If you choose to appear in court or have a case that requires a mandatory court appearance, Court will begin at 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, and is held at the Municipal Complex at 181 Larkin Street. Please check your citation for the specific date that you must appear or call the Cornelia Municipal Court at 706-778-4314 Ext 230. Please arrive a few minutes early in an effort to clear the security check point areas. For Court security you may be subject to a search by the court bailiffs. No weapons, food, or drinks are allowed in the court room. Your cell phone must be turned off.
If you decide to plead not guilty, you may have the option of having a non-jury bench trial in Municipal Court or you may have your case transferred to State Court. You will be advised of these rights at your first appearance. If you plead not guilty and request a non-jury bench trial in Municipal Court your case will be scheduled for a later court date. If you desire a jury trial you will need to complete a Request for Jury Trial Form.
If you plead Guilty, you will be waving any rights to:
If you have not paid your citation(s) prior to your court date, then you must appear in court. If you fail to appear on your assigned court date a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest and/or your driver’s license or privilege to obtain a driver’s license will be subject to suspension by the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services. A failure to appear will also result in additional fees being added to the citation(s). If you are stopped by any law enforcement official you will be arrested and taken to jail.
You must appear in court on your scheduled court date. However, if you have an emergency that prevents you from attending your court date you should notify the court immediately. When appropriate, requests for continuances should be made in writing, along with any supporting documentation.
The Cornelia City Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026 has bee rescheduled to Tuesday, February 10, 2026.