certain minor criminal offenses; distress
warrants and dispossessory writs; county ordinance violations; deposit account fraud (bad checks); preliminary hearings; and summonses,
arrest and search warrants.
Probate Court exercises exclusive, original jurisdiction in the probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment
of guardians and involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults and other individuals.
State Court exercise jurisdiction over all misdemeanor violations, including traffic cases, and all civil actions,
regardless of the amount claimed, unless the superior court has exclusive jurisdiction.
Superior Court has exclusive, constitutional authority over felony cases, divorce, equity and cases regarding
title to land. The exclusive jurisdiction of this court also covers such matters as declaratory judgments, habeas corpus, mandamus,
quo warranto and prohibition.
Federal Court has exclsuive authority over all federal crimes, bankruptcy, admiralty, State disputes, treaties,
and the constitutionality of laws.
Tips For Court Days
Dress in a nice, conservative manner.
Be early for any required court appearance!
Do not bring any weapons, including mace or pepper spray.
Bring all necessary paperwork, documentation and records.
Do not bring cell phones, video cameras or recording devices.
Terms You May Hear
Acquittal: a release or discharge equal to not guilty.
Adjudication: the judgment rendered by the court.
Admonish: to advise, warn or caution.
Arraignment: a hearing where a plea is entered.
Complaint: document that begins a civil lawsuit.
Concurrent: happening at the same time.
Consecutive: happening one after another.
Contempt: wilful disobedience of a court order.
Continuance: postponement of a legal proceeding.
Conviction:: a judgment of guilty against a person.
Decree: an order issued by the court.
Dismissal: termination of a legal action.
Exonerate: removal of a charge or accusation.
Expungement: removal or sealing of a legal record.
Felony: any crime punishable by term over one year.
Garnishment: court ordered confiscation of wages.
Guardian: one who assumes responsibility for another.
Indictment: written felony accusation by a grand jury.
Injunction: court order forbidding a specific act.
Midemeanor: crime requiring no jail time, or less than one year.
Motion: document filed requesting a specific ruling.
Non-Jury Trial: court trial where the judge rules on all.
Nolo Contendre': a plea claiming neither innocence or guilt.
Parole: release from confinement requiring supervision.
Probation: sentence requiring supervision, but not confinement.
Remand: to send back or to (documents or people).
Warrant: court order for arrest, or to conduct a search.
Writ: a judicial order ordering a person to do something.
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We have law offices
in Cumming and Buford, Georgia. Please call our main office to schedule your appointment at either location.
