Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal Matters

Criminal Matters Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will the Clerk’s Office tell me if there is an outstanding warrant for my arrest?
No. If you think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should contact the Jeff Davis Sheriff's Office at 912-375-6600.
How do I apply for a criminal arrest warrant?
As a private citizen, you may apply for the issuance of a criminal arrest warrant, however, an investigation by the appropriate police department may be required before a warrant is issued for a felony offense. You can do so in person at Magistrate Court , 14Jeff Davis St. Hazlehurst, GA.
How do I get my cash bond money?
A cash bond may be refunded only after a case is completed and all paperwork signed. and will will be refunded by the Sheriffs Office . Cash bond money may be refunded only to the person who posted the bond and whose name appears on the bond receipt upon presentation of appropriate documents to verify identity.
Where can I get a copy of a case disposition?
For a misdemeanor case, you will request the disposition from the State Court clerk’s office. For felony cases, please make your request with the Superior Court clerk’s office. The clerk’s office of the State Court retains original misdemeanor case files for the last three (3) years on-site. Superior Court retains rerecords on site for the last five (5) years. Upon request, the clerk will make a certified copy of the case disposition. There is a fee for this certified copy. Older files may be available .
Where can I get a police report?
The police agency that takes the report has a records department from which you would get a copy.
Why do I have to speak to a Investigator first?
An investigation by the appropriate police department is required before a warrant is issued for a felony offense.
How do I know if the defendant has a bond?
You can call the Magistrate Court Criminal Division at 912-375-6630

How do I drop the charges?
Generally, once a warrant is issued the warrant will not be dismissed before a review by the prosecuting attorney’s office.
Felony Dismissal fee is $110.00
Misdemeanor dismissal fee is $55.00
You can not dismiss a Family Violence Case in the Magistrate Court.
Why do I have to come to court for an application hearing? Why won’t the judge issue the warrant now?
In most cases, Georgia law requires the court to schedule a hearing when an application is made for a warrant by a person other than an officer. The hearing is to determine if there is enough evidence to issue a warrant for that person’s arrest.
I’m the victim. Why do I have to pay for a warrant?
You do not pay for a warrant. The payment is the application fee for a warrant and the cost is in no way based upon whether or not a warrant is issued.
All applications cost are waived in Family Violence cases.
Do I need witnesses for my application hearing?
You can have witnesses at your warrant application hearing if you feel their testimony will help you prove your case.