Appearing in Court

If you choose to appear in court or have a case that requires a mandatory court appearance, the court will begin at 8:30 am. Eastern Standard Time. Please check your citation for the specific date that you must appear or call the Rome Municipal Court at 706-238-5150 or 706-238-5151. Please arrive a few minutes early in an effort to clear the security checkpoint areas. Court security requires you to pass through a metal detector and you may be subject to a search by the court bailiffs. No weapons, cell phones, food, or drinks are allowed in the courtroom. Secured Court checkpoints and court proceedings are subject to Audio and/or Video recording.

Not Guilty Pleas

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 Superior 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. A bond may be necessary to transfer the case to Superior Court. In some cases, the defendant may be taken into custody and transported to the Floyd County Jail to make a bond.

Failure to Appear

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.

Emergency

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.