An arraignment is the opportunity for the defendant to hear and receive the formal charges against him or her and to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

If he or she pleads not guilty, a trial date for either a Jury Trial or a Non Jury Trial will be set for a later date.

If the defendant pleads guilty, the Judge can rule the sentencing on that day or the Judge could set a special plea sentencing date.

The defendant and/or his attorney have opted for a Jury Trial and the case has been placed on a Jury Trial Calendar. Victim and Witnesses alike will receive a Jury Trial subpoena. Jury Trial subpoenas are also called “ON CALL” subpoenas; which means you do not need to appear unless you are notified via telephone that the case is officially ‘CALLED IN FOR TRIAL”.

For additional information please visit our Subpoena page.

The defendant and/or his attorney have opted for a Non Jury Trial and the case has been placed on a Non Jury Trial Calendar. Victim and Witnesses alike will receive a Non Jury Trial subpoena. Non Jury Trial subpoenas are also called “MUST APPEAR” subpoenas; which means you MUST appear on the day listed on the subpoena; as the case is officially going to a Non Jury trial.

For additional information please visit our Subpoena page.

The defendant and/or his attorney have opted for a Motion trial. A Motion trial is before a Judge to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. At the Motion trial, the State (and the accused if he or she desires to) will present testimony from witnesses and other evidence which the Judge will consider before rendering a verdict. You should receive a subpoena to appear in court for this Motion trial. When you receive the subpoena, please appear on the listed date for the case.

The defendant pleads guilty; he or she will be sentenced by the Judge and this will successfully complete the case.

In some instances cases require the defendant to serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision of a probation officer and to the conditions imposed by the courts.

A Bond Hearing is a "special set" hearing for the defendant to potentially be given a bond amount. If he or she is able to make bond; the defendant has an opportunity to go free; until their next scheduled court hearing date.

A Jail Calendar Hearing is a "special set" hearing inside the Cobb County Jail. If the offender pleads guilty to the charges; he or she will be sentenced by a Judge and this will successfully complete the case.

Victims of a crime may not attend the court hearing inside the Cobb County Jail courtroom however may attend via the use of video conferencing at the Cobb County Visitation Center and by following Cobb County Sheriff Office visitation rules.

A domestic violence arraignment hearing is the opportunity for the defendant to hear and receive the formal charges against him or her. If he or she qualifies for this first time offender program the offender has an opportunity after completion of various requirements to qualify for an reduction or dismissal of charges.

Magistrate Ordinance court hears animal and Cobb County code violation cases.

Cobb County inmates may be released from custody at any time and for various reasons.

Cobb County Sheriff's Office therefore provides a free automated Victim Registration and Notification system with regards to offender’s while in Cobb County custody and their status.

VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) 1.800-785-VINE (8463) is a service through which victims of a crime can use the Telephone or Internet to search for information regarding their offender's custody status and register to receive telephone and e-mail notification when their offender's custody status changes.

Web Registration

You can search for and register to receive notification about the custody status of an offender via VINELink tab.

VINE is currently available in 46 states. If the inmate for whom you’re searching is in custody at a corrections facility that participates in VINE, you should be able to locate custody information on VINELink.

Contact Information

*Please understand that the case may conclude at ANY appearance by the defendant and at any time during the court hearing process. To ensure you receive proper notification of the different court hearings types please ensure your correct mailing information is on file with our office. We will need you to bring a valid picture identification card to the Cobb County Solicitor General Office so that you may complete an address change form request with our office.