Garden City Municipal Court

Courtroom

Garden City Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of State law and local ordinances that occur within the city limits of Garden City, Georgia. These violations include most traffic related violations, various misdemeanors and city ordinances.

Utilizing the most steadfast technology, the Administration of Garden City Municipal Court is committed to ensuring the accuracy of all court records, account for all fines and fees receipted in a transparent manner, and strive to provide expeditious, fair and reliable adjudication of all cases while providing courteous customer service to its customers and community in a professional manner.

The staff of Garden City Municipal Court is available to assist you with any procedures and questions you may have concerning our court, including information on the payment of fines and fees from a citation you received or from an arrest made by the Garden City Police Department. Please remember that our court staff cannot answer legal questions, nor give you legal advice regarding what to do with your case. If you need legal advice, please consult with an attorney of your choice or you may apply for a Public Defender in our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I PAY MY CITATION?

Please allow a minimum of 72 hours from the date of issuance for your citation to be processed. If you are unable to access your citation(s) online after such time, please contact the court.

Payable citations payments may be made on-line at any time 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except on your court date. Additional fees will apply when making on-line payments. You can use our online payment website to see if your ticket can be paid and resolved without a court appearance or you can call (912) 963-2708.

Citation payments must be paid on or before your scheduled court date and time. If you are unable to pay your citation online or in person, you must appear in court on your scheduled court date and time as indicated on your citation. If you have missed your court date, you are now in failure to appear status; therefore you would need to contact the court.

Accepted forms of payment include: credit card, debit card, money order, or cash (in person only).

No personal checks or over the phone payments are accepted.

If you have been issued a citation and have questions concerning point violations and/or license suspensions, please contact the Department of Driver Services at dds.georgia.gov or 678-413-8400.

WHEN IS MY COURT DATE?

Your court date is written on your ticket in section IV.

DO I HAVE TO APPEAR IN COURT?

Most citations can be paid before court. There are some violations that require a court appearance such as dui, reckless driving, driving while license or registration is suspended, no insurance, and excessive speeding, etc. You can use our online payment website to see if your ticket can be paid and resolved without a court appearance or you can call (912) 963-2708.

CAN I CHANGE MY COURT DATE?

In some instances it is possible to change your court date. You may come into the office during normal business hours to request a new court date or email the court to make your request. You can also mail a letter stating why you cannot make your court appearance, and ask for a new court date. Submit your letter to the Clerk of Court at the Municipal Court of the City of Garden City, 100 Central Avenue, Garden City, GA 31405. Please keep in mind, that the court is not obligated to grant your new court date request. It is your responsibility to contact the clerk's office to find out if your request for a new court date has been granted.

WHAT IF I NEED A PUBLIC DEFENDER?

If you feel you need a public defender there are applications available in our office.

Please remember that our court staff cannot answer legal questions, nor give you legal advice regarding what to do with your case. If you need legal advice, please consult with an attorney of your choice or you may apply for a Public Defender in our office.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ON MY COURT DATE?

You should plan to arrive early for your case to compensate for any unexpected delays. Once you arrive in court, you will pass through a mandatory security check before being allowed to enter. Turn off your phone and other electronic devices. Remain attentive and do not disturb court proceedings.

The court provides a certified Spanish interpreter for every court docket.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF MY CASE?

If you enter a guilty plea or a nolo contendere plea you will be required to satisfy the ruling of the court. This may include paying a fine, payable by cash, debit, or credit card. If you cannot pay your fine the Judge may place you on probation to give you time to pay the fine.

If you plead not guilty, you will be given a trial court date when the officer will be present.

If you request a jury trial, your case will be turned over to Chatham County State Court. If found not guilty after trial your case is closed.

WHAT IF I AM PLACED ON PROBATION?

Sentencing for certain violations and local ordinance violation may include a term of probation and other special conditions as ordered by the Court. Probationers report to:

Professional Probation Services - Located in City Hall next to the Municipal Court Office
100 Central Ave
Garden City, GA 314045
For questions, call 912-344-4270