Port Wentworth, Georgia

Due to the onset of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic the City of Port Wentworth court hearings have been restructured. We hope you understand these changes are not to inconvenience you, but to allow us to handle your case in a safe and efficient manner.

We ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

Be age 18 years or older when attending court hearings ▲

Only defendants ages 18 and up may attend court hearings. Please do not bring children, spouses, or other family members, unless they will be testifying in the case. If you do not have childcare, we will allow for one (1) continuance for this reason. Please call our office at 912-964-4360 to reschedule.

Be accompanied by an adult if age 21 or under ▲

If you are age 21 or under you may have one (1) parent or guardian attend court with you.

Report on time for court hearings ▲

Court times are staggered in an effort to continue social distancing. You will be given a number; this is the order your case will be called. You may have to wait in your vehicle until it is your turn to appear before the Judge. It is important to be on time for all court proceedings.

Wear a face mask and adhere to a temperature check ▲

Face masks are required for entry into any City of Port Wentworth building. Masks must cover both your mouth and nose and be worn throughout the duration of your visit. Temperature checks will also be completed on all parties before being allowed to enter the courthouse. Persons with temperatures that exceed the recommended temp of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will not be permitted in the court room.

Request a continuance for seniors age 60 and older if needed ▲

If you are 60 years of age or older and are not comfortable coming to court, please call our office at 912-964-4360 to request a one (1) time continuance.

Speak with a Judge for bound up cases ▲

Persons wishing to have their court hearing "bound up" must speak with a Judge to do so. For assistance or questions related to this matter, please contact the Port Wentworth Police Department at 912-964-4360.

Schedule a Court Interpreter (Spanish Speaking) if needed ▲

A state licensed, Spanish speaking court interpreter is available for all legal proceedings in which a non-English speaking person is a party or a witness. Persons in need of this service should contact the court directly, by calling 912-964-4360.

Remember, if you are ill or have been caring for someone who is sick please refrain from reporting to court. #Stay Home. #Save Lives.

Instead, contact the City of Port Wentworth Police Department non-emergency phone number at 912-964-4360 to request a one (1) time courtesy reset of your case.

Paying Citations ▲

If you wish to dispute a citation you must appear in court personally on the scheduled date and enter a not guilty plea. Appearing in court gives you an opportunity to discuss the traffic ticket in front of a judge or jury. Some people prefer to hire a lawyer to defend them in court. Nonetheless, all disputes must be handled in person.

When you pay a ticket, you are essentially pleading guilty to a traffic offense. You should be aware that receiving and paying a traffic citation could result in higher car insurance rates and points on your driving record. An accumulation of too many points on your driving record could result in your license being suspended.

If you decide to plead guilty to a traffic violation, there are several ways to pay the ticket. Generally, the back of the citation will clearly indicate the deadlines and options for answering the ticket. Usually, you must act within fifteen (15) days of receiving a traffic ticket to avoid additional fines and possible suspension of your license.

Payment Options ▲

Pay by mail. Money orders for citation payments can be mailed to:

City of Port Wentworth
Attn: Police Department
323 Cantyre Street
Port Wentworth, Georgia 31407

Personal checks will not be accepted.

Pay by phone. Traffic tickets can also be paid over-the-phone by dialing 1-800-262-0128. An ezcourtpay agent will be glad to assist you with your credit/debit card payment. All you'll need to do is provide your citation number or name and date of birth if the ticket information is not available.

Pay online. The City of Port Wentworth also offers a convenient online payment system through ezcourtpay.com to pay your fine with a credit or debit card.

Pay in person. To make an in person payment, please visit the City of Port Wentworth Police Department located at 323 Cantyre Street. Be sure to bring the citation with you. Money orders, credit/debit cards and cash are all acceptable methods of payment.