If you don’t see your question below, feel free to contact us.

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Can I pay my fine online?

Many fines are payable online HERE. Certain violations require a court appearance, during which the judge sets the fine amount.
 

Can I pay my fine at the Effingham County Clerk’s office?

Many fines are payable through the clerk’s office. The clerks can accept fine payments in the form of cash, money order, or certified cashier’s check. They are unable to accept card payments or personal checks.

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What is a Super Speeder?

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-189(b), “In addition to any other fines or penalties imposed by any local jurisdiction or the department, the department shall administer and collect a fee of $200.00 from any driver who is convicted of driving at a speed of 85 miles per hour or more on any road or highway or 75 miles per hour or more on any two-lane road or highway, as defined in Code Section 40-6-187. Such a driver, upon conviction, shall be classified as a “super speeder; (c) The department shall notify offenders of the imposition of a fee under this Code section within 30 days after receipt of a qualifying ticket and notice of conviction. Failure to pay the fee imposed by this Code section within 90 days after receipt of the notice shall result in the suspension of the driver’s license or driving privileges of the offender, and, in addition to the existing fees and penalties, a fee of $50.00 shall be assessed, payable upon the application for reinstatement of the driver’s license or driving privileges. Notice shall be provided by the department to the offender by first-class mail to the address shown on the records of the department. Such mailed notice shall be adequate notification of the fee imposed by this Code section and of the offender’s ability to avoid a driver’s license suspension by paying the fee prior to the effective date of the suspension. No other notice shall be required to make the driver’s license suspension effective.” NOTICE: The State Court of Bryan County has no jurisdiction over this penalty and cannot collect it or assist you with any information concerning it other than as provided above. You must contact GA DDS directly for information regarding the fee, forms of payment and/or penalties. Contact GA DDS at 678-413- 8400, 678-413-8500, 678-413-8600 or TOLL FREE at 866-754- 3687.

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When is my hearing date?

Your hearing date is located on your citation. If you have lost your citation or are unsure of your hearing date, you may call the Effingham State Court Clerk’s Office at 912-754-2118 for criminal related charges and traffic related citations.

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Can I ask for a different hearing date?

In certain circumstances, the judge may grant a continuance of your hearing date. To make this request, you must complete a Request for Continuance form found HERE. Follow the Instructions form for submission of your request. Requests for Continuance must be made at least 72 hours prior to the hearing date.

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I missed my court date. What should I do?

You may call the Effingham State Court clerks at 912-754-2118 for criminal related charges or for traffic related citations for further information.

You may be eligible to be rescheduled or to submit a Request to Redocket form found HERE. Follow the Instructions form for directions on completion of form and submission.

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Can I call the judge to discuss my case or ask for a continuance?

No. All communications with the judge take place in the courtroom in the presence of the solicitor and your attorney if you are represented. You may only request a continuance of your hearing date by completing the Request for Continuance form found HERE. Requests for Continuance must be made at least 72 hours prior to the hearing date.

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Can I ask for a reduction on my speeding citation?

Only the solicitor can make speed reductions with the approval of the court. Decisions are based on the defendant’s driving record and the circumstances of the case. You may be eligible to participate in the Pretrial Diversion Program.

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What is the Pretrial Diversion Program and am I eligible to participate?

The Pretrial Diversion Program (PTD) was created pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-18-80 with the purpose of providing alternatives to traditional prosecution with the goal of addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior to reduce recidivism. PTD typically requires completing an online driving course with Creative Counseling Solutions and paying the course and supervision fee. The online driving course takes most individuals approximately 2-2 ½ hours to complete. The course and supervision fees are approximately the same amount as the fine attached to the violation. Once you enter the program, you will be given a new court date/status date which will allow you 90 days to complete the conditions listed above. After you have submitted proof of completion of your conditions and paid your fees, you will be excused from further court appearances and your ticket will be dismissed. A dismissal means you will not receive points on your license. To determine your eligibility for PTD, you may email copies of your citations to  bherndon@effinghamcounty.org.

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I cannot afford an attorney, but would like to be represented. How can I apply for the Public Defender?

You can apply for a public defender on your Arraignment court date.  The public defender will make an announcement before court is in session for applications and process.

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I have limited English proficiency. Can I request an interpreter for my court proceedings?

Yes, any person who speaks English “less than very well” and cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken English, cannot equally participate in or benefit from the proceedings without an interpreter to assist them. The fact that a person for whom English is not a primary language knows some English does not mean that person does not need an interpreter. Language assistance services can be provided, at no cost to you, for your court proceedings. To request language assistance services, represented parties can instruct their attorney to request the services for them. Unrepresented or pro se parties may file the Defendant’s Notice of the Need of a Qualified Interpreter found HERE with the Effingham County Clerk of Court. To review Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 7.3 regarding interpreters, click HERE.

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Do I have a dress code while attending my hearing?

Proper courtroom dress is required. No one entering the courtroom shall wear shorts, jeans, hats, yoga pants, sweatpants, cut or ripped pants, crop tops, crocs, flip flops, slides, slippers, or any other casual apparel. It is required that men wear business apparel or long pants, a collared dress shirt, and closed toed shoes. It is required that women wear business apparel or long pants, dresses, skirts with blouse, and appropriate shoes. If you appear and are dressed inappropriately, you will be refused entry into the courtroom. For more details see Rules of the Court 

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