Magistrate Court

Magistrate Courts are the successors to the justice courts and a wide variety of other courts of limited jurisdiction.  The Magistrate Court is most accessible to the public.  The individual, Encouraged by the lack of formality, as the Magistrate Court is not a court of record, may file a criminal complaint or a civil action without the assistance of an attorney is they so wish.  

Law binds the Magistrate Court to do substantial justice.  This does not mean every individual entering the Magistrate Court system is going to win their case, but hopefully they will have felt they have been heard.  If a party is not satisfied with a decision made by the Magistrate court in a civil matter, the individual may appeal their case to State or Superior Court in what is called a de novo appeal. 

The Magistrate Court not only hears civil action, but also conducts hearing and trials on criminal cases, such as ordinance violations.  The Magistrate Court will hear applications, and issue arrest warrants for law enforcement officers and private citizens if probable cause is found to do so. 

Our office is now accepting Visa & Mastercard payments and e-filing at www.efilegeorgia.com 

**Please be very careful when e-filing your case. Once cases are filed, they are Non-refundable. ***

***Madison Georgia is NOT Madison County!***

***You e-file your case to the county where the Defendant lives. ***

 Please be advised that it is illegal and improper for the clerks and or the judge to dispense legal advise. 

Should you need legal advise, please contact an attorney of your choice.

        Court personnel must remain impartial by law, therefore we ask that you do not discuss your personal circumstances with the clerks. We are here to assist you with the proper filing procedure for your case.