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Clerk of Courts

*Notice*
In light of public concerns of the transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus, please be aware we offer several alternative methods of service to the public that do not require a visit to the Courthouse. 

Efiling of Real Estate Plats, Liens, Deeds, and UCC’s

Superior and State Court Civil Efilings

Superior and State Court Criminal Efilings

Pay Traffic Citation

Additionally, the processing of passports now require an appointment.  Please call our office for more information and to schedule an appointment.  
 
Welcome to the Clerk of Courts of Bulloch County, Georgia. The office of the Clerk of Courts performs a wide range of record keeping, information management, and financial management functions in the Judicial System. This office also provides Court support to each Superior Court and State Court Judge. The Clerk’s responsibilities include the following:
  • •File, record and index all documents related to real estate and personal property transactions.
    •File and maintain criminal and civil dockets.
  • •To keep in the Clerk’s Office all documents, records, microfilm and all other things required by the Georgia Code.
  • •To perform all other duties required by Georgia Law.
 
Our goal is to provide as much online information and services as possible. Thank you for visiting the Bulloch County Clerk of Courts online. Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact our office.
After its creation in 1796, Bulloch County functioned without a courthouse while local officials debated where the county seat should be located. During this time, superior court sessions were held in private homes and other places. Following Statesboro’s designation as county seat in 1803, a wooden courthouse was built. In 1807, the first courthouse was replaced by a larger wooden building, which served until burned during Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864. In 1866, the legislature authorized county officials to levy a tax for rebuilding the courthouse. Proceeds of this tax were used to build a two-story wooden building, which served until the present courthouse was built in 1894 (see photo). As part of a renovation in 1914, pedimented porticos supported by columns were added to the entrances to the courthouse.
 
By the 1960s, the Bulloch County courthouse had undergone several renovations that had utilized brick of different colors. This may have been the reason why the county commission decided to have the entire courthouse exterior coated with a white plaster that contained asbestos. In the 1990s, the county commission decided to undertake a major restoration of the courthouse. To remove the white plaster, it would have been necessary to sand blast the courthouse exterior. However, because of the damage this would do to the brick’s surface, the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources encouraged Bulloch County officials to leave the plaster coating in place. The architect in charge of the courthouse restoration then recommended painting the white coating with a red color to simulate the appearance of brick. When the actual restoration of the courthouse began in 1998, the contractor found some areas where the white plaster was flaking or peeling and needed to be removed. Because of the health risk posed by the asbestos, a professional hazardous waste removal contractor was hired. Most of the white plaster, however, still adhered to the courthouse exterior and was simply painted a red brick color. The restoration, completed in 2000, left the Bulloch County courthouse looking much as did following the 1914 renovation.
 
Need for space in the 1990s led the county to expand into several buildings adjacent or near the courthouse in downtown Statesboro. In the 1990s, Bulloch County built a modern judicial annex across the street from the courthouse.
If you have come in contact with COVID-19, you will be required to send in documentation.
If you have been ordered to appear in court, this page will provide important information that will assist you before your appearance. This information does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult an attorney.
 
Appearing in Court
  •  
    •Be on time.
  • •No food or drinks allowed in Courtroom.
  • •Stand when the judge enters and leaves the room.
  • •Stand when you are speaking to the judge.
  • •Speak clearly when you respond to the judges questions.
  • •Always address the judge as “Your Honor”.
  • •Never interrupt the judge. If you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking at your hearing has finished talking before asking a question.
  • •Enter and leave the courtroom quietly, so you do not disturb others.
  • •Only approach the bench when instructed to do so.
 
Dressing for Court
If you are appearing in court you should dress nicely and in a manner that shows respect for the court.
Here are some things you should NOT wear:
  • •Hats inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious purposes)
  • •Sunglasses
  • •T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, or illegal drugs
  • •Tube or halter tops / plunging necklines / midriffs
  • •Ripped or torn jeans
  • •Mini skirts or shorts
  • •Baggy pants that fall below the waist
  • •Muscle shirts (usually worn as undergarments)
 
If you are not dressed properly, you will be asked to leave the court and return at a later date. This will delay your hearing and require you to appear in court more than once.
 
Prohibited Items
Items that should NOT enter the courthouse:
  • •Weapons of any kind
  • •Electronic equipment such as video, voice recorders or camera (unless approved by the court)
  • •Food, beverages, chewing gum and tobacco
 
Children in the Courtroom
Please do not bring children to court unless the court has ordered them to be present. Many topics discussed in the courtroom are not appropriate for children and may be hurtful or confusing. Please arrange for a friend or relative to watch your child(ren) while you are in court.
 
Cell Phones and Pagers
The use of cell phones are not allowed in the courtroom. Your cell phone or pager must be turned off before entering so that you do not disrupt the court. If you are required to carry a phone or pager for business purposes, it must be placed on silent mode.
 
Security Precautions
Before entering the court you may go through a security checkpoint. In most cases, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector or an officer will use a wand to check for prohibited items. You should allow the officer to search any bags, packages or personal belongings that will be taken into the courtroom. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be denied entry to your hearing.
Click the following link for the Bulloch County Superior Court:
Superior Court (Ogeechee Judicial Circuit)
 
Legal forms can be obtained at http://www.icandocs.org/ga/. We do not distribute legal forms in the office.
Memorandum Regarding Fee Changes in 2020
Download
Civil
  • Civil Suit/Divorce –  $209
  •  
    Adoptions – $209
  •  
    Service – $50
  •  
    Transfer – $50
  •  
    Subpoena – $5
  •  
    FIFA – $25
  •  
    Lien – $25
  •  
    Notice of Commencement – $25
  •  
    Each Page After – No Fee
  •  
    Cross Reference – No Fee
  •  
    Cancellation – $25
 
Real Estate
  •  
    Warranty Deed – $25
  •  
    Each Page After – No Fee
  •  
    Cross Reference –  No Fee 
  •  
    Transfer Tax per $1,000 – $1; Per $100 – $.10 
  •  
    Security Deed – $25
  •  
    Each Page After – No Fee
  •  
    Cross Reference – No Fee
  •  
    Intg. Tax Per $1,000 – $3; Per $100 – $1.50 up to $500 
  •  
    Assignment – $25
  •  
    Each Page After – No Fee 
  •  
    Cross Reference – No Fee
  •  
    All Other Real Estate Documents – $25
  •  
    Each Page After – No Fee
  •  
    Cross Reference – No Fee
 
Plats – $10
 
Copy – $.50
 
Certified Copy – $2.50
 
Notary – $46
 
Trade Name – $162
 
Limited Partnership – $209
Fine Schedule
Pay certain fines, including speeding tickets, on-line  – Click here
For payment questions concerning fines for traffic citations, please call 912-764-9009.
Fines with an amount listed on this schedule may be paid in advance during regular business hours at:
Bulloch County Clerk Of Court’s Office
20 Siebald Street, Statesboro Ga 30458
Jury Duty Forms
Information Sheet (complete prior to service date)
Deferral Request (complete if requesting deferral/excuse)
Instructions on how to complete and submit each form:
  1. Download the form.
  2. Fill out the form.
  3. Save on computer / smartphone
  4. Click on “email” in document
  5. Attach document & email to bullochjurorinfo@gmail.com
If you still have questions, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 912.764.9009.
Jury Duty FAQs
 
Juror Message
Every week thousands of prospective jurors assemble in hundreds of courthouses throughout the nation to participate in a civic duty and a right guaranteed by the sixth Amendment to the constitution – the provision of trial by a jury of peers. By serving on a jury, you have a direct hand in the administration of justice.
 
The law and court procedures of our state had as their origin the Common Law of England where the right to trial by jury existed since 1215. This right has been sacredly guarded and preserved by the institutions of our various states and by the Federal Constitution.
 
The jury is responsible for the correct determination of the facts which are in dispute in a given case. Errors of law may be corrected by the trial judge or appellate courts, but a jury’s error of fact may never be corrected. Thus, a juror’s duty is one of grave responsibility and importance.
 
Procedures in Civil Cases
The Beginning of the Case. The person who begins a lawsuit is known as the plaintiff and the person against whom the suit is brought is called the defendant. A suit is commenced when the plaintiff files his or her complaint in court and in response to this claim or complaint, the defendant then files an answer, setting up defenses and other contentions. These papers are known as pleadings. Jurors should understand that, at all times, the pleadings are not evidence but that they merely state the written contentions of the parties.
 
Jury Selection. In most civil cases, the jury is selected from a panel composed of 24 qualified persons. In determining whether all persons are qualified, the judge or the lawyers for the parties may ask certain questions directed either to the panel as a whole or to individual jurors. If it is determined that any juror is related to any of the parties or has already formed an opinion about the case, that juror will be excused and another substituted. There will then be a full panel of 24 from which a jury of twelve persons may be selected or, in some courts, a panel of twelve from which a jury of six persons may be selected.
 
Selecting a jury is done by a process known as “striking the jury.” It gets its name because the parties alternately strike names from the panel until the number is reduced by one-half. the chosen jurors will constitute the jury that tries the case.
 
Presentation of Evidence. Ordinarily, after statements by both parties as to their contentions, the plaintiff first presents evidence to support his position; then the defendant presents his evidence. The plaintiff may then offer evidence to rebut or explain any of the defendant’s evidence. Most evidence is presented by the oral testimony of witnesses who testify under oath. The lawyer for the party who has called the witness proceeds with his cross-examination.
 
After the cross-examination has been concluded, the lawyer who called the witness may then ask questions on redirect examination. Often oral testimony has been taken prior to the trial, and when the witness is not available, this previously recorded testimony may be read into evidence by the attorney as if the witness was present and testifying.
 
The Charge. After the conclusion of the evidence and the final arguments, the judge will charge (or instruct) the jurors as to the question or questions they are to decide and as to the law which applies to the evidence that has been presented.
 
After the judge has charged the jury, the jury will retire to consider its verdict. The jury must decide the facts based on the evidence presented and then apply the law as charged by the judge in deciding the question or questions involved.
 
The Verdict. The verdict and its fairness is obviously of vital importance to the parties in the case. The law requires a unanimous verdict. In reaching the verdict, jurors should enter into the discussion of the case with an open mind and should freely exchange views with each other. They should not hesitate to change their original views or opinions concerning the case when convinced, after a fair discussion, that another opinion or view is better.
 
Procedures in Criminal Cases
With the few exceptions, criminal cases are tried under almost the same rules of procedure and in much the same manner as civil cases. The person indicted or against whom the offense has been charged is known generally as the accused. The State prosecutes criminal cases, and all crimes are prosecuted in the name of the State. In a criminal case, the contention of the State is that a law of this State has been broken. The defendant, on the other hand, contends that, in a given case, he did not commit the offense charged or that there was some justification or mitigation. The lawyer who represents the State is called the District Attorney.
 
Major differences between civil and criminal cases are:
  • In the selection of a jury in felony cases a panel of 30 jurors is made up with the exception of death penalty cases. In death penalty cases, a panel is made up of 42 jurors. Each juror is asked to stand before the Court and submit to an examination by counsel from either side. Counsel does not have anything to do with making up the panel but may strike as many jurors as the law prescribes for the particular type of case which is being tried. In misdemeanor cases, a panel of 12 jurors is made up and the State strikes two names from it and the defendant’s counsel strikes four. The six remaining names constitute the jury which will try the case.
     
  • In a criminal case, the State proceeds by way of indictment or accusation. The defendant files no written answer. All material allegations in a the indictment or accusation are deemed to be denied.
     
  • In a criminal case, the State must prove every essential element of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt except those elements which are admitted to be beyond a reasonable doubt. A reasonable doubt is what the term implies – a doubt based upon reason and for which you can give a reason, and not a fancy conjecture of supposition that the defendant might be innocent. It is the doubt upon which a reasonable man would act, or decline to act, in a matter of importance or of grave concern to himself. It is the doubt of the fair-minded, impartial juror honestly seeking the truth.
     
  • In a civil case, the plaintiff has only the burden of proving material elements in his case by a preponderance of the evidence. Preponderance of the evidence is defined as that superior weight of evidence upon the issues involved, while not enough to wholly free the mind from a reasonable doubt, is sufficient to incline a reasonable and impartial mind to one side of the issue rather than to the other.
     
  • In misdemeanor cases, which are those cases in which the defendant cannot be sentenced to more than one year on each count, the judge sets the sentence. In felony cases, the judge also sets the sentence and the duty of the jury is to determine guilt or innocence. In both civil and criminal cases, the judge will instruct the jury as to the form of the verdict and the jury should follow these instructions in writing up and returning the verdict.
 
Juror’s Conduct
During the Trial. During the trial and the recesses, jurors must not talk about the case with each other or with any other person or allow any persons to talk about the case in their presence. In some courthouses, the jurors are provided with a private room to which they, as a body, retire during the recess. If no room is provided, the jurors should not mingle with the lawyers or with the witnesses in the case. They must not accept any favor of any nature including such small items as a soft drink or a ride home from any of the witnesses, parties or counsel. If a juror is approached in any way by a party interested in the outcome of the case, he or she should report this communication privately to the Court. In short, a juror must refrain from participating in any activity which might tend to incline that juror toward one party or the other.
 
In the Jury Room. After the evidence has been concluded and the charge of the court has been delivered, the jury retires to the jury room to consider its verdict. Its first task is the selection of a foreman or forewoman. This person acts as the chairperson of the group.
 
It is the chairperson’s duty to see that the discussion among the jurors is carried on in a sensible and orderly fashion; that the issues submitted for decision are fully understood and fairly discussed; and that each juror has a chance to state his or her views upon every question. The chairperson supervises the taking of ballots, as well as signs any written verdicts which may be required and any written request which may be made to the judge (e.g.as a request for further charge on some point). In selecting this foreman or forewoman, it is well to select someone of experience and general knowledge who will command the respect of the other jurors.
This office is the acceptance agent for the United States State Department Passport Service for Bulloch County. We will assist any citizens with a passport application, however we cannot be held responsible for any delays or problems with your application. Applications are available on-line at www.travel.state.gov or can be obtained in the Clerk’s Office.  These applications should be filled out in black ink or typed.
 
PASSPORTS NOW REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT.  PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT. 
Click on the following link to obtain an application:
Notary Commission Application
 
Renewal Mail-in Application
What a Notary of Public does?
 
A notary public is an officer of the State of Georgia who has the power and authority to:
•Witness or attest signatures or executions of deeds and other written instruments
  • •Take acknowledgments
  • •Administer oaths and affirmations
  • •Witness affidavits
  • •Take verification
  • •Make certified copies of documents
 
Qualifications
 
To be eligible to become a notary public of the State of Georgia, you must:
  • •Be at least 18 years old
  • •A resident of Georgia
  • •A resident of Bulloch County
  • •A resident of state bordering Georgia who carries on a business or profession in Bulloch County or who is regularly employed in •Bulloch County
  • •Able to read and write the English language
 
How to apply for a Notary Public appointment?
You must obtain and complete an application at the following link : Notary Commission Application.
 
OUR OFFICE NO LONGER PROVIDES NOTARY APPLICATIONS.
You are required to sign and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the information you provide on the application.
 
In addition to the information shown above, you are required to state on the application form all criminal convictions you have had including any plea of nolo contendere, except minor traffic violations.
 
Endorsements of two persons who are not your relatives, who are least 18 years old and who reside in Bulloch County, stating that you are a person of integrity, good moral character, and capable of performing notarial acts.
 
The application (or renewal) fee for a notary public is $46.
The Clerk of Court accepts cash, money orders or checks.
 
Commission
The Clerk of Bulloch County Superior Court is required by law to review your application and either grant or deny a commission.
  •  
    The Clerk of Bulloch County Superior Court may deny your application if you have been convicted of any crimes or entered a nolo contendere plea to any crime other than a minor traffic violation, or if you have ever had a notary commission revoked, suspended or restricted
  •  
    The Clerk will issue you a certificate of appointment at the time you are commissioned as a notary public
  •  
    Upon issuing a certificate of appointment, the Clerk notifies the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority, a state agency responsible for maintaining a statewide registry of notaries public, which will send you an official identification card showing you are a notary and the term of your appointment.
 
Term of Office
A notary public serves a term of office for four years from the date of the commission.
 
  • The commission may be revoked at any time if a notary violates any notary public law, performs any illegal notarial act, or is found to have submitted an application or endorsement for a notarial commission containing substantial or significant misstatement or omission of fact.
     
  • Renewal of a commission may be done in person at the end of the term of office.
     
Seal of Office
  • For authentication of notarial acts, a notary public is required by law to provide a seal of office.
     
  • The seal shall contain you name, the words “Notary Public,” “Georgia,” and “Bulloch County”.
     
  • The seal may either an embossing device or a rubber stamp.
  • All notarial acts must be documented by your notary seal.
Fees of Notaries
 
The fees a notary may charge the public for performing notarial acts are:
 
  • •Administering an oath — $2
  • •Each attendance on any person to make proof as a notary public — $2
  • •Every other certificate — $2
  • •It is not lawful to charge more than $4 for each service performed. The $4 fee includes a $2 fee for performing the notarial act and $2 for attendance to make proof as a notary public and certifying the same
  •  
    A notary public is not required to charge fees for notarial acts
You must inform the person requesting the notarial act in advance of the fees that will be charged for the service.
For more information concerning commissioning of notary public’s, visit the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority’s site at http://www.gsccca.org/Projects/aboutnp.asp (The Georgia Superior Courts’ Cooperative Authority).
Memorandum Regarding Fee Changes in 2020
Overview
The Georgia Protective Order Registry is an online service that stores all Protective Orders issued by the Superior Courts of Georgia as authorized by the Family Violence statutes of the state. Senate Bill 57 mandated that the Registry be made part of the Georgia Criminal Information Center (GCIC) system in Georgia, and that the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority work with GCIC to obtain the Protective Order data issued by the courts. Since the Registry became operational on July 1, 2002, Protective Orders are now available to law enforcement agencies nationwide through GCIC and NCIC (National Crimine Information Center) systems.
 
How the Registry is Used
Clerks of Superior Court are responsible for indexing the required data for Orders filed in their courts; electronically scanning the Orders; and attaching the images of the Orders to the indexed data. The Clerks transmit the indexed data and the Order images to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority. The Authority then verifies and forwards the transmissions to the GCIC computer system.
The Registry, accessed by law enforcement through GCIC terminals, displays all Protective Orders and related data for the respondent. A respondent name search will produce information such as criminal data, court disposition data and protective order data.
 
Protective Order Forms
Visit the SB 57 Files & Forms section to access all forms associated with SB 57, the Protective Order Registry.
 
Deeds, Liens, Plats
 
Real Estate Deed Index
This index contains property transactions not only from Bulloch County but also from all counties since January 1, 1999, including the name of the seller and buyer, location of the property, any liens on the property, and the book and page where the actual deed is filed in the county. If you and your family are looking for a great opportunity in one of East Haven’s finest cities then, now you can find homes for sale east haven ct at williampitt.com.
Searches can be performed by name, property (subdivision, unit, block and lot) or instrument type, and can be done by county, region (i.e. a county plus all counties that border it) or statewide. Historical data is being added to the system and additionally, images of the corresponding real estate instruments (from participating counties) are currently being added to the on-line system.
 
Lien Index
Pursuant to state law, the Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority is expanding the statewide uniform automated information system for real and personal property records, (provided for by Code Sections 15-6-97 and 15-6-98), by the addition of a LIENS database. This effort will provide for public access to real estate and personal property information, including liens filed pursuant to Code Section 44-2-2. The system began January 1, 2004.
 
Plat Index
Pursuant to state law, the Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority is expanding the statewide uniform automated information system for real and personal property records, (provided for by Code Sections 15-6-97 and 15-6-98), by the addition of a database for Map and Plat records. This effort will provide for public access to real estate and personal property information, including map and plat images and searchable index data. The system became operational Jan. 1, 2004 for all counties to submit map and plat index data.
New! Online UCC Filing!
Please be advised STATEWIDE UCC filings are now mandatory e-filing.
 
The Bulloch County Superior Court Clerk’s office is proud to announce that  UCCs may be filed online. In an effort to provide ease and convenience, Bulloch County Superior Court Clerk’s office, in conjunction with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority, has developed an online electronic filing portal.
 
Go to http://efile.gsccca.org, register and begin filing electronically.
 
We hope that you find this service to be beneficial as Bulloch County Superior Court Clerk’s office continues to explore and implement new ways to improve services delivered to the citizens of Bulloch County.
 
Directions on how to complete e-filing
Click the following link to download the official GSCCCA eFiling Manual.
 
GSCCCA eFiling manual – public.doc
 
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority
 
http://www.gsccca.org/search/UCC_Search/default.asp
Below are links aimed at providing you with legal information, forms, advice, or legal help.
 
Legal Aid
Georgia’s web site guide to free legal information and legal services.
 
Find a Lawyer
Find a Lawyer from over 1 million Lawyers and Law Firms.
 
Legal Forms
Find legal forms for hundreds of needs, Search by type or keyword
 
Georgia Court Forms
Find forms for Juvenile, Probate and Magistrate Courts, Inmate habeas Forms and More.
 
More Self-Help Links
A glossary of legal terms including links allowing you to search for other terms not listed. Information on finding and retaining an attorney and links to organizations that can assist in this search, information on Law Libraries and how they can be used, and how the court clerk can help you.

Georgia Courts

Georgia Crime Information Center

State Bar Directory

Georgia Public Defenders Standards Council

Georgia Sex Offender Registry Database

Census Bureau

U. S. Senate

U. S. House of Representatives

White House

Supreme Court

Internal Revenue Service

Social Security Administration

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Central Intelligence Agency

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Search Gov

From Military to Public Service

1) I have the forms, but who can help me fill out the forms?
A: The Clerk of Court is not allowed to help you in filing out any forms. We are not lawyers and cannot give out any legal advice
 
2) Can I speak to a judge about my case?
A: No. It is inappropriate to speak with a judge about a specific case without both parties being present. Information facts relating to a case are presented in a courthouse during scheduled events.
 
3) How can I receive copies of Judgments or any other document filed in a civil file?
A: Copies of items in civil case files can be obtained by visiting our office in person or mailing in your request. Visit the fee schedule for a list of our copy and certify fees. When mailing in your request please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with appropriate copy fees to assure receipt of the 
documents you requested.
 
4) I have been served with civil papers. What do I need to do to file an answer?
A: You can hire an attorney to file your answer or you may do it yourself. These can be handwritten or typed. You will need to file an answer with the Clerk’s Office and also send one to the filing attorney. None of these conditions applying, the judge does have discretion to excuse persons for reason of hardship or inconvenience. However, such excusals are carefully reviewed, and are not granted automatically.

 

Clerk of Courts

Contacts

Heather Banks McNeal

Clerk of Superior, State and Juvenile Court of Bulloch County

Pay Fines & Tickets Online
eFiling is NOW available for Superior and State Court for your criminal and civil filings through PeachCourt!!
 
Also, you can eFile real estate documents through GSCCCA.

Disposition Correction Form

Change of Address Form – State Court 

Change Of Address Form – Superior Court

If you need other legal forms, please click here. We do not distribute legal forms in the office.

Notary

Records Request

If you are requesting any type of document from the Clerk’s Office, please include as much information as possible (e.g., name, case number or book and page you are inquiring about).  Upon receipt of the email, the request will be processed within 3-5 business days.  Please be sure include your name and contact information so that we may contact you if necessary. Please submit records request to clerkinfo@bullochcounty.net
Chief Judge F. Gates Peed  (Jan. 2001)
P.O. Box 967
Statesboro, Georgia  30459
(912) 764-6095
 
Judge Michael Muldrew (Jan. 2017)
P.O. Box 326
Statesboro, Georgia  30459
(912) 764-9607    Fax (912) 764-3835
 
Judge Lovett Bennett, Jr.

 

Judge Ronald Thompson 
P O Box 300
Springfield, Georgia  31329
(912) 764-6095
Daphne Totten, District Attorney
#1 Courtland Street, 2nd Floor
Statesboro, Georgia  30458
(912) 764-9924 Fax (912) 489-2907
Renata Newbill-Jallow, Public Defender
Ogeechee Judicial Circuit
30 North Main Street
P.O. Box 86
Statesboro, Georgia  30458
(912) 764-6292 Fax (912) 489-3223
 
 

Ogeechee Circuit Mental Health / Drug Court

The Ogeechee Circuit Mental Health / Drug Court serves Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins and Screven counties. The Courts provide individuals with an opportunity to pursue treatment for their mental health needs and/or addiction(s) while productively addressing legal issues. Mental Health Court was implemented in September 2013 in Bulloch County. July 2018 Drug Court was opened and both Mental Health Court and Drug Court expanded circuit-wide. Both courts are under the direction of Judge Michael T. Muldrew partnering with the District Attorney, Public Defender, Probation, Sheriff’s Office, Pineland BHDD, and Gateway Behavioral Health Services.
 
It is the goal of the Ogeechee Circuit Mental Health/Drug Court to impact positively persons with mental illness and/or addictions by facilitating stabilization and promoting self-sufficiency through a combined effort of the Court and community resources.
It is our goal, with this blended effort, to see reduced recidivism, which will make for a safer community, and to assist participants in becoming independent, self-sufficient contributors to the welfare of our community.

Courthouse Locations

  • Bulloch, Screven, Jenkins County – Judicial Annex, 21 Siebald St., Statesboro
  • Effingham County – 700 N Pine St., Springfield

Contact Information

•SA Outpatient: 110 Zetterower Rd, Statesboro (912) 764-9015
•SA Women’s IOP (Outpatient): (912) 764-1817
•SA Women’s Residential: (912) 871-7355
•John’s Place: (912) 764-6129
•Access Line: (912) 764-5125
•Bulloch Counseling Center (BCC): (912) 764-9868
•PSR/New Beginnings Program: (912) 489-9170

 

•GATEWAY Behavioral Health: 108 West 8th Street, Rincon (912) 826-7469 Option 2

•Ogeechee Behavioral Health: 302 East Ogeechee Street, Sylvania (912) 564-7825

Clerk of the Board

Contacts

Karen McClain; Coordinator
Joy Lanier; Program Case Manager

Drug Court General Information and Eligibility

Mental Health Court General Information and Eligibility

New Participant Reminders

Magistrate Court

Welcome to the site of the Magistrate Court of Bulloch County, Georgia. Within this site you will find information that I hope you will find to be useful. Our staff is available to assist you from the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during normal workdays. The telephone number for the Magistrate Court is (912) 764-6458 or (912) 764-5050. The Court is prohibited by law from giving legal advice, but our staff will make every effort to assist you in your interaction with the Court.
 
As you can see from the attached pages, our office performs many tasks for the community and presides over many different types of matters. The Court was created in 1983 as part of the Georgia Constitution and Georgia Statutes. Every County in Georgia has a Magistrate Court and all 159 of the Magistrate Courts are part of the Council of Magistrate Court Judges which oversees all training and State-wide organization. For your convenience, we have a payment drop box. Envelopes and instructions are available outside the building.

Magistrate Court

Contact

June B. Braswell, Chief Magistrate Judge • Karen C. Jones, Deputy Magistrate
The civil jurisdiction of Magistrate Court includes dispossessory actions (evictions), garnishments, and general civil actions where the amount of the controversy does not exceed $15,000. A civil case is one where a party seeks money damages from another party for alleged wrongs. The types of civil cases which the Court generally hears are suits for money owed from one party to another, claims for damage to person or property, landlord/tenant disputes, writs of possession matters and breach of contract cases. The only types of civil cases which cannot be considered by Magistrate Court are divorces, cases where equitable relief is sought and issues involving the title to land. All other civil matters may be heard by Magistrate Court, provided the amount in controversy does not exceed $15,000.
 
The procedures of the Magistrate Court are intended to promote the efficient resolution of disputes. Parties may represent themselves on matters before the Magistrate Court or may elect to have legal counsel represent them. Magistrate Court is the only Georgia court in which a corporation may represent itself in a civil matter. However, many parties find that hiring an attorney to represent them in Court allows their case to be presented effectively and efficiently, ensuring that all procedural and evidentary rules are followed. A non-attorney may not represent a party other than themself in any Georgia court. The Court will always try to accept into evidence all admissible and relevant evidence. However, if a party does not have admissible evidence or does not know how to have their evidence admitted, the Court cannot teach the parties those rules during trial.
 
A civil case is initiated by the Plaintiff filing a Complaint against the Defendant. The Complaint must set forth the basis of the claim that the Plaintiff has against the Defendant, provide the address of the Defendant and state a claim for damages. The Clerk of Magistrate Court has forms available for the Plaintiff to file the Complaint. The Plaintiff must also pay the filing and service fee to initiate the case.
 
  • Filing fee (1 Defendant to be served) $95.00
  • Service Fee for each additional Defendant $50.00 each
There are no limits to the number of Plaintiffs or Defendants which may be parties to the case. However, venue must be proper in Bulloch County under Georgia law.
 
After the Complaint is filed and the Filing Fees are paid, the Marshals will serve the Defendant with a copy of the lawsuit as required by law. The Defendant must then file an Answer to the Complaint within the time limits required by law. There are very specific time limitations on the filing of an Answer and the Defendant is charged with the responsibility of knowing and meeting those time demands. If the Defendant fails to file a timely Answer, the Plaintiff will receive a default judgment upon request without further notice to the Defendant for the amount set forth in the Complaint. If no specific dollar figure is requested in the Complaint, the Court will conduct a hearing on the issue of damages without further notice to the Defendant.
 
The Clerk of Magistrate Court has forms available for the Defendant to use in filing an Answer. However, no specific form is required. The Defendant may also file a Counterclaim against the Plaintiff, alleging that the Plaintiff owes damages to the Defendant. A Counterclaim is usually included within the Answer. There is no filing fee for the Answer. The Answer may allege that the Defendant does not owe anything to the Plaintiff or that the Defendant admits owing some amount but disagrees with the amount requested by the Plaintiff. Assuming that there is a timely Answer filed with the Clerk of Magistrate Court, the case will then be set for trial.
 
Civil cases are heard several times every month. Usually, the case will be heard by either the Chief Magistrate Judge or the Associate Magistrate Judge. The Clerk of Magistrate Court will send a trial notice to the parties at the address provided by the respective parties. It is important to keep the Clerk of Magistrate Court advised of any changes of address that may occur. The failure of a party to appear for trial will likely result in an adverse ruling to the party who failed to appear, including the dismissal of the case or a default judgment.
 
Prior to trial, the Georgia Rules of Magistrate Court require the parties to meet in person and discuss the possibility of settling the matter without a trial. This meeting will generally be conducted on the date of trial, prior to the case being heard. The parties are free to meet or speak by telephone prior to trial in an attempt to resolve the case and, in fact, the Court encourages such meetings. Once the trial begins, the parties lose control over their case and the resolution of an important matter is left to a judge who does not know the parties, their circumstances or other important facts. The Court only knows what is presented in Court and must decide the case based upon his or her factual findings and the law that applies to such facts. Frequently, neither party receives a judgment that is ‘perfect’ from their respective points of view. If the parties settle their case on terms that they agree upon, both parties generally leave the Courthouse satisfied. If the parties are able to settle their case, the Court will be willing to make that settlement a written, binding Order of the Court upon request. If the case proceeds to trial, both parties will receive the judgment of the Court by which they will be required to abide.
 
At trial, the Plaintiff will present evidence first and the Defendant will have the right to cross examine (ask questions of) the witnesses who testify. After the Plaintiff has concluded their presentation of evidence, the Defendant will have the right to present evidence and the Plaintiff will have the right of cross examination. The Court may ask questions from the bench in an attempt to address the heart of the matter and keep the parties on point. At the conclusion of all of the evidence, the Court will either announce a judgment or take the case under advisement. In either circumstance a written order will be sent to both parties by mail.
 
There are no jury trials in Magistrate Court. All civil cases are heard by a judge, this type of trial is commonly referred to as a bench trial. After a final judgment is rendered either party may appeal their case to the Superior Court of Bulloch County within time limits established by law and, within the context of that appeal, request a jury trial. An appeal requires the payment of costs by the party seeking the appeal and, upon payment of those costs, the case will be transferred to Superior Court.
 
This page is intended to provide a brief overview of the process of a civil case in Magistrate Court. This site is not intended to provide legal advice and the Court is specifically prohibited from giving legal advice. The Court encourages all parties who are considering legal action to seek the advice of an attorney before proceeding.
The criminal jurisdiction of Magistrate Court consists of considering and issuing arrest and search warrants, hearing County Ordinance violations and bad check citations, conducting preliminary hearings, First Appearance hearings and setting of bond in most cases. Magistrate Judges are available 24 hours a day, 365 days each year to consider arrest and search warrant requests from law enforcement officials and will consider warrant requests from private individuals during normal hours of operation.
The issuance of arrest and search warrants are among the most important duties of the Magistrate Court. The law requires that a ‘neutral and detached Magistrate’ consider sworn testimony before any arrest or search warrant may be issued. Both the United States Constitution and the Georgia Constitution require that a person may only be arrested or his or her home or business searched by law enforcement officials upon a showing of probable cause. Magistrate Judges are available to law enforcement officials 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to consider the applications for arrest and search warrants.
 
There are times when a private individual will seek the arrest of another private individual for an alleged crime. Georgia law requires a hearing before an arrest warrant can be issued at the request of a private individual for the arrest of another private individual except in very limited circumstances. These hearings are referred to as ‘Prewarrant Hearings’ and Magistrate Judges conduct these hearings on a weekly basis.
 
If a private citizen seeks the arrest of another private citizen a written request for a warrant must be made to the Magistrate Court during normal work hours. The warrant request must be the sworn allegation of the person seeking the warrant. The person requesting the arrest warrant must first make a police report and will need the name, address, Social Security Number, date of birth and other identifying information for the alleged offender. Although some of this information may be difficult to obtain, the information is required because, assuming a warrant is issued, law enforcement will need the information to enter the warrant into the Georgia Crime Information Center’s computer. If the warrant fails to have this information, law enforcement officials will have no way to locate and indentify the offender.
 
If a warrant request is made by a private citizen in absence of exigent circumstances, the person whose arrest is sought is entitled to receive notice of any scheduled hearing. A hearing will be conducted before a Magistrate Judge and a decision will be made as to whether the arrest warrant should be issued, not issued or some other disposition of the case should be made. If an arrest warrant is issued, the warrant will be forwarded to the Sheriff for execution and the case will ultimately be sent to the District Attorney for prosecution.
 
When an arrest warrant is issued – without regard as to whether it was requested by a private citizen or a law enforcement official – a Magistrate Judge will consider the issue of bond (bail). In most cases a Magistrate Judge will be responsible for the issue of bond. The Magistrate Judge will consider the facts of the case, the history of the offender, and all other circumstances made known to the Magistrate in deciding the issue of bond. Bond is not intended as punishment, rather, is intended to ensure that the Defendant will appear at trial to answer for the charges. Except in misdemeanor cases, the Magistrate Judge may refuse bond but only if he or she finds that certain circumstances exist which suggest that no amount of bond will ensure that the Defendant will appear for trial or poses such a risk to the community that the Defendant should not be released on bond.
An action that is illegal is only illegal because it violates an established law.  Such an action may be illegal under one or more different sets of laws.  For example, it is illegal under Georgia law to rob a bank.  Bank robbery is also illegal under Federal Law because it violates a Federal statute.  The same is true of County Ordinance Violations.  Bulloch County has established a set of laws, known as County Ordinances, which make certain actions illegal.  The actions which are illegal under County Ordinances may also constitute a violation of State law or other laws but the County has elected to prosecute the case as a County Ordinance violation.  All violations of County Ordinances are misdemeanors and are referred to Magistrate Court for resolution.
 
Magistrate Court presides over all county ordinance violations, including but not limited to possession of alcohol by those under the age of 21, animal control violations, illegal sale of alcohol, disorderly conduct and violations of zoning ordinances.  Hearings on County Ordinance violations occur several times each month and are presided over by either the Chief Magistrate Judge or the Associate Magistrate Judge.
 
If a citizen receives a citation the court date will appear on the lower half of the citation.  If the Defendant fails to appear on the initial court date a bench warrant will be issued for his or her arrest and that person will be held in jail pending a rescheduled court date.  On the initial court date (also referred to as Arraignment) every person charged with a violation will be advised of their rights by the Court.  These rights include important Constitutional and legal rights which must be conveyed to every person charged.  Specifically, the Defendant is entitled to an attorney, either one he or she retains or an appointed attorney if the Defendant is indigent.  At Arraignment, every person charged must make an election to proceed without counsel, to request an appointed attorney or their employed attorney must be present to represent the Defendant.  The Court will not grant a continuance in the matter to allow the Defendant additional time to hire an attorney.  Those arrangements must be made between the time the citation is issued and Arraignment.
 
The Defendant will also be advised of further rights.  These rights include the right to a jury trial, the right to confront and cross examine witnesses, the right to have witnesses subpoenaed who would testify for the Defendant, the right to require the County to prove the Defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the right to remain silent or to testify and other important rights that the Court will discuss prior to any action being taken.
 
After each Defendant is advised of his or her rights verbally, each Defendant will be presented with a written recitation of those same rights and the Defendant will make an election relative to counsel and also enter a plea.  The Defendant can plead guilty, request a plea of nolo contendre (also known as a ‘no contest’ plea), or plead not guilty.  If the Defendant pleads not guilty, the Defendant will then further elect whether to have a bench trial before the Magistrate Judge or a jury trial in Superior Court.  If the Defendant elects a jury trial the case will be transferred to Superior Court for a jury trial and the District Attorney will serve as the prosecutor.  The District Attorney may elect to proceed with the citation or may elect to formally accuse the case as a State law violation.  All not guilty pleas in which the Defendant elects to have a bench trial will be scheduled for trial on a later date to allow both the Defendant and the County to subpoena witnesses.  If the Defendant wishes to subpoena witnesses, he or she will need to personally appear in the Magistrate Court Clerk’s office to have the subpoenas issued and served.  The request for subpoenas must be made sufficiently in advance of trial to allow time for service.   There are costs associated with the issuance and service of such subpoenas, unless the Defendant is determined to be indigent.
If the Defendant enters a plea of guilty at arraignment the case will proceed to sentencing on the date of Arraignment.  The County will present the factual basis for the plea and may make a recommendation as to the sentence to be imposed.  
 
Recommendations are not binding upon the Court.  A Defendant may request the Court accept a plea of nolo contendre (no contest).  A plea of nolo contendre allows the Defendant to avoid admitting guilt but accept punishment as if he or she had in fact entered a guilty plea.  Whether the Court will accept a nolo contendre plea is a matter left solely to the discretion of the Magistrate Judge.
 
The maximum sentence for most County Ordinance violations is up to six months in confinement and up to $1,000 in fines, per offense.  The Court may sentence a Defendant to probation to avoid requiring the Defendant to be incarcerated.  As a condition of probation, the Defendant may be ordered to pay fines, perform community service, undergo certain types of counseling, have a curfew, refrain from certain types of conduct, pursue an education, submit to random drug screens and/or other conditions that the Court may deem appropriate under the circumstances.  All persons placed on probation will be required to pay a probation supervision fee and all of the surcharges on such fines required under Georgia law.  If the Defendant violates the terms of probation, the probation officer may request that the Defendant be brought back to court and, if the Court finds that the Defendant has violated his or her probation, the Defendant may be sentenced to serve the time remaining on the original sentence in confinement or the probation may be modified to address the deficiencies alleged by the probation officer.
 
If the Defendant elects to enter a plea of not guilty and requests a bench trial, the case will be reset for hearing as discussed above.  It is important that the Defendant keep the Magistrate Court Clerk advised of any changes in address because future court date notices will be mailed to the last known address of the Defendant.  If the Defendant fails to appear for trial, a bench warrant may be issued for his or her arrest and the Defendant will be incarcerated until the time of trial.  At the trial, the County will be required to prove the Defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  The County will be required to present evidence sufficient to meet that burden of proof.  After each witness called by the County testifies, the Defendant will be allowed to cross examine (ask questions of) each such witness.  When the County has concluded presenting its evidence, the Defendant will be allowed, but not required, to present evidence.  Each person who the Defendant calls as a witness, if any, will be subject to cross examination by the County Attorney.  At the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, the Court will decide if the County has proven the Defendant’s guilt beyond a resonable doubt.  If so, the case will then proceed to sentencing as discussed above.  If the Defendant is found not guilty, the Defendant will be free to leave with no further obligation to the Court.
 
Occasionally, first time offenders will be sentenced differently from repeat offenders.  If appropriate, a first time offender may be allowed to enter a plea, be sentenced and if the Defendant completes the terms of his or her sentence without violation, the case will show as having been dismissed on the Defendant’s criminal record.  However, such a dispostion does not mean that the first offense did not happen, just that it was treated as if it was dismissed.  If there is a subsequent violation of the law after the completion of the initial sentence, the Defendant will be treated as a repeat offender.
 
This site is intended to give a general overview of the process and procedure of a County Ordinance violation in Magistrate Court.  The Court is specifically prohibited from giving legal advice and this site is not intended to provide legal advice.  The Court encourages all persons charged with a criminal offense to seek the advice of legal counsel before making any court appearance.

Probate Court

Contact

Lorna Deloach

Probate Court Judge

•Marriage Licenses
•Georgia Weapons Carry Licenses
•Administration of estates of deceased persons
•Guardianships/Conservatorships of Minors and Incapacitated Adults
•Commitment Hearings
•Hearings on Land Line Disputes
•Records Management
•Probable Cause Hearings in Certain Instances
Certified Copies – $10
Abstract Fee – $10
Will Deposit – $15
Notary Public Services – $2 per stamp
Weapons Permit New – $80
Weapons Permit Renewal – $36 (90 days before or within 30 days of expiration date)
Weapons Permit Replacement cost is $6.00 (applicant must present a police report & proper photo ID)
Appointments are required to file petitions.
 
Minor Guardianships
Under certain circumstances, probate courts have jurisdiction over the appointment and supervision of temporary and permanent guardians for minors. A permanent guardian may be appointed for a minor who has no living parents or, after notice to the parents without objection, when the parents fail to properly care for the minor. Permanent guardianship of a minor, though similar, is not the same as legal custody of a minor, which may be granted only by superior or juvenile courts in Georgia.
 
Temporary guardianship may be granted to a person having physical custody of a minor in need of a guardian. The consent of the natural guardian(s) must be given in writing or the natural guardian(s) must be given legal notice of the proceeding. The probate court may not grant temporary guardianship of a minor over the objection of a natural guardian. The natural guardian(s) of a minor is/are the parents, if living, or the parent(s) having legal custody of the minor if the parents are divorced or were never married. The granting of temporary guardianship of a minor does not permanently terminate the parental rights of the parents. Temporary guardians hold, during the term of the temporary guardianship, all of the powers of a natural guardian, which will include the authority to consent to medical treatment and to enroll the child in school. Temporary guardians may be required to file reports on the personal status and conditions of the minor.
 
Guide to the Creation of Temporary Guardianships
 
 Adult Guardianship and Conservatorships
Probate courts have jurisdiction over the appointment and supervision of guardians and conservators of adult persons found to be incapacitated by reason of physical or mental illness to such an extent that the adult is no longer capable of making reasonable and rational decisions concerning his or her person or of managing his or her money and property. Guardians made decisions concerning the person of the Ward, and Conservators manage and make decisions concerning the income and property of the Ward. Conservators must be bonded for the value of all income and personal property of the Ward, and Guardians may be required to post bond. Guardians an incapacitated adult must file annual reports on the physical/mental status of the ward. Conservators must file an inventory of assets, an asset management plan and annual financial accountings, all of which are subject to review or audit by the staff of the probate court. The appointment, supervision, removal and discharge of guardians, conservators and their sureties are within the exclusive, original jurisdiction of the probate courts.
 
Minor Conservatorships
Probate courts have jurisdiction over the appointment and supervision of Conservators for minors. A Conservator may be required if a minor inherits money or personal property not in a trust or under the management of a testamentary conservator, when a minor has received an award of damages in a personal injury lawsuit, or when a minor is the named beneficiary of life insurance or retirement benefits. Conservators must be bonded for the value of all income and personal property of the Minor. Conservators must file an inventory of assets, an asset management plan and annual financial accountings, all of which are subject to review or audit by the staff of the probate court. The appointment, supervision, removal and discharge of conservators for minors and their sureties are within the exclusive, original jurisdiction of the probate courts.
 
Cost and Investigations
There are court costs and fees which must be paid in connection with any guardianship and/or conservatorship case. Attorneys’ fees will also be involved in many cases. Particularly for adults, consideration should first be given to Alternatives to Adult Guardianship and Conservatorship. Most probate courts will require that all conservators and some guardians, particularly guardians of minors, undergo a criminal background check before appointment. Services caseworkers, social work professionals, and skilled and personal care facility administrators and staff.
Marriage Application
 
Hours accepting applications: 8:00am to 4:30pm
 
Premartial Counseling Certification
A marriage license may be issued under the following conditions and procedures:
 
Residency Requirements
  • If one of the parties is a resident of Georgia, the license can be issued in any county.
  • If neither party is a resident of Georgia, the license must be issued in the county in which the marriage ceremony is to be performed.
     
Legal Requirements
  • The parties must be of sound mind, must have no living spouse from an undissolved prior marriage, and must not be related in a degree prohibited by law. Both parties must be at leaste 18 years of age. A 17 year old may be issued a marriage license only if all of the following are met:
     
    • •A petition is granted in juvenile court for emancipation and a certified copy of such order is presented (see §15-11-720).
    • •15 days have passed since the date the order granting emancipation was granted.
    • •The older party to the marriage is no more than 4 years older than the younger party.
    • •Applicants have completed premarital education according to §19-3-30.1 (there are additional counseling requirements for those 17 years old).
  • •As of July 1, 2019, no one under the age of 17 shall be issued a marriage license in the State of Georgia. Parental consent to a marriage license is no longer allowed in this State.
  •  
Premarital Education Program
Under Georgia Law, a couple who presents to the court at the time of making application a certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education program shall not be assessed a marriage license fee (other charges may apply). The premarital education shall include at least six hours of instruction involving marital issues, which may include but not be limited to conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles. The premarital education shall be completed within 12 months prior to the application for a marriage license and the couple shall undergo the premarital education together. The premarital education shall be performed by:
  • A professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 10A of Title 43;
  • A psychiatrist who is licensed as a physician pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 43;
     
  • A psychologist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 39 of Title 43; or
  • An active member of the clergy when in the course of his or her service as clergy or his or her designee, including retired clergy, provided that a designee is trained and skilled in premarital education.
     
Surname (Last Name)
The applicants must designate on the application the legal surname that will be used after the marriage. An applicant may choose his or her given surname or his or her surname as changed by order of the superior court, the surname from a previous marriage, the spouse’s surname, or a combination of the spouse’s surname and the applicant’s given or changed surname or surname from a previous marriage.
 
Blood Test
As of July 1, 2003, premarital blood tests are no longer required. The State of Georgia, however, recommends that each applicant applying for a marriage license obtain a blood test for sickle cell disease prior to obtaining a marriage license. Please click here to access an informational brochure on sickle cell disease.
 
Payment
The cost of the marriage license is $76. If the couple presents the “Certification of Completion of Qualifying Premarital Education” to the court at the time the license is issued, the cost will be $36. Certified copy and certificate will be ready for mailing within 10 business days following the date it was returned to the office.
Having the Probate Judge Officiate your Marriage Ceremony
Marriage applications may be requested Monday thru Friday, 8am-4pm, with both parties present with required paperwork. It is the responsibility of the couple to schedule an independent officiate to perform the wedding ceremony. The Judge of the Probate court will no longer be performing ceremonies at the office.
1 As of 7-1-2006, a doctor’s statement as proof of pregnancy or birth certificate of a child for any person under the age of 18 wishing to marry in Georgia will no longer accepted. An emancipated adult must have parental consent to marry (OCGA 15-11-208).
Click for Online Application
Hours accepting applications: 8:00am to 4:30pm
 
State Statute
Georgia Code 16-11-129 (Search for 16-11-129)
 
What to Bring
  1. Georgia driver’s license, Georgia State ID card, or voter’s registration card with current address; Foreign nationals must have INS resident card. If you are a naturalized US citizen, you should bring your naturalization papers.
  2. Payment – $80 (new applications); $36 (renewals) (payable by cash, check, money order and credit/debit cards).
  3. Fingerprint and applications are accepted Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Licensing exceptions. No license shall be granted to:
  1. Any person under 21 years of age (Age if under 21 proof of completed basic training or honorable discharge is required);
  2. Any person who is a fugitive from justice or against whom proceedings are pending for any felony, forcible misdemeanor, or violation of Code Section 16-11-126, 16-11-127, or 16-11-128 until such time as the proceedings are adjudicated;
  3. Any person who has been convicted of a felony by a court of this state or any other state; by a court of the United States including its territories, possessions, and dominions; or by a court of any foreign nation and has not been pardoned for such felony by the President of the United States, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, or the person or agency empowered to grant pardons under the constitution or laws of such state or nation or any person who has been convicted of a forcible misdemeanor and has not been free of all restraint or supervision in connection therewith for at least five years or any person who has been convicted of a violation of Code Section 16-11-126, 16-11-127, or 16-11-128 and has not been free of all restraint or supervision in connection therewith for at least three years, immediately preceding the date of the application;
  4. Any individual who has been hospitalized as an inpatient in any mental hospital or alcohol or drug treatment center within five years of the date of his or her application. The probate judge may require any applicant to sign a waiver authorizing any mental hospital or treatment center to inform the judge whether or not the applicant has been an inpatient in any such facility in the last five years and authorizing the superintendent of such facility to make to the judge a recommendation regarding whether a license to carry a pistol or revolver should be issued. When such a waiver is required by the probate judge, the applicant shall pay to the probate judge a fee of $3.00 for reimbursement of the cost of making such a report by the mental health hospital, alcohol or drug treatment center, or the Department of Human Resources, which the probate judge shall remit to the hospital, center, or department. The judge shall keep any such hospitalization or treatment information confidential. It shall be at the discretion of the probate judge, considering the circumstances surrounding the hospitalization and the recommendation of the superintendent of the hospital or treatment center where the individual was a patient, to issue the license; or
(A) Any person, the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection notwithstanding, who has been convicted of an offense arising out of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance or other dangerous drug.
(B) As used in this paragraph, the term:
(i) ‘Controlled substance’ means any drug, substance, or immediate precursor included in the definition of controlled substances in paragraph (4) of Code Section 16-13-21.
(ii) ‘Convicted’ means a plea of guilty, a finding of guilt by a court of competent jurisdiction, the acceptance of a plea of nolo contendere, or the affording of first offender treatment by a court of competent jurisdiction irrespective of the pendency or availability of an appeal or an application for collateral relief.
(iii) ‘Dangerous drug’ means any drug defined as such in Code Section 16-13-71.
 
How Long
Adequate time to complete application and be fingerprinted. Additional time will be required if there are complications submitting fingerprints or if additional information is found to be required.
 
Receipt of License
License will be mailed to the applicant in approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
 
Replacement Licenses
Firearms License Replacement cost is $6.00 (applicant must present a police report & proper photo ID)
Duties of Personal Representatives
This pamphlet is to acquaint persons who may be called upon to serve as personal representatives of a decedent’s estate with the duties and responsibilities of such position in Georgia.
 
What to do When a Loved One Dies
There are a number of different proceedings which may be filed in the Probate court following the death of a Georgia resident or a non-resident owning property in the State of Georgia. Proceedings are filed in the Probate Court of the county of the decedent’s residence in Georgia or in the county where property of a non-resident is located. For each proceeding described, there is a standard form, which the Court will provide to any petitioner.
Having an attorney present is strongly recommended for all proceedings.

Forms

Probate Court

Temporary Notice
To continue providing important services to the public while mitigating the spread of COVID-19, the Probate Court will continue to perform the essential functions of the Court under Order of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Pursuant to said Supreme Court Order dated March 16, 2020, and extensions of said Order through August 11, 2020, the Bulloch County Probate Court will continue to follow the current guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health during the pandemic of COVID-19, by performing the following by appointment only:
 
•Marriage Licenses
•Guardianships/Conservatorships on Minors and Adults
•Estates/ Administrations
•Alcohol Licenses
•Concealed Carry Permits should be applied for online at georgiaprobaterecords.com, and appointments made by calling the Probate Court. Licenses that expire on their face during the emergency period will remain in effect during the emergency period. In other words, these permits will remain valid. If your permit was set to expire on or before February 14, 2020, your permit will be deemed as expired due to the grace period being extinguished before the order of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
 
•This Court will continue to address mental health, and other emergency situations on a case-by-case basis.
•Oaths for Petitions will be perfo1med by video, if at all possible.
 
The public should refrain from coming to the Court if they have a fever, or symptoms of respiratory illness or have been exposed to a person with the Coronavirus or flu. Masks will be required upon entering the Courthouse, and temperatures will be taken. Any person having a temperature of 100 degrees or above will be denied entry.

Important Notice

The Probate Court Judge, Clerk, and staff are committed to providing you with excellent customer service. We will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have about Probate Court services or procedures. Please be advised, however, that state law prohibits our staff from rendering legal advice, restating the law, or recommending specific ways to pursue legal action. Nothing on this web site is intended to advise anyone regarding legal remedies for a particular circumstance.
Many matters of law are quite complex and may require special knowledge of legal principles and procedures. If you have a problem involving the interpretation of the law, we suggest you contact an attorney licensed in the State of Georgia. Although we cannot recommend a specific attorney, you may contact the attorney of your choice.

State Court

The State Court of Bulloch County is located in the historic Bulloch County Courthouse in Statesboro, Georgia.  Bulloch State Court has served the citizens of Bulloch County and Georgia since it was created by the Georgia General Assembly on August 10, 1903.

 

Judge Joseph L. Cushner was appointed to the State Court of Bulloch County by Governor Brain Kemp in March of 2020. A native of Bulloch County, he received his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Georgia. Prior to serving as Judge of State Court, he was the elected Solicitor-General of Bulloch County. The Court Administrator is Annette Crosby. Heather McNeal is the Clerk of the State Court of Bulloch County.

•Misdemeanor criminal offenses (offenses punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $1,000.00, or $5,000.00 if an aggravated misdemeanor);
•Civil law suits or disputes seeking money damages with no limit on amount in controversy.
•Traffic offenses within the unincorporated portions of Bulloch County or traffic cases in municipalities in which a jury trial demand is filed; Issuance of arrest and search warrants.
•Appeals filed on cases heard in Bulloch Magistrate Court, as well as cases in Magistrate Court in which a jury demand is filed.

Solicitor

Contact

Catherine Findley

Solicitor General

Heather Rogers

Victim Advocate

Courtney Collins

Legal Secretary

Solictor

In an effort to comply with the general policy of “social distancing”, the recent Supreme Court Order of Georgia order, and in an effort to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19, we ask that you contact our office by phone. If you are represented by an attorney, please contact her or him.
Summary of the department:
•The Solicitor-General is an elected county officer.

 

•The Solicitor support the State Court by prosecuting civil cases not reserved by the Constitution or the Superior Court; misdemeanor criminal offenses; traffic offenses in the unincorporated Bulloch County including Brooklet, Register and Portal and the Magistrate Court when demanded; and appeals for Magistrate Court decisions.

 

•Bulloch County is one of approximately 20 counties in the State of Georgia with a full-time Solicitor-General.

 

•The Solicitor-General assists the Clerk of Courts, Sheriff, and the State Court in processing over 10,000 traffic and misdemeanor cases.