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Judge
Ken W. Smith
Municipal Court of Hazlehurst
Chief Court Clerk
Saundra Toler
About the Municipal Court
The Municipal Court of the City of Hazlehurst has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanor offenses as provided by Georgia law.
Court sessions are held on scheduled dates, and individual court dates are listed on the citation or summons issued to the defendant.
This website is provided for general information only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Court Schedule
Municipal Court sessions are generally held on the third Thursday of each month.
The specific date and time you are required to appear in court are listed on your citation or summons.
If you have questions about your court date, please refer to your citation or contact the court office directly.
What is an Arraignment?
An arraignment is usually the first court appearance after a person is charged with an offense. It is not a trial. At arraignment, the Court explains the charge(s), advises the defendant of their rights, and allows the defendant to enter a plea.
What Happens at Arraignment?
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The Judge explains the charge(s).
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The Judge advises the defendant of basic rights, including:
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the right to remain silent
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the right to an attorney
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the right to a trial
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The defendant is asked to enter a plea:
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Not Guilty – denying the charge and requesting a trial
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Guilty – admitting the charge
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No Contest (Nolo) – not admitting guilt but not contesting the charge (not available in all cases)
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If applicable, the Judge may address bond or release conditions.
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A future court date may be scheduled.
Why Arraignment Matters
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It ensures you understand the charge(s) against you.
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It gives you the opportunity to respond to the charge(s).
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It officially begins the court process.
What You Should Do
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Arrive on time and listen for your name when the calendar is called.
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Bring your citation or court paperwork with you.
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Consider speaking with an attorney before entering a plea.
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If you cannot afford an attorney, you may ask about court-appointed counsel if eligible.
Accessibility & Language Assistance
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If you need an interpreter, disability accommodation, or other assistance, please contact the Clerk’s Office as soon as possible before your court date at (912) 375-6614 or court@hazlehurstga.gov.
Court staff cannot provide legal advice. If you are unsure of your rights or options, you should consult a licensed attorney.
Payment Information
Fines and fees may be paid in person at the Municipal Court office during regular business hours or online through the court’s approved payment service.
Online payments must be paid in full and are subject to a convenience fee. Partial payments cannot be accepted online.
Payment of a citation prior to court may resolve the case in certain circumstances. Some cases require a court appearance, regardless of whether payment is made, and the court may require a defendant to appear even if the citation does not clearly indicate a mandatory appearance.
Understanding “Must Appear” Citations
Some offenses are classified as “must appear” offenses. This means the defendant is required to appear in court in person on the date and time listed on the citation or notice.
Even if a bond amount is preset or a payment amount is listed on the citation, this does not mean the case can be resolved by paying in advance or that the defendant may skip court. In “must appear” cases, the Judge must review the matter in court before any fines, pleas, or other actions may be taken.
If you are unsure whether your citation requires a court appearance or need help confirming your court date, please contact the Clerk’s Office at (912) 375-6614 or court@hazlehurstga.gov
Important Reminders
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Bring your citation or notice with you to court.
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Arrive early to allow time for security screening and check-in.
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Failure to appear in court may result in additional fines, suspension of your driver’s license, or the issuance of a warrant.
Forms & Requests
The following forms are provided for convenience. Submission of a form does not guarantee approval or a specific outcome. All requests are subject to review and determination by the court.
Requests Related to a Case
Use this form to enter a plea of not guilty and request that your case be scheduled for trial.
Use this form to request a new court date. Approval is at the discretion of the Judge and is not guaranteed.
Use this form to update your contact information with the Municipal Court.
Attorney & Legal Filings
Use this form for an attorney to formally enter an appearance on behalf of a defendant.
Use this form to enter a plea without appearing in court. Submission of this form constitutes a plea and waiver of rights under Georgia law.
Records
Use this form to request records from the Municipal Court in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act.
Court Rules & Expectations
The following rules are intended to ensure court proceedings are conducted in an orderly, respectful, and safe manner.
1. Arrival & Check-In
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Arrive on time for your scheduled court appearance.
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Check in with the Clerk and have your citation, notice, or identification ready.
2. Courtroom Conduct
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Show respect to the Judge, court staff, and all participants.
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Stand when the Judge enters or exits the courtroom.
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Speak clearly and directly, and only when called upon.
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Disruptive behavior, arguing, profanity, or threats will not be tolerated.
3. Dress Code
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Wear neat and respectful clothing.
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The following are not permitted:
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Hats, caps, or head coverings (except for religious or medical reasons)
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Sunglasses (unless medically required)
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Clothing with obscene, offensive, or revealing content
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4. Electronic Devices
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Turn off or silence all cell phones before entering the courtroom.
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Recording, photography, or livestreaming is prohibited without court approval.
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Unauthorized use of electronic devices may result in removal from the courtroom.
5. Food, Drink, and Tobacco
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Eating, drinking, or chewing gum is not permitted in the courtroom.
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Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use is prohibited inside the courthouse.
6. Children and Guests
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Children must be quiet and supervised at all times.
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If a child becomes disruptive, you may be asked to step outside.
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Seating is limited; please do not bring unnecessary guests.
7. Accessibility
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If you require ADA accommodations, an interpreter, or other assistance, please notify the Clerk’s Office in advance of your court date.
8. Safety and Security
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All persons entering the courthouse are subject to security screening.
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Weapons, sharp objects, or other prohibited items are not allowed.
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Follow all instructions given by security personnel.
9. Legal Representation
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You may represent yourself or be represented by an attorney.
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If you cannot afford an attorney, you may inquire about court-appointed counsel if eligible.
10. Payment of Fines & Fees
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All fines and fees must be paid as directed by the Court.
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Payments may be made at the Clerk’s Office or online, if available.
11. Failure to Appear (FTA)
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If you fail to appear for your scheduled court date:
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Warning or suspension notices may be issued
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Your driver’s license may be suspended
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A warrant may be issued for your arrest
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Additional fees may apply
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12. Emergencies
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In the event of an emergency, follow all instructions given by court staff immediately.
Contact & Accessibility
Municipal Court of Hazlehurst
17 Johnson Street
Hazlehurst, GA 31539
Phone: (912) 375-6614
Email: court@hazlehurstga.gov
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on weekends and official City holidays.
The Municipal Court of the City of Hazlehurst complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require an accommodation, interpreter services, or other assistance, please contact the Clerk’s Office in advance of your court date.