Sec. 34-9Contempt for failure to appear
Needs a look
Residents shouldn't be jailed simply for being unable to pay, and the city could face legal exposure if this wording is followed literally. See the fix
Plain English: what this chapter 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.
(a) If a defendant fails to appear before the at the designated date and time, the judge of the municipal court shall have the authority to charge the defendant with contempt of court, which offense shall carry a fine not to exceed $200.00, and to issue a bench warrant for the arrest and confinement of such defendant. The period of confinement shall continue until such time as the defendant posts bond and pays the fine(s) outstanding on the pending charge(s) or until the defendant's case can be heard by the court.
(b) If any person summoned as a witness before the shall fail, neglect, or refuse to attend the trial, the judge of the municipal court shall have the authority to issue a rule nisi requiring the witness to show cause at a time and place stated therein why the witness should not be held in contempt of court. After hearing from the witness, the judge shall have the authority, if in his or her judgment the reason for non-attendance is insufficient, to hold the witness in contempt of court and punish the offense by a fine not to exceed $200.00 and/or imprisonment for a time not to exceed ten days, either or both, or in the alternative.
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_ARTIINGE_S34-9COFAAP
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH34CO_ARTIINGE_S34-9COFAAP
Paid for by James Burgess