![]() They may also hear traffic violations as well. In these locations, the probate judges may handle certain misdemeanors, as well as citations in relation to state fish and game laws. There are some counties that do not have a state court. This court also handles licenses to carry firearms and marriage licenses. Beyond this, probate judges can also appoint a legal guardian or authorize involuntary hospitalization of adults that they deem unfit to care for themselves. Throughout the state of Georgia, there are 159 courts with 354 magistrates.Įach county's probate court handles wills and administration of the estate. ![]() Magistrate courts do not hold jury trials and the civil cases are generally handled by the individuals involved, rather than by a lawyer. Magistrates can also help with criminal cases, by approving search warrants and arrest warrants and hold preliminary trial hearings. Magistrate Court is the first step in many civil disputes, including bad checks, county ordinance violations, and landlord/tenant cases. These county courts handle civil claims of $15,000 or less, minor criminal offenses, issue warrants, oversee preliminary hearings, and the magistrates are sometimes able to set bail for defendants in some criminal matters. Throughout the state of Georgia, there are 370 municipal courts with 352 active judges overseeing the cases. Other duties may include preliminary criminal hearings and issuing warrants. These courts may also handle misdemeanor charges, such as shoplifting, trespassing, and possession of marijuana. Jurisdiction varies from town to town, but the most common cases that are seen in these courtrooms are traffic offenses, and local ordinance violations, including zoning, animal control, excessive noise, and illegal dumping. Many cities in Georgia have established municipal courts to handle local legal issues. 10 judicial districts cover a total of 50 judicial circuits. They are organized in such a way that every county in the state will have at least one superior court, a magistrate court, probate court, and if warranted they will also have a state court and a juvenile court. The exclusive jurisdiction of the Superior Court also extends to declaratory judgments like habeas corpus and prohibition. The Superior Court is often tasked with correcting errors of lower courts, by being the court to issue certiorari. The next tier of courts are the Superior Courts, and they are given exclusive and constitutional authority to preside over the state's felony cases, divorce filings, and cases regarding equity or land titles. In nearly all of the first tier of courts, there are no jury trials, except for a state court, as all trials are held as bench trials. The first tier of courts is the courts with relatively fixed or limited jurisdiction, such as a juvenile court, probate court, local magistrate courts and municipal courts, and state court. Georgia has a somewhat complex tiered system of courts and case management.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |