Legal Video Library

Court Summons in Georgia Law

A court summons is a legal order requiring an individual to appear before a judge. Ignoring it can trigger serious consequences, even if the case seems minor.

• Applies to criminal, civil, and family law matters.

• Failure to comply may result in fines, contempt charges, or arrest.

• The court may issue a bench warrant for nonappearance.

Key Distinction from Other Notices

• A summons is legally binding, unlike informal requests or letters.

• Subpoenas require testimony or documents, while summonses require personal appearance.

• Ignoring either can lead to contempt charges.

How Courts Enforce Summonses

• Judges issue bench warrants for failure to appear.

• Law enforcement may arrest the individual and bring them to court.

• Courts may also impose additional fines or penalties.

Common Defenses Clients Should Know

• Improper service — arguing the summons was not delivered correctly.

• Lack of notice — proving the defendant never received or knew of the summons.

• Valid excuse — illness, emergency, or other justifiable reasons for absence.

• Legal error — challenging whether the summons was lawfully issued.

Why This Matters

• Ignoring a summons escalates cases unnecessarily, turning small matters into arrests.

• Failure to appear creates a criminal record that may affect employment and licensing.

• Immediate legal representation can often resolve missed appearances and prevent harsher penalties.