Magistrate Court

Welcome to the web page for the Pike County Magistrate Court. The Magistrate Court hears civil and criminal cases in Pike County.

Pike County Magistrate Court

P.O. Box 466
Zebulon, GA 30295
Phone: 770-567-2004

Priscilla Killingsworth
Chief Magistrate of Pike County

Open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. for lunch

HISTORY OF THE MAGISTRATE COURT

The Magistrate Court hears civil and criminal cases in Pike County. 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 more quickly than many other courts and will allow for an expedited conclusion.

DUTIES OF THE MAGISTRATE COURT

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 less complex and often faster than cases resolved in other courts. In the Magistrate Court, it is not mandatory to have an attorney for the presentation or defense of a 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 require 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 during regular business hours. Appointments are preferred but not required.