A Comprehensive Guide to Gwinnett State Court
Speak with a trusted lawyer in Georgia.
Gwinnett State Court has jurisdiction over certain misdemeanors, traffic violations, and some civil matters unless the local Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction. Learn everything you need to know here.
Author: Philip Kim, Founder, Philip Kim Law, P.C.
Defense lawyer Philip Kim has committed his career to standing up for the accused, and protecting the rights and reputations of his valued clients. If you face criminal charges in Georgia, we can provide you with the skilled, effective defense representation you need.
Published on March 3, 2020, last updated on July 22, 2023..
Gwinnett County State Court
Several courts run within Gwinnett County, GA. With various courts appointed to manage a range of legal adjudications, some handle civil matters, some criminal matters, and others juvenile charges (Juvenile Court) or probate matters (Probate Court).
Understanding the type of criminal charges you or your loved one are facing can be important to understanding which court records to request from the appropriate Clerk of Court and how best to approach and manage your charges and court case.
Among Gwinnett courts, the Recorder’s Court processes thousands of traffic tickets and other misdemeanors, and the Superior Court of Gwinnett County handles all felonies that occur in Gwinnett County. On the other hand, the Magistrate Court of Gwinnett County issues criminal warrants for searches and arrests.
Suppose you are facing a civil legal issue or have been convicted of a low-level crime in Gwinnett County. In that case, your case will likely be handled by the Gwinnett County State Court, a trial court that covers misdemeanors, traffic violations, and all civil actions in this county.
Below, Lawrenceville, GA, criminal defense attorney Philip Kim of Philip Kim Law, P.C. highlights what you need to know about the State Court.
Gwinnett County State Court Help
The Gwinnett State Court Overview
The Gwinnett County State Court system, located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, is a trial court of limited jurisdiction. This court handles misdemeanor and traffic violations that the Solicitor’s Office prosecutes and all civil actions, regardless of the amount claimed, unless the parties are residents of the City of Atlanta.
The State Court was created by the acts of the Legislature of 1951, as amended. The State Court of Gwinnett County has concurrent jurisdiction with the Superior Courts in certain cases and exclusive jurisdiction in all others not within the exclusive jurisdiction of another court.
The State Court is composed of five judges. The voters of Gwinnett County elect them to serve four-year terms. The Chief Judge, selected among the judges, serves for two years and has full administrative authority over the court subject to the laws of Georgia.
In addition to the Judges, the court also includes the Clerk of Court, who is responsible for filing and maintaining all paperwork related to the cases and collecting any fines or fees associated with the cases.
Misdemeanor crimes heard in State Court include:
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Simple Battery
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Drug Possession (less than 1 ounce of a controlled substance)
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DUI/DWI
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Shoplifting
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Harassment
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Resisting Arrest
Cases heard in the State Court may be tried before a judge or jury. Trials are conducted during regularly scheduled court sessions and follow a set procedure. The court can impose sentences of up to 12 months in jail, probation, fines, and community service.
In Gwinnett County State Court, you may represent yourself, hire an attorney for your case or ask for a public defender if you qualify financially.
The court also operates several specialty courts designed to address specific types of cases better. These include DUI Court, Drug Court, and Veterans Treatment Court, which provide specialized support and resources for individuals dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues.
Regardless of your case, you should consult a skilled attorney to protect your rights and interests throughout the court process. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide courtroom etiquette, proper filing procedures, and applicable criminal defense strategies for your case.
With experience in Gwinnett County State Court cases, Philip Kim Law is here to provide reliable legal advice while helping you navigate the complexities of the Gwinnett justice system. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Expert Counsel for Gwinnett County State Court
General Information
Gwinnett County State Court Address
The State Court of Gwinnett is located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, and is open from 8 AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday. The contact number is 770-822-8000.
Gwinnett County State Court Forms
You or your attorney must fill out several forms when managing your case at the State Court. We encourage defendants whose case is being seen by the court to hire a trusted lawyer to handle every step of their case. Still, our ultimate goal is to ensure that all residents can access legal advice and guidance whenever they feel lost, overwhelmed, or need an expert’s opinion.
Forms for this court can be found here. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact a criminal defense attorney or the Gwinnett County telephone number provided above.
Gwinnett County State Court Docket
In addition to having access to the proper legal forms and resources, an important part of managing your court case is having access to information about the case’s proceedings. We suggest looking at the State Court docket for general information about a specific court case. This is a record of the proceedings of a court case. Here, you will find information on the judge hearing the case, the parties and attorneys involved, and the specific events.
The Gwinnett County State Court docket can be viewed through the Gwinnett County case search tool’s ‘search hearings’ function. If you have any questions, our criminal defense attorneys are here to help you navigate the Gwinnett County State Court docket to find the information you need to seek the justice you deserve.
Gwinnett County State Court Assistance Now
Who’s Who at the Gwinnett County State Court
When facing a case at this court, there are many people who you or your attorney may interact with. These include the judges and the clerk of the state court.
Gwinnett County Judges
In Gwinnett County, a judge is an elected magistrate who commands court procedures. Judges rule on matters of law, serve as a referee between the parties, and make decisions in legal conflicts. As of 2023, Gwinnett County State Court judges include the following individuals:
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Chief Judge Carla E. Brown
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Judge Veronica Cope
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Judge Jaletta L. Smith
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Judge Emily J. Brantley
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Judge Shawn F. Bratton
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Judge Ronda Colvin Leary
Gwinnett County Clerk of Courts
The clerk and administrator perform administrative tasks in the state court, helping other court officers, judges, and attorneys. The Gwinnett Clerk of Courts is Tiana P. Garner, and the Court Administrator is Philip M Boudewyns.
Clerk of State Court
As a Lawrenceville, GA, criminal defense law firm which frequently handles cases seen by the Gwinnett County State Court, our job is to facilitate communication with the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit Clerk of the Superior Court’s office and ease much of the overwhelming burden experienced by those who face the legal system alone. No matter your legal issue, we are prepared to stand by your side and advocate for your rights.
Gwinnett County State Court Lawyer
State Court of Gwinnett County Lawyer
If you have a case at the Gwinnett County State Court in Lawrenceville, GA, you need a lawyer willing to defend your rights tirelessly. Even seemingly low-level offenses like misdemeanors and traffic tickets can result in a license suspension, a criminal record, or jail time. With so much at stake, hiring a trusted criminal defense attorney to guide you through your case and represent you in court is essential to securing your rights, freedom, and future.
Every lawyer needs to stay up-to-date on modifications to criminal laws. This includes speeding up domestic violence defense cases, sex offenses like sodomy or prostitution, drug charges, and driving offenses like DUI. The top criminal lawyers are prepared to use their knowledge and experience to evaluate the facts of your case and develop a detailed defense strategy that might persuade the court to make a judgment in your favor.
The earlier your criminal defense lawyer can develop a strong defense, the better your chances of winning your criminal case. Contact Philip Kim Law today for a free consultation.
Contact a Gwinnett County State Court Attorney
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Lawrenceville, GA 30046
