You can only pay certain citations on-line. If the system permits you to pay your fine on your citation, you are no longer required to appear personally in court. Your payment of the fine will be accepted as a guilty plea. If points are associated with the citation, it will be reported to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

There are certain offenses for which Georgia Law requires you to appear in court. Additionally, there are other offenses which the Court has determined that an appearance is mandatory. Therefore, you must appear in person on the date and in the location that is listed on your citation. If you fail to appear on your court date, you may lose your bond, a warrant may be issued for your arrest, and your license may be suspended. 

No. The first court date is an “Arraignment.” Your constitutional rights will be explained to you by a judge, and then you may enter a plea of “Guilty,” “Not Guilty,” and in some cases, at the discretion of the judge, a plea of “Nolo.” You will also have the opportunity to fill out an application with the Office of the Public Defender to see if you qualify for their services. If you already have an attorney, or want to hire an attorney on your own, please tell the judge or the Solicitor General. 

If you decide to represent yourself, you will be held to the same standards as an attorney. Neither the court, nor the clerks are allowed to give you legal advice, make any calls for you, or obtain evidence for you.