Honorable Markus Boenig – Municipal Court Judge
Wendy L. Bond, Municipal Court Clerk

 

Citations

After a traffic citation or city ordinance violation is issued, unless a court appearance is required, you may call to find out the cost of the citation at 706-742-8600. Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm (Closed 12-1 pm).

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Paying Citations When Court Appearance is Not Required

If a court appearance is not required, you have three options for paying the citation:

1. Payment by personal check, money order, or cashier's check can be mailed to:
   City of Winterville, PO Box 306, Winterville, GA 30683

2. You can pay in person with cash, money order, cashier’s check, debit, or credit card.
   City of Winterville, 125 North Church Street, Winterville, GA 30683

3. May be paid over the phone via debit or credit card during regular business hours.

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Online payments are not available at this time.

Paying Citations When Court Appearance is Required

If a court appearance is required, the citation is added to the court calendar for the appropriate arraignment date.

 

What should I to expect at court?

At your scheduled court date (also known as the “Arraignment”), you will be required to enter a plea of Guilty, Not Guilty, or Nolo Contendere.
 

Guilty Plea

You will be waiving any rights to:

1. A trial by judge or jury

2. A presumption of innocence

3. Confront witnesses

4. Testify and offer more evidence

5. A right to counsel

6. The right against self-discrimination

If the judge accepts the guilty plea, you will be sentenced and the case will be disposed of.

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Not Guilty Plea

You will be asked to choose either a Bench Trial (which will be held here at the Municipal Court by our Judge) or a Trial by Jury (which will be transferred to the State Court and the trial will be scheduled for a later date). You have the right to request a pre-trial conference to discuss charges against you.

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Nolo Contendere Plea (often just called "Nolo") means "I am not admitting guilt, but I am not fighting the charge".

In Georgia, when someone enters a nolo plea:

• The court treats it like a guilty plea for sentencing

• No admission of guilt is made

• The judge may still impose fines, probation, or other penalties

• It usually counts as a conviction for that case

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Why Someone Might Choose a Nolo Plea

In Georgia, people often choose a nolo plea because:

• It can limit the plea being used against them in civil cases (like lawsuits)

• It may help avoid points on a driver’s license (common in traffic cases)

• It avoids formally saying "I’m guilty", even though the punishment is the same

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Note: A nolo plea is not automatic, the judge must approve it.

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If you are placed on probation, you will meet with a Probation Officer before you are excused from court.

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Important Information

Failure to appear on your scheduled court date can result in either a Bench Warrant being issued or a suspension of your license, or both. The disposition of your case will be transmitted to the appropriate agency, i.e., Department of Driver Services. If for good cause you cannot appear for your scheduled court date, a one-time continuance can be granted. Please call PRIOR to your court date to discuss.

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Court Appearance

Please dress appropriately for your court appearance, no hats, no tank tops or midriff shirts.

Please silence your cell phone prior to entering court.

NO CELL PHONES, FOOD, OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN THE COURTROOM.

 

Additional Questions?

Contact the Winterville Municipal Court
706-742-8600

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