Duties

The mission of the Magistrate Court is to deliver justice to the citizens of Athens-Clarke County by ruling on disputed claims or approving mutual settlements in civil cases as well as serving as the court of entry into the criminal justice system. Jurisdiction for the Court is found in Georgia law at O.C.G.A. 15-10-2. Further information may be found online in the Georgia Code or at your local library and in the Uniform Rules of the Magistrate Court.

Divisions

• Civil
• Criminal/Bad Checks

Hearings

The Magistrate Court conducts hearings in the following cases:

• First Appearance Hearings (Bond Hearings) every day during the week at the courthouse and at the Clarke County Jail on weekends and holidays.
• Arraignments and probation violations in misdemeanor bad check cases.
• Preliminary hearings.
• Pre-warrant application hearings.
• Dispossessory (eviction) cases.
• Civil claims involving funds up to $15,000.00.
• Garnishments.
• Abandoned Motor Vehicles.
• Personal Property Foreclosures.