Misdemeanor criminal cases and City ordinance violations are processed through Municipal Court.
If you have received a citation in the City of Cleveland . . .
Georgia law considers this an arrest for a traffic infraction, even though you were not taken to jail. In order to properly dispose of your citation, you have two options:
Option 1 - Pay Your Fine
You may pay your fine either online, by phone (1-800-262-0128), or at the Municipal Court Office and not appear in court to contest the citation. Please allow three to five business days before inquiring about a fine or attempting to pay your fine.
If the fine is paid, online or by phone this will be considered an electronic signature, a guilty plea to the violation(s), and waiver of your rights as listed on the right-hand side of the citation issued by the Officer. There is a convenience fee added to all citations paid with a debit/credit card. Online payments must be made by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to your court date.
If the fine is paid in person, it may be paid by cash, money order, or debit/credit card (convenience fee is added to all citations paid with a debit/credit card). A waiver of rights form or the citation issued by the Officer must signed by the Defendant on the line next to “signature of accused” before any payment is accepted in person. Photo ID may be required. In person payments must be paid no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of court.
Once the fine is paid a court appearance is no longer required. Your driving history may reflect a conviction for the offense(s) with which you were charged.
Officers are not allowed to quote fine amounts. To inquire about the fine amount you may call the Cleveland Municipal Court Office (706) 865-0058, inquire online for this information, or by phone at 1 (800) 262-0128. Please allow three to five business days before inquiring about a fine amount or attempting to pay your fine online.
Fines may also be mailed to Cleveland Municipal Court, please mail them in time prior to your court date, to ensure the fine is received in a timely manner. Send Money Orders only. No cash or personal checks. Mail to: Cleveland Municipal Court, 85 South Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528. Along with your fine payment you must print, sign, and have your signature notarized on the Waiver of Rights Form.
If you fail to pay your fine or appear in court, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest. In addition, your Driver’s License may be suspended.
Option 2 – Appear in Court to Pay or to Contest your Citation
If you elect to appear in court to pay or contest your citation, you must appear in court on the date and time listed on the citation. Once the citation is issued, the Officer is not allowed to revoke it; only the Municipal Court Judge is allowed to dispose of it.
Once in court, you will be given instructions and when your name is called you will be asked how you wish to handle your case. At this time, you may enter your plea (Guilty, Not Guilty, or in some cases, Nolo Contendre). If you plead Guilty or Nolo and the plea is accepted by the Court, you may be allowed to pay your fine or you may need to be formally sentenced by the Judge.
If you plead Not Guilty, once you fill out the required paperwork you will be released from Court and notified later by mail at the address the Court has on file. It is your responsibility to notify the Court of any change in contact information.
Neither a Police Officer nor Municipal Court Personnel are allowed to advise you on how you should handle your case in court. If you need assistance, contact an Attorney, if you cannot afford an Attorney you may fill out an application for Court Appointed Council. The Application for Court Appointed Council must be returned to the Court completed a minimum of two weeks prior to the date listed on your citation.
You are not allowed to change your court date via phone. Requests to change a court date must be made in writing. You may come to the Cleveland Municipal Court Office (85 South Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528), mail the request to the Cleveland Municipal Court Office, fax, or email the notarized form.
The request for continuance must be received by the Court no later than 12:00 p.m. the business day prior to the Court date listed on the citation. If the request is mailed, faxed, or emailed it must reach the Court in time for you to receive a response back in a timely manner. Municipal Court personnel may only reset your court date one time; additional change requests must be made in open court. You must appear in court on the date you were given or have your Attorney appear for you. Your court date can only be changed on the day of court with the approval of the Judge and/or the Solicitor.
If you have questions, contact Cleveland Municipal Court at (706) 865-0058.
If your case is designated "Must Appear" you MUST appear in court. No fine information is given on “Must Appear” offenses.
Municipal Court is held in the White County Courthouse located at 59 South Main Street, Cleveland, Georgia, 30528. Cleveland Municipal Court sessions start at 5:30pm on scheduled court dates.
Courtroom Rules
- There is a dress code in Municipal Court. Casual or business dress is suggested. All persons present should be clean, neat, and dressed in a manner that shows dignity and respect for the Court. Unacceptable attire: clothing with offensive or obscene words and/or pictures, provocative clothing, or any other clothing the court may find inappropriate.
- Weapons are not allowed in the courtroom (including small pocketknives).
- Cellular phones or pagers must be turned off or placed on silent while present in the courtroom.
- Follow all instructions given to you by the staff.
The Cleveland Municipal Court is located within Cleveland City Hall. Court is held once a month in the White County Courthouse, Arraignments being at 5:30 p.m. and Bench Trials begin as listed on the Notice of Bench Trail letter. The Municipal Court is presided over by a part time Judge. The Municipal Court also has a part time Solicitor and Public Defender and a full time Clerk.
- Municipal Court Judge – Garrison Baker
- Solicitor – As Determined By the District Attorney of the Enotah District
- Court Clerk – Charlie LaVelle
- Public Defender – Todd Lord
You may contact the court through the Clerk's Office at (706) 865-0058.