Delinquent Matters

The following traffic related offenses are required by law to be charged as delinquent matters and will not be handled in traffic court: aggressive driving, reckless driving, a speeding offense punishable by four or more points, homicide by vehicle, manslaughter resulting from the operation of a vehicle, any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used, racing on highways and streets, using a motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, fraudulent or fictitious use of a driver’s license, hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and any offense committed by an unlicensed driver under 16 years of age. (See Georgia Code Section 15-11-630).

If you are accused of one of the above offenses you will receive a summons to court along with a copy of the petition which contains the formal charges filed in your interest. You should report to court for arraignment on that day. Your case will be processed as any other delinquency case

Offenses Requiring Parents & Children to Appear

The following traffic offenses require the child and a parent or guardian to appear together in Juvenile Traffic Court for a hearing before a judge: a violation by a child of a law or local ordinance governing the operation of a moving motor vehicle upon the streets or highways of this state or upon the waterways within or adjoining this state; or a violation of any other motor vehicle traffic law or local ordinance if a child is taken into custody and detained for its violation or is transferred to the juvenile court by the court hearing the charge. (See Georgia Code Section 15-11-630).

If you are accused of one of the above offenses you will receive a letter advising you of your court date. You should report to court for arraignment on that date. If you are adjudicated to have committed one of the above offenses the court is required to suspend your driver's license. You should also expect to pay a fine. You may also receive other penalties as authorized by law.

Offenses Including an Accident or Multiple Charges

The following traffic offenses require the child and a parent or guardian to appear together in Juvenile Traffic Court for a hearing before a judge: any person charged with a traffic offense involving an accident or any person who has previously admitted a traffic charge or paid a bond forfeiture for a traffic charge.

If you are accused of one of the above offenses you will receive a letter advising you of your court date. You should report to court for arraignment on that date. If you are adjudicated to have committed the current offense, you can expect to pay a fine. You may also receive other penalties as authorized by law, including the suspension of your license.

Other Traffic-Related Offenses

All other traffic offenders have an option of appearing in court for a hearing or paying a bond forfeiture at the clerk's office.

The child will receive a mailed notice advising them of a court date for arraignment and may appear along with a parent or guardian for arraignment before a judge at that time. If the accused chooses not to contest the charge and wishes to pay a scheduled fine (in the form of a bond forfeiture), the child and parent or guardian may come to the Juvenile Court clerk's office during business hours any time before the scheduled court date. The clerk will receive your payment, and this will complete the case.