State Court of Fayette County
Contact Information:
State Court Judge’s Office
1 Center Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
The Honorable W. Fletcher Sams
Judge, State Court
of Fayette County
Please note that all information posted is subject to our disclaimer.
- Mission Statement
- History and Jurisdiction of Fayette County State Court
- Court Appearances
- Court-Appointed Attorneys for Criminal Matters
- Attorneys for Civil Matters
- Court Reporter Services
- Hours
- Law Library
- Fees
- Probation Information
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the State Court of Fayette County to:
1) Uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia and these United States, as well as the ordinances duly passed by the Fayette County Commission;
2) Treat with fairness and dignity all persons coming before the Court, no matter their station or circumstances in life;
3) Administer justice uniformly and impartially, without prejudice or favor to any party;
4) Provide an open forum for the redress of grievances, both public and private;
5) Maintain the highest standards of judicial ethics and conduct;
6) Efficiently and effectively dispose of all cases on the State Court’s civil and criminal dockets in a timely manner and in accordance with law.
History and Jurisdiction of Fayette County State Court
The
State Court of Fayette County was created in 1994 by local legislation
of the Georgia General Assembly (Ga. L. 1994, p. 4980). State Court began
operating on January 1, 1997. The Honorable
W. Fletcher Sams has served as judge since the court’s inception.
State Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. State Court has jurisdiction, within the territorial limits of the county, over all criminal matters below the grade of felony, including misdemeanors, traffic violations, and county ordinance violations. State Court has jurisdiction over all civil matters, without regard to the amount in controversy, concurrent with the Superior Courts, unless the Superior Courts have exclusive jurisdiction (i.e. disputes concerning title to land, divorce, child custody, etc.). The State Court also has jurisdiction over the review of decisions of other courts as provided by law.
Criminal violations handled in State Court are prosecuted by the Office of the Solicitor General .
Court Appearances
If you are scheduled to appear in State Court at a certain date and time, it is very important that you appear promptly at the time shown on the notice you receive in the mail. You should plan to arrive sufficiently early to avoid serious adverse consequences which may result from your absence. You should dress in a manner appropriate for your appearance in court. If you have children, and if possible, you should make arrangements for their care well in advance of your court date so that they do not disrupt court proceedings. Cell phones, pagers, and other devices that may disrupt court proceedings are not allowed in the courtroom.
Court-Appointed Attorneys for Criminal Matters
If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may apply for representation by the Public Defenders Office:
Public Defender’s Office
145 Johnson Ave.
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: 770-716-4340
Fax: 770-460-8685
Attorneys for Civil Matters
The Court cannot appoint attorneys to represent parties in civil matters (private disputes between two or more parties), nor may courthouse personnel recommend attorneys. Courthouse personnel are legally and ethically prohibited from giving legal advice.
You may wish to contact the local bar association in the county where you are located for an attorney referral. In Fayette County, you may contact the Fayette County Bar Association. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may wish to contact the Atlanta Legal Aid Society.
Court Reporter Services
Any party desiring to have a hearing reported in State Court shall notify the Court's Administrative Assistant, Melanie Nichols at least two full business days in advance of the hearing.
Administrative Assistant: Melanie Nichols
Phone: 770.716.4270
Fax: 770.716.4859
Hours
State Court and the State Court Clerk’s Office are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for those dates designated as legal holidays in Fayette County.
Law Library
The Law Library is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for those dates designated as legal holidays in Fayette County.
Probation Information
Questions regarding criminal probation and revocation hearings in the State Court should be directed to:
You are visitor number 26788Judicial Correction Services, Inc. (J.C.S.)
195 Bradford Square
Fayetteville, GA 30215
Phone: 770.716.0434
Fax: 770.716.0436Reporting Hours:
Monday: 7:00 a.m. - noon; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – noon; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday/Friday:9:00 a.m. – noon; 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The office may be closed when the probation officers are in Court.