Stephens County Courthouse is home to the Superior Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, Probate Court, Drug Court, District Attorney’s Office, Clerk of Superior Court, and Public Defender.
It is the mission of the Court Security Division is to insure the safety and security of the court buildings and the safety and security of the persons who appear and work in them.
The Offical Code of Georgia mandates the Sheriff’s provision of security service to Superior, State, Magistarte and Probate courts in Stephens County. The mandated services include:
• Notice and process services
• Court security
• Prisoner transportation
• Prisoner escort
• Bailiff services
• Execution of court orders and bench warrants requiring immediate presence of a defendant or witness
Prohibited Items in the Courthouse
Court Security deputies screen everyone entering the building. Visitors entering the building will be required to place loose items in the x-ray machine and walk through our metal detector. For more information regarding our security screening procedures and a list of unauthorized items, please read the list below:
Unless specifically exempted by the security plan or by Court Order, the following items are strictly prohibited from entering the Stephens County Courthouse:
– Firearms (including handguns, rifles, shotguns, air rifles, crossbows, etc.)
– Explosives
– Flammable materials
– Hazardous materials
– Handcuff keys
– Narcotics or illegal drugs
– Knives, razors, or any type of cutting tools
– Clubs, ASP batons, slap jacks, brass knuckles, or any type of impact weapons
– Chemical defense agents and sprays such as OC pepper spray or mace
– Tools
– Scissors
– Knitting needles
– Any other items which may be used as a weapon (spray perfume, aerosol sprays, large chains, belts, and bracelets)
– Any other items determined to be contraband or prohibited by the Sheriff
Prior to entering the Stephens County Courthouse, we suggest that you secure any of the items listed above in your car in the parking lot. Our personnel will not hold items for you while you conduct your business in the Courthouse.
Courtroom Behavior and Etiquette
All individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a civil manner while in the Stephens County Courthouse and Courtrooms. Any persons causing a disruption of any Courthouse function by disorderly or non-compliant behavior will be escorted from the facility and may be subject to criminal charges.
All cellular phones and other electronic devices are to be turned off or placed into silent mode prior to entering any Courtroom.
The following items are prohibited from entering the Courtrooms:
– Food
– Beverages (with the exception of water in plastic bottles)
– Newspapers
– Magazines
– Books
While small children are allowed inside the Courtrooms, parents are to remove children from the Courtroom if they become disruptive and cause a disturbance to the proceedings.