Walton County Government

Welcome to the Official Website of the Magistrate Court of Walton County. On behalf of the Magistrate Court and Staff, we hope you find this website both helpful and informative. Our office is dedicated to the citizens who utilize this court to provide the most efficient and professional court system possible. Hopefully, this site will answers many of the questions you may have concerning the Magistrate Court.

Mike Burke,

Chief Magistrate Judge

Walton County

Directions Helpful Contact Information

The Georgia Magistrate Court system was established by an Act of the Georgia Legislature, effective July 1, 1983. This legislation created the court following the adoption of a new Georgia Constitution in 1982 which unified Georgia's Courts. Previously, the Magistrate Court was better known as Justice Courts utilizing Justices of the Peace. With the implementation of the magistrate court system, all small claims courts and justice of the peace courts in Georgia were abolished and the existing judges of those courts became magistrates. All 159 counties are required to have a Chief Magistrate Judge assigned. Cases heard in this court are scheduled quicker than many courts and will allow for an expedited conclusion.

Office Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Days of week: Monday thru Friday

Closed: Saturday and Sunday

(and observed Walton County Holidays)

Location: Walton County Government Building

303 South Hammond Drive Suite 116

Monroe, Georgia 30655

Main Number: 770-267-1349 (automated attendant)

Push #1 for General Information

Push #2 for Criminal Matters

Push #3 for Civil Matters

Fax Number: 770-266-1512

A Magistrate Judge is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Magistrate Court hears civil and criminal cases. No jury trials are held in the Magistrate Court. All appeals are transferred to the Superior Court. It is the duty of the Magistrate Court to provide an accessible court system to a citizen who may not be that familiar with the judicial system of Georgia. The process is much simpler, less complex and oftentimes quicker when it comes to having cases resolved than in other courts. In the Magistrate Court it is not mandatory that you have an attorney for the presentation or defense of your case. Pro Se litigants (persons representing themselves) can present or defend their case, whether it be civil or criminal in nature. If a matter you are involved in seems to necessitate an attorney, you are the person who has to make that decision. No Magistrate Court personnel can provide legal advice in any manner to a person utilizing this Court. Weddings are also performed in the Magistrate Court on Thursdays and Fridays. This is done by appointment and can be scheduled by calling the Magistrate Court at 770-267-1349. Weddings outside normal business hours can be scheduled with a judge by calling the office.

The Magistrate Court is responsible for the following criminal actions: Law Enforcement Links Forms FAQs Probation Services

Monroe Police Department

MISDEMEANOR CRIMINAL COUNTY ORDINANCE/ ANIMAL CONTROL Walton County Sheriff's Department

WARRANTS HEARINGS OFFENSES CODE VIOLATIONS VIOLATIONS Loganville Police Department

Felony Warrants, Misdemeanor Warrants, Good Behavior Warrants, Search Warrants

Initial Appearance Hearings, Prewarrant Hearings, Preliminary Hearings

Deposit Account Fraud, Possession of marijuana less than (1)oz, Theft by Shoplifting, Furnishing alcohol to a minor, Criminal Trespass

All criminal offenses adopted under State statute in the Walton County Code of Ordinances.

All criminal offenses adopted in the Walton County Code of Ordinances relating to Animal Control.

The Magistrate Court is responsible for the following civil actions: Forms FAQ(s) Court Fees/Costs Schedule

SMALL CLAIMS DISPOSSESSORY ACTIONS HEARINGS

Claims filed with monetary limit of $15,000

Actions filed by a landlord to collect unpaid rent and/or possession of property

Hearings scheduled for small claims and dispossessory actions.

This court also handles: Garnishments, Traverse actions, Interrogatories, FiFa's, Abandoned Motor Vehicle actions, Personal Property Foreclosures.

Chief Magistrate Judge	Mike Burke email address: mburke@co.walton.ga.us	770-267-1349
Associate Magistrate Judge	Donna Parker	770-267-1349
Associate Magistrate Judge (part time)	Jeff Foster	770-267-1349
Deputy Clerk	Tonya Nolan Civil Division	770-267-1349
Deputy Clerk	Maggie Barton Civil Division	770-267-1349
Deputy Clerk	Tammy Burnette Criminal Division	770-267-1349
Deputy Clerk	Andrea Sargent Criminal Division	770-267-1349