Brooks County Magistrate Court

Welcome To Brooks County Magistrate Court

The Magistrate Court staff includes the Clerk of Court, 2 deputy clerks, 1 deputy, and 3 Judges. The Magistrate Courts of Georgia were established in 1983 when the current Georgia Constitution was ratified. The Constitution required the Magistrate Courts to replace the Justice of the Peace, and a variety of other small claims courts. Each county in the State of Georgia has a Magistrate Court.

The Brooks County Magistrate Court is divided into 2 divisions the Civil Division and the Criminal Division.

Civil Division

The Civil Division handles monetary claims that are $15,000 or less. Any amount in excess of $15,000 should be filed in either the State or Superior Court of Brooks County.

Actions filed in the Magistrate Court include, but are not limited to:

• Contract disputes
• Dispossessory actions (evictions)
• Personal injury
• Suits on account

This court does not handle divorce, child support actions, or actions involving title to property. You may appear on your own behalf or may be represented by an attorney.

Criminal Division

The Criminal Division handles the issuing of arrest warrants and search warrants for Brooks County after probable cause has been determined.

The Magistrate Court also conducts:

• Bond hearings
• First appearances
• County Ordinance hearings
• Preliminary hearings