Your Guide to Gwinnett Recorders Court
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Author: Philip Kim, Founder, Philip Kim Law, P.C.
Defense lawyer Philip Kim has committed his career to standing up for the accused, and protecting the rights and reputations of his valued clients. If you face criminal charges in Georgia, we can provide you with the skilled, effective defense representation you need.
Published on January 03, 2023.
About Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court
Several courts with different types of legal jurisdiction operate within Gwinnett County, GA. While some deal with civil and non-jury matters, others handle criminal cases or preside over juvenile or probate matters.
The Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court handles misdemeanor cases only. This includes many different types of cases, such as traffic tickets, county ordinance violations, DUIs, possession of marijuana charges, and others. Unlike other courthouses, Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court does not hold jury trials for traffic tickets.
Where a Defendant requests and is entitled to a jury trial in a traffic citation case in Gwinnett County, the case will be bound over to Gwinnett County State Court. There are instances in which traffic violations can be tried without a jury in Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court. These are known as bench trials since the Judge on the bench determines guilt or innocence.
The following guide provides all the relevant information you might need to know whether you received a traffic citation or were arrested for DUI in Gwinnett County.
What Types of Cases Does the Gwinnett County Recorders Court Hear?
The Recorder’s Court handles traffic tickets, regardless of whether they were issued by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Georgia Department of Transportation, or the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
The Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court also handles all county ordinance violations, including citations issued by the Planning and Zoning/Inspection Department, the Gwinnett County Animal Control, the Environmental Health Department, and the Business License Department. These violations can include, for example, solid waste, fire code, and property maintenance violations.
In addition, many serious misdemeanors, such as attempting to elude a police officer, hit-and-run, and reckless driving, may initially start off in Gwinnett County Recorders Court.
While Recorders Court is a non-jury court, the Gwinnett County State Court handles misdemeanor jury trials.
The Gwinnett Superior Court handles felony cases arising in Gwinnett County. This court is located at the main Gwinnett County Courthouse, where the Gwinnett County DUI Court also operates.
Fines, Payments, and Pleas in the Gwinnett Recorders Court
If you receive a citation handled by the Gwinnett Recorders Court, you will typically need to decide whether to pay the fine or contest the charge. Many traffic and ordinance violations can be paid online, by mail, or in person before the court date listed on the citation. However, paying a fine is usually treated as a guilty plea, which may add points to your driving record and increase insurance costs.
You can also appear in court to enter a not guilty or no contest (nolo contendere) plea. Each option carries different consequences depending on the violation. Understanding these plea types helps you make informed decisions before paying or appearing in court.
Points and Driving Record Impact in the Gwinnett Recorder’s Court
Cases resolved in the Gwinnett Recorder’s Court can affect your Georgia driving record through the state’s point system. Traffic offenses—such as speeding, failure to yield, or reckless driving—often add points that remain on your record for years. Accumulating 15 or more points within 24 months can lead to license suspension under Georgia law.
The severity of each offense determines the number of points assessed. For example, higher speeding violations carry more points than minor infractions. Insurance companies may also review your record, which can raise premiums. Knowing how Recorder’s Court outcomes influence your driving history helps you understand the long-term effects of each plea or payment.
Location of the Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court
The Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court is located at the following address:
115 Stone Mountain St
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
The Court works Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
The Recorders Court is not in the main Gwinnett County Courthouse building on Langley Drive. The Gwinnett County Recorders Court shares space with the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court in the county’s Annex building, located next to the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center.
How to Contact the Recorder’s Court in Gwinnett County?
If you want to inquire about the Court’s procedures, a court date, and traffic citations or obtain some other information, you may contact the Court by calling the Clerk’s Office of the Recorder’s Court at 1-877-794-0988 or visiting the court’s website.
As in many other Gwinnett courts, the Clerk plays an important role and can provide information about your case. However, bear in mind that the Recorder’s Court clerks can’t provide legal advice and evaluate the potential consequences of your case.
Therefore, it is vital to seek out the assistance of a skilled Lawrenceville criminal defense lawyer to assist with your case and provide you with the necessary information. You may be able to avoid the severe consequences of a DUI conviction by navigating the Gwinnett County DUI Process with the help of your attorney.
What Should You Know Before Appearing at the Gwinnett County Recorders Court?
Those who have received traffic tickets have several options to handle their citation in court. They can either contest the ticket, pay the fine and admit guilt, or admit guilt and attend a mitigation hearing where you will provide an explanation.
While some traffic tickets don’t require a mandatory court appearance, others do. If it says on your citation that a mandatory court appearance is necessary, you may have to hire a Traffic Court ticket lawyer to represent you.
You will have to appear around 30 minutes before your scheduled court appearance so you can be processed. The courtroom door usually opens 15 minutes before the court session starts. The cases will be heard according to the offenses rather than in alphabetical order, and a court session will last about two hours on average.
If any of your cases are processed in court, it is best to consult with an attorney to get the best possible outcome. Working with an attorney can help you save time, effort, and money. They will be able to guide you with their experience and assist you in several ways, including helping you understand the charges, the possible solutions, and the possible outcome of each solution.
Court Procedures and Practical Tips for the Gwinnett Recorders Court
Before attending your hearing at the Gwinnett Recorders Court, it helps to know what to expect. Check your citation or notice for the correct courtroom, date, and time. Arrive early with required documents such as identification, proof of insurance, or evidence related to your case.
When the judge calls your case, you will have the opportunity to enter a plea and briefly explain your situation. Dress appropriately and speak respectfully when addressing the judge or court staff. Electronic devices are generally restricted during proceedings. Understanding these basic court procedures helps ensure a smoother experience and reduces the risk of unnecessary delays or penalties.
How Do I Look up Court Cases in Gwinnett County?
According to the Georgia Open Records Act, the public can access most court records across the State of Georgia. But, not all records are accessible; access to certain documents can be restricted due to their content’s sensitive nature.
Those who want to search through court cases can use the online search tool on the website of the court where the case was filed. The Portal can be used for case searches for State Court, Magistrate Court, Superior Court, and Probate Court cases.
Records can also be searched in person when visiting courthouses. In either case, you will have to provide the required case details to look up accessible court records.
When it comes to the Gwinnett County Recorders Court case search, it can be done on the Gwinnett County Courts’ website. Records of serious motor vehicle traffic offenses will be part of the Recorders Court of Gwinnett County records.
For more questions about the Gwinnett County Recorders Court, reach out to an attorney at Philip Kim Law, P.C.
How a Lawyer Can Help in the Gwinnett Recorder’s Court
An attorney experienced with the Gwinnett Recorders Court can guide you through local court rules and procedures that may be unfamiliar to most defendants. Legal counsel can review the citation or complaint, explain available plea options, and identify whether procedural errors or insufficient evidence might support a defense.
Lawyers often communicate with prosecutors to discuss potential reductions or dismissals of certain charges and can appear in court on your behalf when permitted. They also help manage documentation, deadlines, and payment schedules to prevent missed appearances or additional penalties. Understanding how legal representation functions in Recorder’s Court can make the process less stressful and ensure you make informed decisions about your case.
Contact Philip Kim Law, P.C., for Guidance in the Gwinnett Recorders Court
Contact Philip Kim Law for Gwinnett County criminal defense assistance if you have a case pending in the Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court.
You can rely on us to effectively represent your interests in court. Call us to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Lawrenceville, GA 30046