The Cobb County Magistrate Court, one of the largest in Georgia, issues arrest warrents and holds hearing to determine probable cause in criminal cases. This court doesn't determine guilt or innocence, except in cases involving violations of county ordinances.
This court often handles cases involving abandoned vehicles, bad checks, drugs, environmental issues, rent disputes, mediation and small claims. The court also conducts weddings at 6pm each weekday and at noon and 6pm on the weekend and county holidays.
This court also has the distinction of being one of the few courts in the United States that operates for 24 hours a day.
Judge Frank R. Cox serves as chief magistrate. Donna Tschappat is court administrator and Anne Urick Gordon is court clerk.
Owned and operated by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation, The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The existing courthouse was completed in 1885 and today is open for self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 10am until 4pm. Once a judicial building, the courthouse is currently home to rotating art exhibits, the Gwinnett Veterans Memorial Museum and the Gwinnett Historical Society. The courthouse is also a popular location for wedding ceremonies and receptions, as it has been named Best Place for a Wedding 2008, 2010 and 2011 by Gwinnett Magazine. Additionally, individuals and businesses may rent meeting space and ground space to host private celebrations and corporate events. For rental information please phone the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse.
Not only does Probate Court Judge Keith Wood issue marriage and firearms licenses, he presides over matters such as wills, estates and temporary guardianships of minors and incapacitated adults. John D. Cline is the court's associate judge.
The Fulton County Government Probate Court handles estate issues and has jurisdiction over guardianship and protection of minors, the mentally ill, and incapacitated adults. It also handles marriage license applications and applications for firearm permits.
The Paulding County Superior Court handles civil and criminal cases, with constitutional authority giving it jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases seeking equitable relief and regarding titles to land. The court also handles misdemeanors and traffic cases for which a jury trial is demanded by the accused.
The office of the Clerk of Superior Court is available to file, record and retrieve documents filed in the county. Records include civil and criminal proceedings, real estate documents and more. The office is also in charge of the jury system.
The Georgia Suprior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority's primary duty is to manage a statewide index of uniform commercial code filings. The authority also takes on additional duties from various state agencies and the General Assembly, including the management of a statewide index of real estate and personal property records. It also oversees a database of notaries public and civil case filings. The authority is in Suite 100 inside the office building, which is one of many within the massive Century Center complex off Clairmont Road. Many other state and federal offices are within walking distance.
Chief Judge John B. Sumner and Judge M. Anthony Baker review cases in which minors ask for consent to marry, enlist in the military or proceed with abortions without parental consent. Delinquent, unruly, abused or neglected children also appear before them.
These are the government offices of Fulton County and the home of Fulton County State Court and Superior and Magistrate Court. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office also is headquartered here, as is the county's law library.
The Justice Center houses the jury assembly room, deeds records room and superior court clerk on the ground floor; state court rooms, magistrate court offices and the state court clerk's office on the first floor; the Cherokee County Law Library, juvenile court, superior court rooms and pre-trial services on the second floor; probate court, the grand jury room, and the offices of the juvenile court clerk and the district attorney on the third floor.
The Cobb County Juvenile Court is an independent court organized under state law to hear all county cases involving allegations of neglect, abuse or deprivation of children under 18. The court also deals with cases of unruly conduct, delinquency or traffic violations by those under 17. When the court determines that a child needs treatment or rehabilitation, it provides access to the appropriate program or center.
James R. Whitfield is the current presiding judge of this court.