Municipal Court

Overview

Municipal court adjudicates general misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and other violations of municipal ordinances. Providing the highest quality service to the public and the city, it is the mission of the court to ensure that due process of law and fundamental fairness are afforded to all who appear before the court.

The Dahlonega Municipal Court is located within Dahlonega City Hall and sessions are held once a month.

FAQs

How do I contact my probation officer?

You can contact North Georgia Probation Services: 81 Crown Mountain Place Suite C-500 Dahlonega, GA 30269 Phone: (706) 864-4248 Fax: (706) 864-4274

How do I request a Court appointed attorney?

On your first appearance in court when your name is called for a plea, you may ask the judge for a court-appointed attorney. You will fill out an application to the best of your ability. The application fee is $50.00 Make sure that all your information is up to date. This will ensure that the Public Defender’s Office has a way to contact you. (Filling out this form does not guarantee you a court-appointed attorney, this application must be reviewed and accepted by the Public Defender’s Office.

Where do I get a subpoena? How is a subpoena served?

The Clerk of Court issues subpoenas. A subpoena may be served by a sheriff, by his deputy, or by another person not less than 18 years of age. Subpoenas may also be served by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, and the return receipt constitutes proof of service. O.C.G.A. 24-10-23.

I am under 21 years of age, how does the Georgia Teenage Driver’s Responsibility Act affect me?

If you are under 21 years of age and convicted of any one offense for which four (4) or more points are assessed, your drivers' license will be suspended for a minimum of six (6) months. No work permits are available. If you are under eighteen (18) years of age and accumulate four (4) points in a 12-month period, your drivers’ license will be suspended for a minimum of six (6) months.

Some common four-point violations are:

Exceeding the speed limit by 24 mph or more
Improper passing on a hill or curve
Unlawful passing of a school bus
Aggressive driving For additional information: DDS Website

What options do I have regarding my ticket?

You may pay the fine prior to your court date for any charge not listed as a mandatory appearance. If you choose not to appear in court, payment must be received by the morning of your court date by 8:30 A.M. Prior payments are treated the same as a guilty plea. If you choose to plead NOLO or Not Guilty, you will have to come to court on your scheduled court date. A Not Guilty plea will be reset for a court trial.

How do I clear a drivers’ license suspension for failure to appear in court?

You will first have to pay your fine at the court clerk’s office. The Judge sets the fine as cash only. Once the fine has been paid, you will receive a new court date and time. You will also obtain, from the court clerk’s office and submit to the Department of Driver Services, a release form (DPS912) to clear your license. Paying the fine to DOES NOT CLEAR YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE with the Department of Driver Services. Contact the Department of Driver Services for reinstatement information.

Their telephone and website information are listed below.

Phone number is: 678-413-8400

DDS website- www.dds.ga.gov

Does an officer have to show you the radar gun or video when they stop you for speeding?

Under Georgia law, an officer is not required to show the defendant the speed detection device. The Officer is required by law to ask if you would like a calibration check of the unit. If requested, the officer is obligated by law to perform that calibration check and inform the defendant of the results. The offender is not entitled to witness this check, nor are they entitled to see the radar display.

What is a NOLO plea? How does it affect my insurance?

Nolo means No Contest. This plea means you are not pleading guilty or not guilty, but simply accepting the charge and agreeing to the fine and sentence. The Department of Driver Services will accept one plea of Nolo contendere for a moving traffic violation in any five-year period without assigning points to the driving record.

We do not report any violation to your insurance company. Your insurance company has the right to review your driving record and can see that you were issued a citation. The Nolo plea does not keep the citation off your record, it only keeps points from being assessed. It is up to your insurance company as to how it affects your policy.

Can I talk to the Solicitor before my court date?

You may speak with the Solicitor on your court date, or you can contact the Assistant to the Solicitor at 706-504-9019. You may do so prior to entering a plea.

What does my signature on the citation mean?

Your signature on the bottom of the citation is not an admission of guilt. It means that you acknowledge having received a copy of the citation and that you will either pay the fine or appear in court on the date indicated.