Notice on Chatham Court Operations

Please read the below documents as this relates to all Chatham County Courts

Courthouse Entry Procedures (March 24th)

Superior Court Memorandum (March 24th)

State Court Emergency Operation Protocol Memorandum (March 30th)

Statewide Judicial Emergency Order (March 16th)

Court functions may change outside what has been defined in the Judicial Order. An up-to-date list is provided below.

For as long as a State-Wide Judicial Emergency is in effect the Courts will address essential functions, which are defined by the various Courts as follows:

Recorder's Court:

• Misdemeanor Arraignments for those in jail only
• Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Arraignments
• Felony Arraignments
• Misdemeanor Holds

Please note all arraignments will be conducted by video from the jail. Warrant signing will still be available at the regular time. Payment windows will still be open, but individuals are requested to pay online rather than come to the courthouse.

State Court:
State Court has vacated all court dockets and will reassess for needed additional measures as events progress.

Magistrate Court:
Magistrate Court will only hear first appearances, bond hearings, and garnishment traverses. Magistrate Court will also handle POST certified officer arrest and search warrant applications.

Probate Court:
Probate Court is offering essential services only with strict safety protocols explained on their webpage. Probate Court is not accepting Weapons Carry License applications. Marriage license applications are by appointment only.

Juvenile Court:
Juvenile Court shall remain open only to address essential functions necessary to protect the health, safety, and liberty of individuals. That shall include, but is not limited to, detention, and dependency emergency removal matters. If you have a hearing and are sick, contact the court before coming. For questions about Juvenile Court matters, please contact your attorney, see the Chatham County Juvenile Court website, or call 912-652-6700.

Superior Court:
Superior Court has suspended jury trials during the period of this Judicial Emergency. All nonessential, non-urgent matters will be rescheduled; however, attorneys and parties should check with each assigned judge's office. Criminal matters, including plea hearings and revocations will be scheduled for jailed defendants only. Essential functions include bond hearings, temporary protective orders, search warrants, arrest warrants, and other urgent legal matters.

Superior Court Clerk:
Superior Court Clerk's Office will be open Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for all customers to file cases and pleadings in civil and criminal actions, etc. The Real Estate Division including Notaries, UCC's and BP A's will be open business as usual.