Can I post a bond or pay my fine or restitution obligation by check?
No. Payments may be made with cash or certified funds only. That means either cash, money orders, cashier's checks or Mastercard, VISA or Discover credit cards. Bonds may also be posted at the Fines Window or through the US Mail with certified funds and by phone, using either a VISA, or MASTERCARD. Citizens may also pay fine obligations or post bonds online through the facilities of E-Fine or E-Ticket. (Please do not send cash through the mail).
May I have a jury trial on the merits of my case?
Yes. You have every right to a jury trial on the merits of your case but not in the TVB. Cases handled in the TVB are considered administrative rather than criminal. If, for some reason, you would prefer a jury trial, the case will be removed from the TVB docket, set for arraignment and that begins the criminal court process.
If you wish to exercise your right to a jury trial, you may PREARRAIGN your case at the Clerk's office. Otherwise, you may, at the TVB hearing, simply state your preference for a jury trial to the court when your case is called. The case will then be set for arraignment, a new court date will be assigned and the District Attorney will prepare a formal accusation.
If the court date shown on my subpoena is not convenient for me. May I call to reschedule?
No. Except for very unusual circumstances,TVB cases are not continued. All persons scheduled for the TVB are obligated to appear in court on the date and time shown on the subpoena under penalty of law. Arrest warrants are typically issued for any defendant who fails to appear in court as subpoenaed, or post bond for the case cited. If you have any questions about this, please call or write the TVB Case Manager.
If I choose to post a bond rather than go to court, how is my case actually disposed?
In TVB cases the required bond is equal to the court's table of fines plus the fees and surcharges required by law for each offence included in the case. The bond amount required for each citation is printed on the subpoena(s). If that bond amount is posted before the court date, and the defendant chooses not to appear, the bond is forfeited and the case is closed, marked disposed by bond forfeiture.
Further, just as with a guilt plea in court or a finding of guilty, the case will be reported to all State agencies requiring notification. If points are to be assessed, those agencies will make the necessary assessments
I got a blue subpoena card in the mail. What's up with that?
When cases are placed on the TVB docket, blue postcard subpoenas are sent to the address on the citation. The cards include information about the charges, the fine/bond amounts ordered for that offence and the date and time the accused is required to appear in court. The back of the card includes information about TVB procedures. All TVB cases include one or more citations arising out of some incident for which the driver was cited. For reasons of accountability, an individual subpoena will be sent for each citation.
Significantly, each citation must be addressed before the case can be disposed of by posting a bond, therefore, the BOND REQUIRED is the total for all citations in the case.
What options do I have for handling my case?
1. You, alone or with counsel, may appear to court on the date and time shown on your subpoena and address the court on the merits of the case.
2. You may choose to post a bond equal to the total of all bonds set for each citation included in your case. Having posted the required bond, you may choose not to appear and forfeit the bond. That will dispose of the case.
3. You may ask for a jury trial on the merits of your case. Note, however, that by law, will change the nature of this action from administrative to criminal.
How do I update or correct my address with the State Court?
Defendants must file their address change with the Clerk of Court.
You can use this form. If you are a victim or witness, you should contact the
District Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Office.
Where can I find information about Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and expungements?
Click here for the GCIC website.