Worth County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Worth County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Worth County.
Who is the prosecutor for Worth County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Worth County criminal cases will either be a representative of Worth County or a representative from Georgia. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Worth County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Worth County Criminal Court
Jury Deliberations in Worth County
In Worth County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
Right to Jury Trial
For “Serious Crimes”, those that can have a potential penalty of 6 months in jail OR a minimum $500 penalty, the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by jury. This is guaranteed by Article III of the Constitution and the 6th Amendment. The accused has the ability to waive their right to trial by jury.
If guilty, who sentences the defendant?
If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.
Arraignments in Worth County
During an arraignment in Worth County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Worth County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Worth County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Can I appeal a guilty verdict?
If found guilty, a defendant may decide to appeal his case to an appelate court. The appellate court will not retry the case, they will examine the proceedings in the lower court to make sure they were done in a legal manner. The appellate court can either uphold the original conviction, or determine that due to errors made in the original trial, that there must be a retrial, resentencing or a complete dismissal of the charges.
I need help for my Worth County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Worth County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Worth County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
The Right to Counsel
The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.
Worth County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Worth County will take place at the Worth County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Worth County Criminal Court Locations.
Worth County Required Court Appearances
In Worth County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
Worth County Criminal Court Locations
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Worth County Superior Court
Address: 201 North Main Street, Room 13, Sylvester GA 31791
Phone: 229-776-8205 Fax: 229-776-8232 -
State Court of Worth County
Address: 201 North Main Street, Room 13, Sylvester GA 31791
Phone: 229-776-8205 Fax: 229-776-8232 -
Worth County Magistrate Court
Address: 201 North Main Street, Room 21, Sylvester GA 31791
Phone: 229-776-8210 Fax: 229-776-8245 -
Worth County Juvenile Court
Address: 201 North Main Street, Room 13, Sylvester GA 31791
Phone: 229-776-8205 Fax: 229-776-8232 -
Municipal Court of Poulan
Address: 204 Hunton Street, PO Box 69, Poulan GA 31781
Phone: 229-776-4096 -
Municipal Court of Sylvester
Address: 102 South Isabella Street, PO Box 370, Sylvester GA 31791
Phone: 229-776-8500 -
Municipal Court of Warwick
Address: PO Box 59, Warwick GA 31796
Phone: 229-535-6256 Fax: 229-535-4767