Resources
Courts and Courthouse Offices
Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Court
Criminal, civil and land records in Athens-Clarke County State and Superior Courts
Oconee County Clerk of Court
Criminal, civil, juvenile, and land records in Oconee County Superior, Juvenile, and Magistrate Courts
Superior Court
Information about the Superior Court judges of the Western Judicial Circuit (Clarke and Oconee Counties)
Juvenile Court
Jurisdiction over most children 17 years old and younger
Athens-Clarke County State Court
Misdemeanor criminal cases and civil claims not exclusively reserved for Superior Court
Athens-Clarke County Magistrate Court
Civil claims up to $15,000 and court of entry for criminal cases
Athens Clarke County Probate Court
Various cases including decedents’ estates, guardianships, marriage licenses, and traffic citations
Oconee County Probate Court
Various cases including decedents’ estates, guardianships, marriage licenses, and traffic citations
Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court
Misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases and county ordinance violations
Western Circuit District Attorney’s Office
Prosecutors investigators, and victim advocates in Clarke and Oconee County Superior Courts
Athens-Clarke County Solicitor General’s Office
Prosecutors, investigators, and victim advocates in Athens-Clarke County State and Municipal Courts
Legal Help
Georgia Legal Services Program
A non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low-income Georgians
Western Circuit Public Defender’s Office
Representing people who cannot afford a lawyer in criminal and juvenile charges in Clarke and Oconee Counties
Western Circuit Bar Association
Information about the association of lawyers practicing in Clarke and Oconee Counties
State Bar of Georgia
Website for Georgia’s lawyer licensing organization, including information for the public and a find a lawyer search page
Georgia Legal Aid
Website sponsored by Georgia Legal Services Program and Atlanta Legal Aid with legal information, self-help forms, and instructional videos on a variety of legal topics
Georgia Free Legal Answers
A free virtual service of the American Bar Association and State Bar of Georgia for posting legal questions
UGA School of Law Public Interest Practicum
Legal research and self-help advice on civil cases for people who lack access to other legal services
UGA School of Law Business Law Clinic
Transactional legal services for small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs
UGA School of Law First Amendment Clinic
Defending and advancing freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and petition through direct representation and advocacy
UGA School of Law Jane W. Wilson Family Justice Clinic
Legal advice and representation for victims of domestic violence and stalking in emergency protective orders and other domestic relations/ family law matters
UGA School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic
Serves veterans and their dependents, helping them obtain benefits they have earned through service to our country
706-542-6439
UGA School of Law Wilbanks CEASE Clinic
(Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation)
Representing survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation in civil litigation, juvenile court dependency, and post-conviction relief
Second Chance Desk
Free service from the Georgia Justice Project to help restrict eligible arrest records from Clarke or Oconee Counties
Other Services
Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement
A community organization providing bailout and legal fee assistance to juveniles and adults
Athens Mutual Aid Network
Collective of local organizations distributing funds to community members in need
Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition
Local group with a goal of asserting justice for Athens-area immigrants, regardless of legal status
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Governmental organization providing rental and homeownership assistance to Georgians
Project Safe
An organization working to end domestic violence through crisis intervention, ongoing support services, and advocacy