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Public Health Advisory: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

 

 

 

Until July 12, 2020, unless extended, the Harold R. Banke Justice Center is conducting restricted operations as indicated in the Judicial Emergency Declaration.  No jurors or grand jurors should report; and no civil or non-essential matters will be heard, unless they can be conducted via video or teleconferencing.

 

Parties, or attorneys in any matter, are welcome to contact the chambers of the judge assigned to their case by phone or email if they have any questions or need to ensure their compliance with this Order.  Case information, court calendars, and relevant forms can be found throughout this website.

 

 

 

Clayton County Offers Reduction in Traffic Violation Fines

Eligible Charges reduced to $50.00 plus surcharges

JONESBORO— May 11, 2020 — The State Court of Clayton County, in partnership with the Office of the Solicitor-General, Solicitor-General Charles A. Brooks will be reducing traffic fines to $50.00 (plus surcharges) for low-risk maintenance and/or moving violations. The Solicitor-General’s Office will reduce eligible fines starting 05/11/2020. The reduction will be offered to individuals who have pending traffic citations for certain maintenance and/or moving violations.

“The purpose of reducing the fines will allow citizens to handle outstanding charges without physically appearing in court and further hinder the potential spread of Covid-19 and lower the number of people needing to appear in court” said Solicitor-General Brooks.

“A valid driver’s license is vital in many aspects of life. During these current times, we have individuals seeking employment, needing to apply for different types of aid, and applying for apartments, homes, and even loans. Adding this option for as many citizens that are eligible will make restoring their driving records more convenient during these very stressful times. This 2 will also allow operations to continue to flow without increase delay and further backlog,” stated Brooks.

Select traffic charges have been identified for fine reduction and can be paid without seeing a Judge. Anyone interested in taking advantage of the reduced fine can pay his or her ticket online at www.claytoncountyga.gov/government/court-services/clerk-of-state-court/pay-traffic-citations-online. Those who wish to contest their traffic citations will receive notice of their new court date via the United States Postal Service at the address on file with the Clerk of State Court of Clayton County.

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Administration

The State Court is composed of five (5) Judges. All are elected by the citizens of Clayton County and serve four (4) year terms. State Court is a trial court with limited jurisdiction covering misdemeanor and traffic violations, prosecuted by the office of the Solicitor General, and all civil actions, regardless of the amount, unless the Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction.

judge cowen
Chief Judge Linda S. Cowen 		judge garrett
Judge Michael T. Garrett 		judge hayward
Judge Tammi Hayward

judge spencer


Judge Margaret Spencer

Jones-Parker

Judge Shalonda Jones-Parker