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Fairburn’s new court system in place

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

Whether you call it “Court Night” or “Night Court,” the new system set up to arraign and try cases at Fairburn’s city hall is running smoothly. Presided over by Senior Judge Carlton H. “Hobie” Jones, III, the process now in place helps to remove confusion and anxiety from what could potentially be a lengthy and tangled evening.

The purchase of a portable metal detector by the city is the first part of the process. With the help of a plainclothes officer to keeps things moving, the detector is a welcome sign that reassures those in attendance. “It’s functioning beautifully.” City Administrator Jim Williams said of the new device.

Williams is very pleased with the new set-up at city hall, saying that it has all worked out better than he had imagined.

“We like it better than the old system.” Williams added, referring to the old courtroom at the Fairburn Police Station.

The court nights have been divided between arraignments on the first and second Wednesdays and trials on the third and fourth Wednesdays. This has helped to cut the evenings proceedings nearly in half, something anyone waiting to face the judge can appreciate.

Judge Jones helps those present understand the whys and wherefores of what is expected of them by explaining in detail how the evenings docket will be handled. He assures everyone that failing to appear for their court date is the best way to insure that a suspended license or possible jail time are awaiting them in the future.

After pleading guilty or not guilty, the defendants are directed to exit the court through a side entrance where fines may be paid, probation discussed and court dates set.

Fines may be paid in the form of cash, money order, check or credit card.

The court clerk who helps keep things moving is Joan Wallace. She has worked with the city for fifteen years. Judge Jones has been the city’s Municipal Court Judge for the past nine years.