As amended through July 11, 2024
Rule 20.3 - Private Citizen Warrant Application Hearings(a) Upon the filing of an application for an arrest warrant by a person other than a peace officer or law enforcement officer, and if the court determines that a hearing is appropriate pursuant to OCGA § 17-4-40, the court shall give notice of the date, time and location of the hearing to the applicant and to the person whose arrest is sought by personal service or by first class mail to the person's last known address or by any other means which are reasonably calculated to notify the person of the date, time and location of the hearing.(b) At the warrant application hearing the court shall:(1) Explain the probable cause purpose of the hearing;(2) Inform the accused of the charges;(3) Inform the accused of the right to hire and have the advice of an attorney, of the right to remain silent, and that any statement made may be used against him or her.(c) The warrant application hearing shall be conducted in accordance with OCGA § 17-440(b) (4) and (5) and Rule 20.2(c) of these rules.(d) A copy of the record of any testimony and the proceedings of the warrant application hearing, if available, shall be provided to the proper prosecuting officer and to the accused upon payment of the reasonable cost for preparation of the record.(e) The judge conducting a warrant application hearing is without jurisdiction to make final disposition of the case or cases at the hearing by imposing any fine or punishment.Ga. Unif. Mun. Ct. R. 20.3