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.
The Buford Health Center, supported by the Gwinnett County Health Department, is a local clinic that offers a range of public health services. It provides immunizations, women, infants and children care (WIC), dental care, children's health exams, school screenings, family planning, DNA/lab testing, pregnancy and prenatal care, cancer screenings, STD testing, environmental health services and refugee health services. Patients are advised to arrive at least one hour before the facility closes.
Dog Watch Fence Company installs underground hidden fences for residential customers and their dogs. It offers safe and effective ways to keep canine friends at home without installing large view-obstructing fence systems. A company representative will come to you for an appointment to discuss your needs. It has indoor systems as well to help with cats.
Cobb County operates under the commission-county manager form of government with four members elected from single-member districts and a chairman elected countywide.
Tim Lee currently serves as chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners with Helen Goreham representing District 1 (Northwest Cobb); Bob Ott, District 2 (Southeast Cobb); JoAnn Birrell, District 3 (Northeast Cobb); and Woody Thompson, District 4 (Southwest Cobb).
The commission meets in regular session on the second Tuesday at 9 a.m. and the fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. of each month. Zoning meetings are held on the third Tuesday at 9 a.m. Cobb's government access channel, TV23, provides live coverage.
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.
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.
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.
Several services are offered at health center, such as pregnancy testing, child health services, HIV testing, immunizations, vision and dental services, contraceptives and youth development programs. Because there is one nurse center, it is advised that patients call ahead to ensure that the nurse is available. The South Cobb Health Center is part of the South Cobb Complex, which includes the South Cobb Aquatic Center, the South Cobb Recreation Center, the Boys & Girls Club and a playground.
