The Magistrate Court of Dougherty County has jurisdiction to issue warrants for all criminal offenses, hold committal hearings, issue citations for bad checks and violations of zoning ordinances, and issue good behavior bonds. The Court also has civil jurisdiction on cases up to $15,000, if exclusive jurisdiction is not vested in the Superior Court. Garnishments may also be filed in the Court.
The Magistrate Court issues subpoenas to compel attendance of witnesses, conduct hearings and trials and, when requested, Magistrates serve as judges in other Courts, as well as perform wedding ceremonies.
Chief Judge for the Dougherty County Magistrate Court is the Honorable Baxter Howell, Judge Victoria Johnson and Judge Michael S. Meyer von Breman also serve as judges in the Magistrate Court.
The Magistrate Court can be reached at 229.431.3216.