Frequently Asked Questions
About The Office
What is the Solicitor General, and what does this office do?
The Solicitor General is an elected prosecutor whose office prosecutes misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic cases, and violations of Gwinnett County Codes before the State Court and Recorders Court of Gwinnett County.
How does the Solicitor General differ from the District Attorney?
Both are elected prosecutors; however, the District Attorney generally handles felony and juvenile cases before the Superior Court and Juvenile Court while the Solicitor General handles misdemeanor cases, traffic cases, and code violations before the State Court and Recorder’s Court.
Where is the Solicitor General’s Office?
We have several office locations. Our main offices are in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center (GJAC) at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA. We also have offices at the Gwinnett County Jail – 2900 University Pkwy., Lawrenceville, GA, and at the Court Annex – 115 Stone Mountain St., Lawrenceville, GA.
How can I contact the Solicitor General’s Office?
By Phone:
State Court/Main Office – 770-822-8300
Recorders Court Office – 770-619-6140
By Email: Solicitor-General@gwinnettcounty.com
Our office hours are from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, M-F, excluding county Holidays
Case Information
How can I check the status of my case?
You can contact our State Court office at 770-822-8300, our Recorder’s Court office at 770-619-6140, or email us at Solicitor-General@gwinnettcounty.com. Please have your case number or citation number available for faster assistance.
I received a citation. How do I resolve it?
It is important to know what department issued your citation and what court the case is assigned to. You can find this information on the citation. Our office only handles cases before the Gwinnett County State Court or the Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court. Information about paying a citation prior to your court date is on the citation. You may also appear before the court on the date specified on your citation. We cannot give legal advice to you on how best to resolve your citation.
If you have a citation for one of the several municipal courts, you will need to contact that court for more information.
What are the municipal courts?
Municipal Courts are courts held by cities. They have jurisdiction over most traffic offenses committed in the city limits, violations of City Ordinances, and certain misdemeanor offenses. For a list of municipal courts in Gwinnett County, please visit: Gwinnett County – About – Municipal Court Directory
Can I speak with the prosecutor handling my case?
Of course. Please feel free to contact us by phone. For State Court cases, call our main office at 770-822-8300. For Recorder’s Court cases, call our Court Annex office at 770-619-6140. You may also send an email to Solicitor-General@gwinnettcounty.com, and we will get you to the proper person.
How long does it take to get a court date?
Misdemeanor cases must be accused within two years of the incident date (with certain exceptions). You should receive a court date in the mail after the case is accused. It is important to notify the Clerk of the Court and the Solicitor’s Office of a change of address to ensure your receive timely notices.
How do I get copies of records in a closed case?
The Clerk of Court will have the records of your case.
For cases in State Court, the Clerk of the State Court is at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center (GJAC) at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
For cases in Recorder’s Court, the Clerk of the Recorder’s Court is located at the Court Annex Building at 115 Stone Mountain St. in Lawrenceville.
I have not heard from my appointed attorney, or I need an attorney to represent me.
Our office cannot provide advice to you or help with issues regarding your defense. Please contact the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) at 770-822-8564.
I posted a bond. How do I get that money back?
If you posted a cash bond, the funds will be returned to you or the surety after the conclusion of the case (unless other arrangements are made with the court such as using it toward a fine). If you hired a bonding company, they posted the bond and you paid them for their service, you will probably not be due any funds at the conclusion of your case. The Clerk of the Court handles bond funds and their return. You may reach the Clerk of the State Court at 770-822-8100. The Clerk of the Recorder’s Court may be reached at 770-619-6100.
Victims / Witnesses
I am a victim or witness in a case. Do I have to come to court?
Yes. Your testimony may be essential to the case. The Victim-Witness Assistance team will help guide you through the process and answer any questions. You may call us at 770-822-8300 to be connected with the Victim-Witness Advocate handling the case you are subpoenaed for.
Can I get a note for work or school showing I was required to attend court?
Defendants, victims, or witnesses may ask the judicial assistant in court for a work/school excuse, although many locations will accept the subpoena as proof. Check with your school or employer to see what they require.
I was the victim in a case, and I want the charges dropped. How do I do that?
The Solicitor General acts on behalf of the State of Georgia. Only the prosecutor has the authority and discretion to accuse or dismiss a case. However, your wishes and desires will be considered. Please reach out to the Victim Advocate assigned to your case to make your wishes known.
Does your office offer safety programs or counseling for victims of crimes?
Our office is dedicated to supporting victims of crimes in our community. Our Victim Services employees are ready to provide resources, counseling referrals, and other assistance. Please see our Victim Services area on this webpage for more information or reach out to our team at 770-822-8300 for help.
What are my rights as the victim of a crime?
Georgia passed a Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights (Marsy’s Law). You can find information on this and other topics for victims of crimes in the Victims Services area of this website. You can also reach out to us at 770-822-8300.
Pre-trial Diversion / Accountability Courts
Does the Solicitor General’s office offer pre-trial diversion?
Pre-trial diversion is an alternative to prosecution which affords certain offenders a chance to be held accountable for their case while maintaining a clean record. Pre-trial diversion is an option for certain cases on a case-by-case basis. There are many variables that are considered before offering a pre-trial diversion option. Defendants who are offered pre-trial diversion are expected to meet and complete certain requirements. In return, their case is dismissed. If the diversion program is not successfully completed, the defendant will have to appear in court on the charges.
Does Gwinnett County have specialty or accountability courts?
Yes, both the State Court and Superior Court have accountability courts such as DUI Court, Veterans’ Court, or Mental Health Court. In State Court, there is a DUI Court program and a Veterans Intervention Program for misdemeanor offenses that may arise out of substance abuse disorders. Our office is currently working toward developing a State Court Mental Health court in the near future. The accountability courts provide alternative resolutions to traditional prosecutions.
Record Expungements or Restrictions
Please see the section on our website concerning record restrictions and expungements. It can be accessed through a link on our home page.
