Frequently Asked Questions

No signing a citation is NOT an admission of guilt.  When you sign a citation, you are acknowledging that you received a copy of the ticket, received a court date and understand the contents.  You are agreeing to pay the citation and/or appear on the scheduled court date to contest the charge.  

Some more serious offenses do require a mandatory court appearance and will not allow payment to avoid a court appearance.  Contact the Municipal Court Clerks office if you are unsure.

Per O.C.G.A  40-13-2.1 - A person who is issued a citation as provided in this chapter or Code Section 17-6-11, relating to display of driver's license in lieu of bail, shall sign the citation to acknowledge receipt of the citation and of his or her obligation to appear for trial. The officer shall advise the person that signing the citation is not an admission of guilt and that failure to sign will result in the person having to post a cash bond.

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If you are charged with the following offense, you must appear in court even if you have posted a cash bond:

• DUI
• Fleeing/Attempt to Elude
• No license
• Suspended license (second offense)
• Theft by shoplifting (under $500)
• Probation violation
• Violation of sound making device (fourth offense or more)
• Window tint (fourth offense or more)
• Vicious dog

When you receive a citation from the Hinesville Police Department, it has your court date and time. If you intend to pay your before your court date, you may do so by paying the citation any time up until 7 a.m. the morning of court. If not paid by 7 a.m., you must appear in court at 7:45 a.m. Payments are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but after 4:30 p.m. you must have exact change if paying with cash. You may also pay by mail to: Municipal Court of Hinesville 123 East M.L. King, Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 Methods of payments include:

• Cash
• Check made payable to the City of Hinesville (no starter checks, checks over $200 are not accepted after 4 p.m., all checks must be pre-printed, and proper ID is required)
• MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express with proper ID
• Money order
• Cashier's check

If you have posted a cash bond for an offense that does not require a court appearance and you do not appear in court, your bond will be forfeited and your case will be closed as guilty by bond forfeiture.

• Online payments may be submitted on the homepage at www.cityofhinesville.org.

No, the judge cannot discuss your case outside of court. We cannot provide the phone number for him at his regular office. He is only available during court for discussion of cases.

• Emergencies with proper verification
• Subpoena from a higher court
• Military obligation (must have your supervisor, E-6 or above, come to the clerk's office)
• Postponements for other reasons require a cash bond

• Guilty – This plea means that you acknowledge having committed the violation stated on the citation.
• Not Guilty – This plea means that you deny having committed the violation stated on the citation and that the City must prove its charge(s) against you at a court hearing. If the officer is already present in court, the case may be heard. If the officer is not in court, the case is then set for a non-jury trial where any witnesses and police officers are subpoenaed, and evidence is used by either side.
• Nolo Contendere (no contest) – This plea is neither an admission or denial of charge(s). It states that you are not contesting the charges and do not want a trial, and is admission that you believe the City would prove the charges, if not rebutted by your evidence. The plea is accepted at the court’s discretion.

If you do not agree with the judge’s decision of your case you may appeal it through the Superior Court of Liberty County within 30 days of disposition. Contact Liberty County Superior Court Clerk Linda Thompson at (912) 876-3625 for further information.

Yes, your clothing should be neat, clean, well-fitted and appropriate for court.  you may NOT wear shorts, sweatpants, over-sized or baggy clothing, spandex, shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity or illegal drugs.  Sunglasses and hats are not allowed to be worn unless required by religious belief or needed for medical condition.

Military personnel should be dressed in the attire as directed by their chain of command and should be escorted by and E6 or above.

Cell phones are to be turned off or silenced while in the courtroom.  If your cell phone goes off or you are found using them, it may be confiscated with a fine imposed for its return.

No weapons or video recording devices are allowed without being approved by the court prior to the court date.  No food, beverages or tobacco use is allowed.

• Explain and answer questions about how the court works
• Give you general information about court rules, procedures and practices
• Provide court schedules and information on when a case is scheduled for a hearing
• Give you information from your case file
• Usually answer questions about maximum punishments allowable by law
• Provide you with fine information for offenses for which the judiciary has adopted a fine schedule

• We cannot advise whether or not you should bring your case to court
• We cannot tell you what words to use for preparing motions or other court papers
• We cannot recommend what you should say to the judge in court
• We cannot speculate about what decision the judge might make or what sentence the judge might impose in your case
• We cannot change an order signed by a judge or override any decision rendered by a judge
• We cannot talk to the judge on your behalf
• We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court
• We cannot give you information on background checks

• Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund O.C.G.A. 47-17-60
• Law Library Fund O.C.G.A. 36-15-9
• Peace Officer, Prosecutor and Indigent Defense Funding Act O.C.G.A 15-21-70 to 77
• County Jail Construction and Staffing Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-90 to 95
• Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-110 to 115
• Local Victim Assistance Programs O.C.G.A. 15-21-130 to 134
• Drug Treatment and Education Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-100-101 (Drug offenses only)
• Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-140 to 152 (DUI offenses only)
• Drivers Education and Training Fund O.C.G.A 15-21-179
• Technology fee Resolution Number # 2009-27
• Publication fee ($25) for publication of photo in newspaper, as ordered by sentencing judge on second or more DUI offense

Certified dispositions may be requested by individuals who have had their case heard in Municipal Court. The disposition shows all charges and the judge’s decision. Dispositions may be obtained at a cost of $2. You may request a disposition by mail by sending a money order or cashier's check to:  Hinesville Municipal Court 123 East M.L. King, Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313, or click the link below

https://hinesvillega.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest