Look Up Your Case In Advance
You should be able to find your case online before going to court by visiting the court’s website. The records should be updated a few days before your scheduled court date.
You can also find out more about your assigned Judge here.
If your case is not listed the day before court is scheduled, you may want to contact the Court Clerk to find out if it has been postponed. Postponements are regular occurrences.
Parking + Marta
The court is located at 150 Garnett Street, Atlanta, GA, but it can be tough to get parking near the courthouse, and there can often be long lines once you get to the entrance.
Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of extra time to account for downtown traffic, parking drama, and long lines.
If you are driving, you may consider parking in the garage at the bottom of Garnett Street – even though that is usually the more expensive option. If you can’t find street parking, it is a great fallback.
Street parking is technically available, but your timing must be flawless. You can save yourself some time by downloading the ParkMobile App in advance.
Luckily, the Court is also within walking distance from the Garnett MARTA station. You can take any red or gold line train to the Garnett station and exit via Trinity Avenue. Turn right on Trinity and right Pryor Street to reach the building just a block away.
Don’t Get Confused by Nearby Courts
Getting to court downtown can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the area. When they come to Atlanta, drivers routinely end up at the wrong traffic court down the street (Fulton County Court or Magistrate Court). Be sure your GPS is clearly targeting 150 Garnett Street, not one of the other courts.
If you aren’t sure, don’t hesitate to ask an attorney before going through security. We help direct people all the time to the correct court, and nothing is more frustrating than finding out you are in the wrong building and now LATE to court!
File Your Pleadings In Person or by Mail
Unfortunately, the Court does not accept online filings, and as a result, most pleadings or official court documents are filed in person or by mail.
PTIT Program for Traffic Violations
In many cases, PTIT (Pre-Trial Intervention – Traffic) is an excellent option for dismissing a traffic ticket in Atlanta municipal court. It allows cases to be resolved by paying a fee and, sometimes, completing a defensive driving course. The benefits are significant for drivers facing serious consequences such as a suspended license or increased insurance rates.
If you are eligible for PTIT, the Court will transfer your case to the PTIT calendar.
Bring Paperwork to Court With You
Many drivers forget to bring relevant paperwork to the courthouse. For example, provide documents that show proof of any repairs if an officer charged you with an equipment violation, such as a broken headlight or tint violation. Or, if your charges include driving without insurance, but you had valid insurance at the time, you want to bring the proper documents as proof.
How EHG Legal Team Can Help
- We guarantee damage control – we have full confidence in our ability to improve the outcome of your traffic case. We will not keep a fee when we are not able to help.
- We cover court appearances – we understand that appearing in court can be a hassle. We handle most, if not all, court dates on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t have to be there.
- We investigate license reinstatement – if you need to get your license reinstated, we can help you determine the next steps.
- We offer support and resources – our team works closely with you to ensure you have a seamless experience throughout the process. We provide assistance 24/7 and make sure you have all the information you need to get things done as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Hiring an attorney for a traffic violation is not required. But having someone who regularly practices in the Atlanta Municipal Court can be incredibly beneficial for your case.
If you don’t understand the decisions you will have to make or the possible consequences, it’s a good idea to speak with someone knowledgeable before you go to court.