Important Court Information and Closure Dates
The Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr. Judicial Center in Newton County and the Walton County Government Building will be closed beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023, and will be closed all day on Monday and Tuesday, December 25 & 26, 2023, in observance of Christmas. For other holiday/closing dates, see Calendars/General.
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MAGISTRATE COURT OF NEWTON COUNTY
Preliminary Hearings – November 29 2023 via Zoom
Time: Nov 29, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 819 6722 1600
Passcode: 795090
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Meeting ID: 819 6722 1600
Passcode: 795090
Effective October 6, 2023 – Order Regarding Electronic Recording and Use of Cell Phones in the Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr., Judicial Center
Effective October 6, 2023 – Pursuant to Uniform Superior Court Rule 22, electronic recording shall not take place in any courtroom of the Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr., Judicial Center unless permission is granted by the judge in that courtroom. See the link below for Rule 22 and Request to Record Proceedings.
Cellphones are allowed in the judicial center but must be turned off prior to entering any courtroom and remain off while in the courtroom in order to avoid disruption of court proceedings. Anyone who needs to turn on his or her phone while in the courtroom must ask permission of the judge presiding in that courtroom at that time.
Any person violating any term of this order may be held in contempt and punished by confinement in the county jail for up to 20 days, imposition of a fine up to $1,000.00, or both.
Click the link shown below for a copy of the order entered.
Regarding Use of Electronic Devices
Rule 22 – Regarding the use of electronic devices in courtrooms and recording of judicial proceedings has been amended effective May 1, 2018. 
Rule 22 and Request to Record Proceedings
Important Information
NEW! The Newton County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office is pleased to announce the new eCertification services that provide users the ability to electronically request certified Court and Real Estate Records 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A trip will no longer be required to the Clerk’s office to have a paper copy certified. The public can now access this new online service. Click here for more information
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Newton & Walton County Superior Court Clerk’s office in conjunction with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) is pleased to offer the Filing Activity Notification System, FANS, providing Georgia citizens with tools to monitor activity regarding their property and records. Click here for more information.
WARNING TO PUBLIC:
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued an alert warning of coronavirus-related phishing attacks, particularly surrounding economic stimulus checks. The news that the US government is likely to send upwards of $1,000 to most Americans has created a golden opportunity for scammers, especially since the delivery method for the cash is still uncertain.
“Look out for phishing emails asking you to verify your personal information in order to receive an economic stimulus check from the government,” the FBI says. “While talk of economic stimulus checks has been in the news cycle, government agencies are not sending unsolicited emails seeking your private information in order to send you money.” The statement also cautions people to watch out for offers of counterfeit medical products, including fake vaccines and testing kits.
“Be cautious of anyone selling products that claim to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19,” the Bureau says. “Be alert to counterfeit products such as sanitizing products and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including N95 respirator masks, goggles, full face shields, protective gowns, and gloves.”
Coronavirus-related fraud has skyrocketed, and we’ve covered many examples of it in the past few weeks. The FBI says to be wary of this trend when you seek information about the topic online.
“Scammers are leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic to steal your money, your personal information, or both,” the statement says. “Protect yourself and do your research before clicking on links purporting to provide information on the virus; donating to a charity online or through social media; contributing to a crowdfunding campaign; purchasing products online; or giving up your personal information in order to receive money or other benefits.”
Users can avoid falling for these scams by sticking to some basic best practices, such as being wary of email links and attachments, and not providing personal or financial data in response to unsolicited emails or phone calls. However, being aware of current trends in phishing attacks can increase your chances of recognizing these scams, since you’ll be on high alert whenever you see a coronavirus-related email.
The FBI’s IC3 has the story: https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200320.aspx
GBI Notice
Special Notice from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Human Trafficking Notice