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Magistrate Court
Important COVID-19 Notices to the Public
Select from the following items for important information:
NOTICE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consideration of the safety and well-being of our customers and court staff, our office is scheduling appointments for all filings. Please call our office at 912-368-2063 to schedule an appointment. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
- Letter from Chief Magistrate Melinda Anderson June 9, 2021(PDF)
- Memorandum from Chief Magistrate to All Litigants, Attorneys, and Members of the Public on Reopening and Safety Guidelines - Revised on June 9, 2021 (PDF)
- Superior Court Order Establishing Guidelines for in person Court Proceedings Atlantic Judicial Circuit (Effective June 15, 2020) (PDF)
- Georgia Supreme Court Orders Extending Declaration for Statewide Judicial Emergency - All Orders
- Resources for Landlords and Tenants:
- The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is offering rental assistance to qualifying Landlords and Tenants. Visit https://georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov/ for more information.
- Individuals who may need assistance or have questions regarding Dispossessory Actions / Evictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic can call the 211 Helpline, or consult an attorney for legal advice.
Function
The 1983 Constitution of Georgia provided for a uniform Magistrate Court System throughout the State to replace what was formally known as justice of the peace and small claims courts. These newly formed Magistrate Courts allowed ordinary citizens to represent themselves without the help of an attorney. There are forms and instruction sheets available to the public for all actions and services provided by Magistrate Court.
Magistrate Court works just like State or Superior Court in that it is not a collection agency nor can it help determine the financial circumstances of the defendant. Civil claims up to $15,000 to include Garnishments and foreclosures on personal property are handled in Magistrate Court. Landlord/Tenant cases called Dispossessories are handled regardless of dollar amount. Magistrate Court also handles:
- Abandoned Motor Vehicles
- Arrest Warrant Hearings
- Bad Check Warrants
- Bond Hearings
- County Ordinance Violations
- Good Behavior Bonds
Staffing
The Magistrate Court Office has four (4) Full-time Deputy Clerks, and, three (3) Part-Time Magistrates in addition to one (1) Full-Time Associate Magistrate, and the Chief Magistrate. There is a Magistrate on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year to be available for Law Enforcement if search warrants or arrest warrants are necessary.
Locations for Services
Criminal matters are filed in the Magistrate Court Office located in the Liberty County Justice Center Building, 201 South Main Street, Suite 2100, Hinesville, GA 31313, or at the Liberty County Regional Jail. Our courtroom is located on the Second (2nd ) floor of the Justice Center Building where civil and criminal cases are heard; arrest warrants and bond hearings are also handled at the Justice Center and at the jail.
Civil actions are filed in the Superior Court Clerk's Office where Ms. Linda Dixon Thompson is the Clerk of Courts. Ms. Dixon Thompson also serves as the Magistrate Court Clerk; her office is located on the First (1st) floor of the Liberty County Justice Center Building, 201 South Main Street, Suite 1200, Hinesville, GA 31313.
Civil Claims and Dispossessories can be filed in person, by mail, and online through Magistrate Court Civil E-Filing.
Clerk Assistance
Please refer to the Guidelines for Clerks (PDF) for understanding of what a clerk may or may not do to assist a party.
Disclaimer
The information and forms available on this website are not intended as legal advice and should not be considered as such; they are provided for reference only. Consult an attorney for legal advice.