City of Gainesville

•	Community Policing
•	Municipal Court
•	Crime Prevention for Senior Citizens
•	Safety Tips for Travelers
•	K-9 Unit
•	CALEA Report
•	Special Event Application
•	Amplifying Device Permit Application
•	Picketing Registration
•	Parade Permit Application and Route Maps
•	Race and Walk Routes
•	Stationary Rally Registration
•	GPD Course Registration
•	Training Calendar
•	Police Survey 2006 English
•	Police Survey 2006 Spanish

Gainesville Municipal Court is located at 102 E. E. Butler Parkway, Suite A, Gainesville, Georgia. Misdemeanor criminal cases and City ordinance violations are processed through Municipal Court.

If YOU HAVE JUST RECEIVED A CITATION IN GAINESVILLE…

Georgia law considers this an arrest for a traffic infraction, even though you were not taken to jail. To properly dispose of this citation, you have two options:

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You may pay your fine at City of Gainesville Traffic Bureau/Municipal Court and not appear in court to contest the citation. This will be considered a guilty plea. The fine must be paid at least one hour prior to the time and date listed on the citation. Once you pay the fine, you do not have to appear in court. Your driving history will reflect a conviction for the offense(s) with which you were charged. If your case was designated "Court only" by a Police Supervisor, you MUST appear in court. Municipal Court is located at 102 E.E. Butler Parkway, Suite A, not at the Public Safety Building. The officer is not allowed to quote a fine amount. You must call Gainesville Traffic Bureau/Municipal Court (770) 531-2668. Please allow three business days before calling for a fine amount. You may mail your fine to Gainesville Traffic Bureau/Municipal Court, but please mail seven days prior to your court date, to ensure it is received on time. Send Money Orders only. No cash or checks. The mailing address is: Gainesville Municipal Court, 102 E.E. Butler Parkway, Suite A, Gainesville, GA 30501.

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If you fail to pay your fine or appear in court, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest. This will add an additional $100.00 to your fine. In addition, your Driver's License may be suspended.

YOUR HONOR...

If you elect to contest your citation, you must be in court on the date and time listed on the citation. Once the citation is issued, the officer is not allowed to revoke it. Only the Municipal Court Judge is allowed to dispose of it.

Once in court, your name will be called and you will be asked to plea Guilty, Not Guilty, or in some cases, Nolo Contendre. If you plead Guilty or Nolo, the Judge will sentence you that day. If you plead Not Guilty, you will be given a trial date. On that date, you and the officer will be allowed to tell "your side of the story." Please bring any evidence or witnesses with you at that time. If you have an attorney, make sure he/she knows your court date.

Neither a Police Officer nor the Solicitor is allowed to advise you on how you should handle your case in court. If you need assistance, contact an attorney.

You are not allowed to change your court date via phone, you must appear in person on the date you were given OR have your attorney appear for you. Also, you court date cannot be changed on the actual day of court. Again if you have questions, contact Gainesville Traffic Bureau/Municipal Court at (770) 531-2668.

COURTROOM RULES...

There is a dress code in Municipal Court. No excessively short shorts, halter-tops, or hats of any kind are allowed. In addition, shirts and shoes are required. Casual or business dress is suggested. Also, no weapons (including small pocket-knives), cellular phones or pagers are allowed in the Courtroom. Please do not bring small children or babies to court with you. Follow all instructions given to you by the staff. Please follow these rules in order to make your court experience as pleasant as possible.

It is the mission of the Gainesville Police Department to ensure the safety of all persons traveling through our city. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns; write to: Gainesville Police Department, Office of the Chief, 118 Jesse Jewell Parkway, SE, Gainesville, GA 30501.