Jurisdiction

The Magistrate Court has jurisdiction to issue arrest warrants and set restrictive conditions of bond in cases involving domestic violence and stalking. These conditions of bond may include no contact with the victim or the victim’s family, restricting a defendant from going to certain locations, or other restrictive conditions to protect the safety of the victim.

The Magistrate Court does not have authority to issue protective orders. Any request for a protective order must be made in the Superior Court. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains forms for requesting a protective order. The Superior Court Clerk is located on the fourth floor of the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse and can be reached at 706-613-3190.

Legal Services

Free legal services may be available to a victim of domestic violence cases through the UGA Family Violence Clinic, which can be reached at 706-369-6272, or Georgia Legal Services, which can be reached at 706-227-5362 or 800-745-5717.

Project Safe

Project Safe also provides many services for victims of domestic violence. Contact Project Safe at 706-543-3331. Project Safe provides 24-hour emergency shelters, a 24-hour hotline, support groups, assistance in obtaining protective orders, information and referrals, and many other services.