Chapter 34 COURTS
Plain English: what this part covers
This chapter lays out how Ashburn's municipal court runs: when it meets, how tickets and summonses get served, what happens if you miss court, and how bonds work. It also sets up the court-appointed defense lawyer and city prosecutor positions, and the extra charges added on top of fines. If you ever get a city citation, this is the chapter that explains the process.
- Missing court or contempt: fine up to $200 (Sec. 34-9, 34-15); a witness who skips can also get up to 10 days (Sec. 34-9(b))
- Contempt during court: up to $200 or 10 days in jail (Sec. 34-15)
- Extra 10% on fines, costs, bonds and forfeitures for the Turner County jail fund (Sec. 34-16)
- Officer-set bond on city ordinance charges: up to $1,000 (Sec. 34-50)
- Corporations must be served at least 10 days before trial (Sec. 34-7)
- Rule to show cause on a forfeited bond must be served at least 5 days before the hearing (Sec. 34-53)
Cross reference— Administration, ch. 2; law enforcement, ch. 58; offenses and miscellaneous provisions, ch. 62; traffic and vehicles, ch. 82.
State Law reference— Contracts to furnish services authorized, § 15-7-80 et seq.; powers of presiding officer in court of a municipal corporation to bind over or commit criminal offenders to jail, O.C.G.A. § 17-7-22; municipal courts, O.C.G.A. § 36-32-1 et seq.; jurisdiction of municipal courts and magistrate courts to , O.C.G.A. § 41-2-5; agreements between private entities and municipal court judges for probation services, O.C.G.A. § 42-8-102; establishment of municipal courts authorized and jurisdiction thereof, Ga. Const. art. VI, § I, ¶ I.
What's in here
Questions folks ask
When does Ashburn's municipal court meet?
The code says court holds a regular session each month, often enough to meet the city's needs, on a fixed day and hour the municipal court judge sets. A session can be skipped if there are no cases ready. Call City Hall for the current schedule.
What happens if I miss my court date?
The judge can charge you with contempt of court, with a fine of up to $200, and issue a bench warrant for your arrest. The code also says you can be held until you post bond and pay outstanding fines, or until your case can be heard.
Can I get a court-appointed lawyer if I can't afford one?
Yes, if the charge could carry jail time, you don't already have a lawyer, and the judge finds you can't afford one, the court appoints the city's indigent defense counsel to represent you at arraignment and trial.
Why did I end up paying more than the fine on my ticket?
The code adds several things on top of the fine: court costs from the city's fee schedule, an extra 10% of the fine and costs that goes to the Turner County jail fund, and a yearly cost fee to cover the prosecutor and court-appointed defense lawyer. State-required add-ons are also collected.
How much bond can the police set when someone is arrested on a city ordinance charge?
The officer on duty at the police station can take a bond, with or without security, of up to $1,000 for a city ordinance charge. When you post bail or bond, an extra 10% is added for the county jail fund.
What if I can't afford to pay my court costs?
The code still has an old rule that someone who can't pay costs may be required to work two days on public works instead. A newer section (2018) says the judge alone decides whether you are able to pay and whether you qualify for alternatives like community service or reduced fines. Ask the court about your options.
If I put up cash bond and I'm found not guilty, do I get it back?
Yes. If you show up and are found not guilty, the court orders the money returned to whoever posted it. If you're found guilty, the fine and costs come out of it and any remainder is refunded. If you don't show up, it can be forfeited.
What happens if I'm subpoenaed as a witness and don't show up?
The judge can order you to come explain why. If the reason isn't good enough, you can be held in contempt and fined up to $200 and/or jailed up to 10 days.
Who picks the municipal court judge, and for how long?
City council appoints the judge by resolution approving a service agreement, for a term of one to two years that renews automatically unless council names a successor. The judge can be removed mid-term only by a two-thirds vote of the full council (or by the state Judicial Qualifications Commission) for specific reasons like misconduct.
Can I just plead guilty instead of having a trial?
Yes. You can file a guilty plea under the court's rules, and the judge then sets a sentence that seems reasonable and proper.
This is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. The official code is on Municode and at City Hall. Our copy is from April 30, 2026.
Online: https://jamesburgessleads.com/city-code/PTIICOOR_CH34CO
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH34CO
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