Frequently Asked Questions
The court staff will be happy to assist you with any procedural matter you may have questions about, including information on any bond posted at the time of arrest. Please remember that our court staff can not answer legal questions, or give you advice about what to do with your case. If you need legal advice, please consult with an attorney. Q. Are spanish interpreters available?
A. Spanish interpreters are provided for all court sessions. If you require translation for any other language, please inform the clerk's office prior to the court date by calling 678.382.6700.
Q. I got a ticket from a Dunwoody police officer – what do I do?
A. 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.
Q. Can I pay my ticket before the court date and keep from having to go to court?
A. 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.
Click Here: To Pay Fines Online
Q. What is a "must appear" offense?
A. "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, City Code violations, and No Insurance.
Q. How do I pay my Fine?
A. 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 then option of paying online via our Web site. No personal checks will be accepted.
Q. What if I want to plead not guilty and have a trial?
A. If you plead not guilty, you will be given the option of having a jury trial (in Dekalb 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.
Q. How do I get an attorney?
A. 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.
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 Dekalb 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. 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.
Q. How do I pick up or request an accident report?
A. Accident reports may be obtained through the police department. Call 678.382.6900 for more information.
Q. How do I appeal the judge's decision?
A. If you do not agree with the judge's decision of your case you may appeal it through the Superior Court of Dekalb County. Contact the clerk's office in Dekalb County Superior Court for further information.
Q. How do I receive a trial by jury?
A. If you request a trial by jury, your case will be transfered to the Superior Court of Dekalb 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.