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9-1-1

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1. What are the surcharges in Paulding County?

Home telephone providers, VoIP telephone providers, and wireless telephone providers assess a surcharge of $1.50 per month per subscriber line to help fund the 9-1-1 system in Paulding County.

These funds are collected by your provider and submitted to Paulding County on a quarterly basis. These funds may only be used for salaries, buildings, maintenance, and upkeep on the 9-1-1 system.

2. How does 9-1-1 work?

Your telephone number has a unique identifier number assigned to it. That number is what is known as an Automatic Number Identification (ANI). The telephone service provider associates this number (ANI) with another number, called an Automatic Location Identification (ALI), that is the location that the company believes is the physical location of the your telephone / account.

For wireline E9-1-1 the ALI that is usually associated with your ANI is your home address (or business address if it’s a business line). When you call 9-1-1 our equipment reads your ANI and queries our service provider’s database (in two different locations in other parts of the country) to get your associated ALI- which in turn provides us with your location.

For other types of telephone service (wireless, PBX, VoIP, etc.) it does not quite work the same way, but should usually work in a similar manner.

3. How may I request information regarding a 9-1-1 Call?

You may request information regarding a 9-1-1 call by visiting Request for 911 Call Information

4. Why can’t I have my alarm call you?

It is against the law for an automated alarm system to dial 9-1-1. In such instances we disconnect from the call, report the instance for investigation and request the telephone service provider to disconnect service or access to the E9-1-1 Network. Similarly, we cannot accept such calls on our non-emergency lines. The devices can malfunction and tie up our lines through repeated calling. We also have no way of verifying the validity of an alarm, relay potentially important safety information to responding emergency personnel, or get in contact with anyone if a responding emergency personnel require a key holder to make entry. You can subscribe to an alarm monitoring service to monitor your alarm for you and they will call to report the alarm. You can also have your alarm call you, a friend or relative at another number and you or they, in turn, can call us on a non-emergency line to report the alarm.

5. How do PBX systems work with 911?

If your employer uses a PBX or similar multiple handset system we may or may not get the actual location of the handset you are using when you call. In many instances, unless your employer or their service provider uses special CAMA trunks or software for alias ALI assignments, we get the main address (billing address) of the business. If you are at a satellite location, branch or remote office be sure to know your address to relate to the call taker if you call 9-1-1.

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Airport Department

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1. How large will the airport be in terms of area?

The airport will require approximately 750 acres. That does not include the area required for an adjacent business / technology park of approximately 500 to 1,000 acres.

2. What services will be provided at the airport?

Services will depend on market demand and may include:

• Hangar space


• Fuel


• Weather reporting


• Aircraft rental


• Charter services


• Air taxi


• Flight schools


• Aerial photography


• Air ambulance


• Additional civil uses

3. Who do I contact about hangar space?

Contact the Paulding County Airport Department at (770) 505-7700 with your questions about hangar space. You can also complete the Hangar Space Questionnaire and return to the:
Airport Department
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, GA 30132

You will be contacted for additional information.

4. How can I find out more about the airport?

For information, please contact the Paulding County Airport Department at (770) 505-7700.

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Channel 16

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1. How can I watch board meetings if I don’t get channel 16?

Visit Paulding County Today, pick the 16 Icon, and choose your meeting or other community related video.

2. How can I get something to run on Channel 16?

No advertising is sold for our broadcasts. Not everything can be run on Channel 16 as it is a government access channel and not for public use. However, you may email your requests and any flyers to Jody Martin for more information.

3. Who runs channel 15?

Channel 15 is the local government access channel run by the City of Dallas. You may reach that station by calling (770)443-8117.

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Clerk of Courts

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1. Where do I get forms to file for a divorce, name change, change of custody, etc? What are filing fees?

We do not provide any forms for pro se filings of any type. We cannot give legal advice. We will accept pro se filings but you must have the documents prepared when you come to our office to file the documents.

You can buy packets at office supply stores or download them from the internet. Filing fees are $207 plus $50 sheriff’s service fee if applicable. We do not accept credit or debit cards for payment.

2. How do I apply to be a notary public?

To apply to be a notary public, go to Clerk Authority. Click on notary online and follow the directions. Fees are $162 for a four-year commission. We do not accept credit or debit cards for payment.

3. Where do I apply for a passport?

We accept passport applications Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. We do not take passport photos. You must bring your identity documents, photos, and driver’s license. You can fill out the application online or we have applications available in the office at:
Clerk of Superior Court
280 Constitution Blvd.
Room 1023
Dallas, GA 30132

We do not accept credit or debit cards for payment.

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Commissioner's Office

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1. Where are you located?

The offices are located at:
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, Georgia 30132

2. Who is my Commissioner and how can I contact him?

Find your commissioner by going to the Board of Commissioners.

3. Are the Board of Commissioner's meetings open to the public?

Yes, the Board of Commissioner's meetings are open to the public and you can find the meeting schedule and other information at Public Participation.

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Community Development

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1. Where do I obtain a Business License?

Both the Home Base Business License Occupational Tax Application and the Non-Residential Business License can be downloaded online or picked up by visiting the:
Permit Office
First Floor
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, Georgia 30132

For more information, please call (770) 443-7571.

2. What is my property zoned?

Look at the Zoning Map or call the Planning and Zoning Office at (770) 443-7601.  Please have the tax parcel ID number readily available.

3. Where do I obtain a building permit?

Both the Private Dwelling Permit and the Commercial Building Permit may be downloaded online or picked up by visiting the:
Permit Office
First Floor
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, Georgia 30132

For more information, please call (770) 443-7571.

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Fire Department

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1. How can I get a copy of a Fire or EMS Report?

Fill out a Request Form and:

• Drop it off at our administrative office or mail it to us at:
  535 Seaboard Ave.
  Hiram, GA 30141


• Email it to us


• Fax it to (770) 222-7131

We will process your request when we receive it.

If a report can be mailed to you, one of our staff members will do so. Otherwise, one of our staff will contact you when the report is ready to be picked up. There may be a charge for report copies.

If you would like a copy of the report filed by the ambulance that responded / transported a patient please contact the ambulance service.

2. Is outdoor burning permitted?

From May 1 to September 30, the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issues a burn ban which prohibits all outdoor burning in Paulding County. You may direct questions or comments concerning the burn ban to the EPD.

From October 1 until April 30, however, citizens may burn natural wood products under the following guidelines:

• For all commercial burning (any burns larger than 8' x 8') citizens must call the Georgia Forestry Commission at (770) 443-7821 for permits and instructions. 


• Your fire must be attended and under control at all times. 


• Your fire must be at least 50' away from any building. 


• You must have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby at all times. 


• You may only burn during daylight hours. All fires must be extinguished one hour before dark.


• Wind speed at your burn site must be low (under 10 miles per hour). 


• You may only burn natural wood products. Burning other material that is hazardous (such as tires or motor oil) is illegal. 


• You are responsible for any damages caused by your fire, as well as any costs that may be incurred to extinguish your fire. 


• Call the Burn Line at (770) 505-BURN (2876) to listen to the burn safety message prior to conducting any outdoor burning.

3. Why does the Fire Department respond with an ambulance to a medical call?

In a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Each fire station has personnel trained to the level of Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic. Our responding rescue units are licensed First Responder vehicles through the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources EMS Division.

In most cases, a Fire / Rescue unit will arrive on scene prior to the ambulance. Life saving medical assistance can begin immediately in preparation for the arrival of the ambulance and subsequence transport to the hospital. In addition, during complicated medical emergencies, Fire Department personnel will assist the ambulance crew during transport, increasing patient care while en route to the medical facility.

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GIS

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1. Who should I contact about getting information related to property / parcel ownership, property boundaries, or locating a certain parcel or piece of property?

If you are inquiring about the owner of a certain piece of property you can contact the Assessors Office at (770) 443-7606 for information.

The official deed record information is located in the Clerk of Courts office:
280 Constitution Blvd.
Room 1023
Dallas, GA 30132

The GIS Division can provide maps containing any of the GIS data available (including specified parcels) in a printed or digital format up to 60" x 60" in size.

2. I am having trouble receiving mail at my current address / I need verification of my address for my mortgage, utility, cable company, etc. What should I do?

For help obtaining verification of your address, contact the addressing office at (770) 505-1365 and request an address verification form.

3. My address / street does not show up on my GPS unit or on certain online mapping websites. When will that information be available on these services and websites?

Paulding County IT / GIS makes every effort to provide updated address and street information to the major geographic data vendors who provide information to the various GPS manufacturers and online mapping services.

Apart from providing this information to these key vendors, Paulding County IT / GIS has no control over the information distributed or used by third party organizations.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I find out what jobs are available within Paulding County?

You can view all open job opportunities within Paulding County by viewing our job postings online or on the Job Board posted outside of the Human Resources Office at:
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, GA 30132

2. Where can I get an Application for Employment with Paulding County?

Applications can be downloaded and printed out or are available at the:
Human Resources Office
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, GA 30132

3. How long is my application on file for employment with Paulding County?

Each application received by the County will be kept active for 45 days from the date that it was submitted.

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Juvenile Court

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1. If I cannot afford an attorney, how do I apply for a court-appointed attorney?

For delinquent cases, contact the Public Defender's Office at (770) 443-3463. There is a $50 application fee collected by the Public Defender's Office.

For deprivation cases, visit the Clerk's Office or the Juvenile Court Forms to complete a Financial Affidavit for Appointment of Counsel form. The Clerk's Office is located at:
280 Constitution Blvd.
Room 2106
Dallas, GA 30132

Written verification of income must be provided before the application can be processed. There is no application fee.

2. Where do I pay fines or make restitution payments?

Payments are made at the:
Paulding County Juvenile Court
280 Constitution Blvd.
Second Floor, Room 2106
Dallas, GA  30132

The office accepts payments Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

3. What forms of payment are accepted by the Juvenile Court?

The Court only accepts cash, money orders, or certified checks payable to the Paulding County Juvenile Court.

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Marshal

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1. Why can’t I file a complaint anonymously?

We do not accept anonymous complaints for several reasons: 

• Not accepting anonymous complaints reduces the instances where people try to anonymously harass (sometimes repeatedly) an ex-friend, neighbor, or relative. 


• Having a named complainant helps add validity to the complaint and allows the officers to contact someone if further information is needed on follow-up. It also identifies a third-party witness available for court to testify directly to the judge about the violation(s) they witnessed and the impact. 


• Not accepting anonymous complaints allows us to contact the complainant to let them know the progress of the case. Otherwise, weeks may go by and the complainant may believe that nothing is being done, even though the officers have already taken some action. 


• Not accepting anonymous complaints allows us to contact complainants in instances where no violation(s) are found so that we can explain an ordinance to the complainant and explain why what they thought was a violation was actually not a violation.

2. Why does a violator usually get time to correct an ordinance violation before a citation is issued?

One of our goals is to ensure compliance with county ordinances. Giving a violator a reasonable amount of time to correct a violation before a citation is given allows the violator sufficient time to correct most violations.

It also demonstrates to a judge, if a citation is issued, that the violator had the ordinance explained to them and was afforded sufficient opportunity to correct the violation, even if they were not initially aware they were violating a county ordinance. Repeat offenders are typically issued a citation immediately.

3. What can I do about a property that has tall grass, a junk vehicle, or litter on the property?

You can make a formal complaint to the Marshal Bureau by completing a complaint form. An officer will check the property for possible ordinance violations. The tall grass ordinance applies to all properties and lots that are within a platted subdivision. The grass must exceed 24" in height.

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Online Bill Payment

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1. Can I pay my bill online if I have been disconnected?

No. If service has been disconnected, we require you to contact Paulding County Water between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (770) 222-6868 for payment.

This will ensure that no additional delays occur and service is restored as quickly as possible.

Using the online payment option could possibly take up to three to five business days to process depending on schedules.

2. If I am scheduled for disconnect, would it be safe to pay my bill online?

No. If you have been scheduled for disconnect, we recommend you contact Paulding County Water between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (770) 222-6868 for payment.

This will ensure that no additional delays occur and service is not interrupted.

Using the online payment option could possibly take up to three to five business days to process depending on schedules.

3. What online payment options are offered to Paulding County citizens?

Paulding County offers a variety of services across the internet that can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to online water and sewer payments, Paulding County also offers the ability to file claims with the Magistrate’s Court and handle traffic citations with the Probate Court.

We also offer many quick links to common online services offered by the State of Georgia, such as links for the renewal of Georgia driver’s licenses and ID cards and links to the location of your local polling site.

4. What do I do if I forget my Customer Identification Number (CID)?

If you cannot remember your Customer ID number that is needed to make your online water bill payment, you can simply look at an older billing statement for the ID number or contact Paulding County Water between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, at (770) 222-6868.

5. Can I change my Online Payment Option username and/or Customer Identification Number (CID)?

No, your username and customer identification number, commonly referred to as the CID or customer ID, are linked throughout our software application and cannot be changed.

6. How much does the online payment option cost?

Paulding County does not charge any additional cost for you to use the online service. However, the processing financial institution charges a processing fee of $3.00 for credit card or check transactions.

7. What type of bills can I pay using the Online Payment Option?

At this time, you are only permitted to pay your water and sewer bill online through the Paulding County website. We will continue to add new services in the future, so continue to check the news section of our home page for added services.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I reserve a pavilion?

In order to reserve a pavilion you would come to the Braly Sports Complex, 775 Industrial Blvd. North, Dallas, GA 30132. We reserve up to six months in advance. If you would like to check a date or for more information please call 770-445-8065.

2. Can I pay with a credit / debit card?

At this point, we accept cash and checks only.

3. Where do I go to register for programs?

Registration can take place, for any program, at the:
Braly Sports Complex
775 Industrial Blvd. N.
Dallas, GA 30132

Mount Tabor Park
1550 E. Paulding Dr.
Dallas, GA 30157

Taylor Farm Park
1380 Pine Valley Rd.
Powder Springs, GA 30127

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Probate

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1. What is the procedure to pay my traffic fine?

You may pay your fine by mail, in person in the probate court, or online at paulding.payyourtix.com. No personal checks are accepted. Traffic fines

2. What does "probate a will" mean?

It is a formality by which the Probate Court approves the document that is presented to them as the Last Will and Testament of a deceased person and appoints a representative to oversee the estate.

3. What are the first steps I should take after a loved one passes away?

The first step is to determine whether or not the deceased person had a will. If there is a valid will, then the person named in the will as the executor or the person who is in possession of the will must file it with the Probate Court of the county of domicile. If there is no will, then the usual procedure is to have an administrator (also called a personal representative) appointed to take care of the decedent’s estate. Whether or not there is a will, if a spouse or minor children survive the decedent, they may want to consider whether to file for a Year’s Support.

4. Do I need a lawyer?

No, a lawyer is not required to file a proceeding in Probate Court, however, if you proceed without a lawyer, it is your responsibility to make a correct determination of the law and to choose the procedure that best suits your situation. The Probate Court staff is not allowed to give legal assistance or to provide clerical assistance.

5. What happens when someone dies without a will?

An individual who dies and who has no will is said to have died intestate. A person will need to appointed by the probate Court as the personal representative of the estate to determine the assets of the estate, to pay the debts and to transfer the property to the heirs.

6. What is the cost for filing a proceeding in Probate Court?

The cost varies according to the type of petition that is being filed. To get an approximate amount, first decide on the petition to file, then contact the Probate Court. The staff will ask a few questions, such as “Are there any minor children?” “Will all of the heirs consent to the petition?” “Are there any heirs whose addresses are unknown?” These questions will help in the determination of the cost.

7. Can I pay my ticket prior to my court date?

Yes, most tickets can be paid prior to court, but contact the probate court at 770-443-7541. Not all tickets can be paid prior to court, some will require a court appearance by you.

8. What is the website for paying my fine?

paulding.payyourtix.com pay tickets online

9. What is the address for mailing in my fine and who do I make my money order payable to?

Paulding County Probate Court, 280 Constitution Blvd., Room 2009, Dallas, Georgia 30132. Make your money order payable to Paulding County Probate Court.

10. Where is your office located?

We are located in the Watson Judicial Complex, Paulding County Probate Court, 280 Constitution Blvd., Room 2009, Dallas, Georgia.

11. What is the cost for obtaining a firearms permit?

The cost is $61.00 and is payable by cash or money order. This cost includes the application and fingerprints.

12. How long does it take to receive my firearms permit?

Approximately 2-3 weeks after application is made. Your permit will be mailed to you.

13. My firearms permit is about to expire. How can I renew it?

You can no longer renew your firearms permit.

14. Do I still have to go to the Sheriff’s Department for my fingerprints for a firearms permit?

No, our office has been fingerprinting applicants since November 2007.

15. What form of identification do I need to bring with me to apply for a marriage license?

Photo ID, birth certificate or passport

16. What is the cost of the marriage license?

$50.00 without proof of premarital counseling or $15.00 with proof of premarital counseling. Cash or money orders only, personal checks are not accepted for payment.

17. Do I need to get a blood test?

Blood tests are not required in Georgia to obtain a marriage license

18. Can I get married immediately after obtaining the license or is there a waiting period?

Yes, you can get married as soon as you receive your license. There is no waiting period.

19. Is there someone at the courthouse that can perform the ceremony?

Yes, the Probate Judge or the Magistrate Judge can perform ceremonies. The contact number for the Probate Judge is 770-443-7541 and for the Magistrate Judge it is 770-443-7506.

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Sheriff - Administration

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1. How do I request to expunge an arrest record?

Expungement refers to purging of criminal history records. Georgia law provides for the expungement of certain criminal history records when approved by the prosecuting attorney.

The arrest record can only be expunged if the case is dropped or dismissed by the courts.

You must appear in person (with picture ID and your social security number) at the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and request a current Georgia Criminal History Record check. There is a $10.00 fee for Paulding residents and a $20.00 fee for non-residents for the criminal history record check.

You will be given a Request to Expunge Form that you will need to complete and return to the sheriff's office.

The form will be sent to the District Attorney's Office for review. This process will likely take several months. The District Attorney's office will send the form back to the Sheriff's Office once their decision has been reached.

The Sheriff's Office will contact you if the request was approved by the District Attorney's Office. You may contact the Paulding County Sheriff's Office after 3 months to check the status of your request if you have not received information.

Once the request is approved by the District Attorney's Office, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office may return the approved request form to the applicant. The applicant will be responsible for forwarding the Request Form and $25.00 fee to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).

Mail the approved Request Form and fee to:
Georgia Crime Information Center Expungements
P.O. Box 370808
Decatur, GA 30037-0808

You can NOT have an arrest record expunged if you paid a fine, served probation, completed first offender, etc. You may only request the record be expunged if the case was dropped or dismissed by the courts. Paulding County District Attorney's Office

2. How do I obtain a Family Violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?

The TPO forms can be picked up at the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. The Paulding County Sheriff's Office will fax your completed form to Shepards Rest Ministries for you. You may contact Shepards Rest Ministries at any time for support at 770-443-5213.

Shepards Rest Ministries can provide you with additional information and resources that are available to you as a victim of domestic violence. They also hold weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings to support victims of domestic violence. Contact Shepards Rest Ministries for more information or to register for their Tuesday evening meetings.

Criteria:

You must fear for the safety/life of yourself or your children, the batterer must be a Paulding County resident, you must have lived with the batterer, you must have an address where the batterer can be served, and the act of violence must fall in to one of 7 categories:

Felony
Battery or Simple Battery
Assault or Simple Assault
Stalking
Criminal Damage to Property
Unlawful Restraint
Criminal Trespassing

If this criteria is not met, you may not qualify for a TPO.
Paulding County Sheriff's Office

3. How do I have a VIN number verified or checked so that I can register my trailer/vehicle with a tag?

You will need to pick up a VIN Verification Form (Form T-22B) at the Paulding County Tag Office.

You can either bring the form and vehicle to be inspected to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, or you can call 770-445-2117 to have a deputy sent to you if you are in Paulding County. Paulding Tax Commissioner Motor Vehicle Office

4. How do I pay a ticket?

You may pay your fine by mail, in person in the probate court, or online at paulding.payyourtix.com. No personal checks are accepted. Pay your ticket online

5. Can I receive an escort from an officer to pick up my personal belongings if I feel threatened?

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office will assist with "keeping the peace" while you pick up belongings. This can only be done Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

You must go to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office in person to meet with a deputy and request to be escorted. You must be able to pick up your belongings in less than 30 minutes. You may set up an appointment with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Warrants/Civil Division for an escort if you require more than 30 minutes.

You will also need to make an appointment with the Warrants/Civil Division if this is a response to a court order. Warrants/Civil Division

6. How do I receive a raffle license?

You can fill out the attached Application for Raffle License Form and submit in person to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. Application for Raffle License

7. How can I obtain a criminal background check for myself or an employee?

You can come to the Sheriff’s Office and fill out a consent form. You may print the consent form from the website to complete and deliver to the Sheriff's Office. When you come to the Sheriff’s Office you must show proof of ID such as:

Driver’s License
Georgia Photo ID
Social Security Card

If you live in Paulding County, there is a $10 fee. If you are not a Paulding County resident the fee is $20. However, if you work in Paulding County the fee is only $10 even if you live outside the county.
More...

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Sheriff - Detention Center

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1. Does Paulding County have an Online Book In (Jail Docket) System?

Yes. You may access the Online Offender Lookup link from our home page or from the Paulding County Detention Center's page.

The Online Offender Lookup System is used to search the jail database for those inmates that are currently held at the Paulding County Detention Center. You may search by name or the book in date. The inmate will NOT appear in this database once they are released.

The system will provide you with the following information:

Inmate's Name
Arrest Date
Charges

Online Offender Lookup System

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Sheriff - Investigations

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1. How do I pick up evidence or other items from the Sheriff's Office?

You may receive any items collected as evidence or safe keeping once the item is no longer needed for the reason it was collected.

You must contact the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Evidence Technician by phone (770-443-3015) in order to make arrangements to pick up any items.

The case file and items must be reviewed first to determine if the release of the item(s) is authorized.

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Sheriff - Patrol

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1. Can I have my child's car seat inspected by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office

Yes. We ask that you contact the Paulding County Sheriff's Office at 770-443-3010 to set up an appointment with a Child Safety Seat Technician.

This inspection will take approximately 15 minutes and will consist of training and demonstrations for the parent/caregiver on the proper use of the child safety seat. Georgia's Child Passenger Safety Law

2. How many passengers can ride with my new teen driver?

The Teen and Adult Driver Responsibility Act(TADRA) is a graduated driver's license program established for young drivers ages 15 to 18 in Georgia by a collaborative effort of highway safety advocates, legislators, law enforcement officials, educators, businesses and media in the wake of a high number of fatal vehicle crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers.

TADRA involves a three-step educational process...

3. What is this new "Super Speeder" law all about?

Under the provisions of this new law any driver convicted of speeding whose speed exceeded 75 MPH on two-lane roads or 85-and-over on any other road in Georgia will be classified as a "Super Speeder."

This new law took effect January 1st, 2010. This law allows the State of Georgia to collect a $200.00 state fee each time a driver is convicted of a "Super Speeder" speeding offense.

Please visit www.superspeedergeorgia.org for more information. Additional FAQs

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Sheriff - Records

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1. How to I get a copy of a report (i.e. arrest, incident, accident)?

You must apply in person to receive a copy of an Incident or Arrest Report. You must be able to provide picture ID.

You may either pick up a copy of an Accident Report by appearing in person with picture ID at the Paulding County Sheriff's Office or online at www.buycrash.com.

BuyCrash.com is not owned or operated by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. This company is used by the State of Georgia to provide Official State of Georgia Accident Reports to involved parties of motor vehicle accidents.

There is a $2.00 fee per report if applying in person. There is an increased fee for purchasing accident reports using BuyCrash.com
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Sheriff - Warrants / Civil Papers

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1. Can I find out if a warrant has been issued for me or someone I know?

Warrant information will not be given out by phone. You must appear in person (with ID) at the Paulding County Sheriff's Office for a warrant check to be conducted. Paulding County Sheriff's Office

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Superior Court

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1. How are court staff positions defined?

Attorney
The word attorney refers to any person admitted to practice in the superior courts of Georgia, and to any person who is permitted, in accordance with law, to represent a party in an action pending in a superior court of the State of Georgia, and to any person proceeding pro se in an action pending in a superior court of this state. The word attorney is synonymous with counsel in these rules.

Calendar Clerk
The term calendar clerk refers to that person who is charged with the responsibility of setting and scheduling all hearings and trials in actions assigned to a particular judge. Each calendar clerk carries out those duties under the supervision of the assigned judge or the designee of that judge. In the Paulding Judicial Circuit, the Superior Court Clerk assigns individual employees to be calendar clerks for each of the three elected superior court judges.

Court Administrator
The term court administrator refers to that person who is charged with the responsibility of organizing and administering non-judicial activities of the Superior Court including but not limited to managing the budget and finance of the court, case management, information technology, interpreters, and media relations.

The Court Administrator will also assist in the development and implementation of innovative programs and procedures to improve court operations and serve as a liaison with local and state government agencies, other courts, the bar, as well as the news media and community.

Judge
The word judge refers to any of the several active judges of the superior courts of Georgia, and to any senior or other judge authorized to serve as a judge of a superior court of this state.

Law Clerk
The term law clerk refers to that person who performs legal research and prepares and analyzes legal documents for a Superior Court Judge. Once a law clerk has passed the State Bar of Georgia that person may be referred to as a staff attorney.

Staff Attorney
Please refer to the law clerk definition.

Superior Court Clerk
The word clerk refers to the clerk of any of the several superior courts in this state and to the staff members serving as deputy clerks.

2. What does it mean when I receive a letter marked "Jury Summons" for the Superior Court of Paulding County?

This means that you have been randomly selected by a computer to be a prospective Grand Jury or trial jury member in the Superior Court. It means that you have been selected to participate in one of a citizen's most sacred privileges and provides you with an opportunity to do a patriotic duty. Jury service also gives you the opportunity to see first-hand how the courts in your community function.

You should read both the summons, and the letter accompanying the summons, very carefully and completely to make sure that you understand exactly when and where you are to report for jury service as well other matters which are important to you and to the Courts.

Georgia law provides that you must respond to a summons for jury duty and report, if not excused earlier, or face penalties, including the payment of a fine of up to $300. It is very important to follow all instructions in the letter and summons carefully and completely. If your summons says to call a particular phone number the day you are to report for jury duty, you should do so. Failure to do so may cause you unnecessary time and expense which could have been avoided had you followed the instructions.

3. Why do I need to answer the questions on the questionnaire that comes with the letter and the summons for jury duty?

Georgia law provides that the attorneys for the parties involved in jury trials have the right to ask questions of the prospective jurors in order to assist them in selecting the jury to try the case.

The judges of the Paulding Judicial Circuit believe that the jury selection process, and thus most jurors' stay in court, is greatly shortened by this process. Having each prospective juror answer these questions by use of this questionnaire before they come to court saves time spent by the lawyers asking the same questions in each and every case.

If your completed questionnaire is received prior to the date you are to report for jury duty, you will receive an additional fifty cents to reimburse you for postage and envelope costs, or if you hand delivered the questionnaire back to the Clerk of Superior Court you can be reimbursed for gas.

4. How long does jury service last?

Grand Jury
The Paulding Judicial Circuit now has two terms of Superior Court per year; a Grand Jury serves for six months. Generally, you will serve one day at the beginning of the term and be recalled each month for another one-day session. Very rarely, you may be called upon to serve an additional day or so within the term.

The judges of the Paulding Judicial Circuit try to make sure that some alternate grand jurors are sworn at the initial session of each Grand Jury so that, if a Grand Jury member has an irreconcilable conflict with coming for any subsequent session, an alternate may take his or her place at the subsequent session.

Trial Jury
Generally, civil and criminal trials in the Superior Courts of the Paulding Judicial circuit are held during trial weeks scheduled at various times through the year. Jury service is generally for one trial if you are selected on a jury, or one day if you are not selected to be on a jury.

If, on the first day you report for jury duty, you are not selected to serve on a jury, then that generally ends your service for that term, although on rare occasions you may be required to return later in the week to see if you are selected to be on a jury then.

If, on the first day you report for jury duty, you are selected to serve on a jury, then you must return and serve each day until the trial is completed. Most trials do not take more than one or two days to complete, but in extremely rare cases, a trial may extend into a Saturday or Sunday or even the next week.

5. What if I can't come to Court on the day I am summoned for jury service?

Georgia law provides only two categories for complete exemption from jury duty:

• Persons over 70 years of age


• Persons with permanent mental/physical disability

In addition, Georgia law provides that two other groups of persons shall be excused from jury service:

• Any person who is a full-time student at a college, university, or vocational school


• Any person who is the primary caregiver having active care and custody of a child under four years of age in a situation where alternative child care is not reasonably available

If you believe you fall into one or more of these four categories and desire to be excused from jury duty, you should contact the office of the Clerk of Superior Court for your county in order to obtain the appropriate affidavit, which must be completed before you can be excused or exempted.

You may obtain the affidavit by going by the Clerk's office in the County Courthouse or by calling the Paulding County office at (770) 443-7527.

If you already have plans and can't change them, you may ask that your jury service be postponed or rescheduled. This means that you arrange to serve on another day.

Requests for postponement must be submitted in writing and received in the Superior Court Clerk's office at least 10 days prior to the date you are supposed to report. In a personal emergency, give as much notice as possible.

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Tax Commissioner

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1. What deadlines are important for property taxation?

All exemptions for homestead, senior citizens, and disabled persons must be applied for prior to April 1 for a given tax year.

Property taxes in Paulding County are due on November 15 of each year.

2. Do all vehicles require an emission certificate each year?

All vehicles that are less than 25 years old must be tested each year before they can be registered. The vehicles are exempt when they are brand new, until they are three model years old.

There is an exemption for emission requirements for senior citizens who meet the following three criteria:

• The owner is 65 years old or older


• The vehicle is at least 10 years old


• The vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles per year (you must provide the mileage and fill out a senior exemption form each year)

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, money order, certified check, or personal or business checks that are drawn on local institutions. You can pay online with e-checks or credit cards. The online processor does charge a convenience fee for processing your credit cards.

We cannot accept checks drawn on out of state institutions.

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Voter Registration

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1. Where can I register to vote and what information is required to register?

You may register at the Elections and Voter Registration Office, any local library, the Department of Driver Services, Disability Office, Public Assistance Office (Medicaid, WIC, or DFACS), Military Recruitment Offices, or you can download a form from the Secretary of State.

Each elector shall present proper identification when registering to vote such as a valid driver's license, bank statement, current utility bill, lease agreement, payroll stub, government check, or other government document that shows your name and current address.

The Elections and Voter Registration Office is located at:
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, GA 30132

2. Do I have to register by party in Georgia?

No. Georgia has an open primary system. On Primary Day, you will be asked your party preference, and that is the ballot that will be issued to you. If a voter chooses Democratic or Republican in the Presidential Preference Primary, the voter may choose to vote either party in the July Primary.

However, if Democratic is voted in the general primary, Democratic must be voted in the runoff. If Republican is voted in the general primary, Republican must be voted in the Runoff. If the voter did not vote in the general primary, the voter may choose any party in the Runoff.

3. Why do I have to drive past two polling places to get to mine?

Because it is difficult to find facilities that will accommodate our needs, we sometimes choose locations that are geographically located close together. However, they do not share the same political district lines. Georgia law requires that your residence address is your legal voting address, and you must vote in the polling location that contains your specific political districts.