First Appearance Hearings

First Appearance Hearing Schedule

First Appearance Hearings will be held in the Magistrate Courtroom, located on the 1st floor of the Paulding County Judicial Building.

First Appearance Hearings are generally held every Monday at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday’s and Friday’s at 10 a.m. by a Magistrate Judge. The time and presiding judge varies depending on the Magistrate Office’s calendar.

The First Appearance Hearing is an initial appearance for the defendant to be advised of the criminal charges that have been filed against them and to determine if a bond will be set.

Attending First Appearance Hearings

If you wish to attend or participate in the First Appearance Hearing, please contact the court the day before to verify the time.

*****PLEASE NOTE In the event of inclement weather or holiday 1st Appearance Hearings will be held at the Paulding County Detention Center*****

 *****In the event of Courthouse closing or delayed opening because of Inclement Weather 1st Appearance Hearings will also be delayed and will be held at the Paulding County Detention Center****

 ****County offices will be closed in observance of The Day After Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24th, 2023. First Appearance Hearings will be at the Paulding County Detention Center.