Important Information and Closing Dates

Upcoming holiday closings:

The Newton County Judicial Center and the Walton County Government Building will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020, in observance of Memorial Day. For additional holiday closing information please click here and go to general calendars.

Public Notice re Declaration of Statewide Judicial Emergency

See Guidelines for In-Court Proceedings, entered on May 18, 2020, by John M. Ott, Chief Judge, Superior Courts, Alcovy Judicial Circuit

RE: SUPERIOR COURTS OF NEWTON COUNTY AND WALTON COUNTY 

            The Superior Courts will remain open and a judge will be available to address “essential functions” as provided in the Second Order Extending Declaration of Statewide Judicial Emergency as entered on May 11, 2020, by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, extending the order to June 12, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.  

            Priority will be given to matters necessary to protect health, safety, and liberty of individuals. As a result, domestic abuse temporary protective orders and restraining orders will be addressed when filed as well as criminal cases involving the granting or revocation of bond, guilty pleas or other dispositions that would result in a defendant being released from jail, and similar cases.
All jury trials for Newton County and Walton County have been cancelled through June 30, 2020.

            If you have any questions about your case, please call your attorney. Information related to upcoming civil and criminal calendars will be posted on this website under "Court Calendars." 
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-- Public Notices - Please see attached notices for further information regarding day to day operations.

May 28, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Superior Court of Walton County a sentencing hearing shall be held in the case of State v. Kinterie Durden. To watch the live court proceedings via livestream on May 28, 2020, beginning at 9:30 a.m. please click here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Newton-County-District-Attorneys-Office-941714762526816/posts/?ref=page_internal

-- Newton County Clerk of Superior Courts office is open for court related matters. The Record Room is reopened by appointment only - click here for more information.  See also  Public Notice re Statewide Declaration of Public Health and Judicial Emergencies - click here for more informaiton.  

-- Newton County Juvenile Court -- Public Notice re Statewide Declaration of Public Health and Judicial Emergencies (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