Georgia § 15-10-63 - Use of citations; arrests.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-10-63 — Use of citations; arrests., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-10-63. Use of citations; arrests.
The governing authority of any county or any state authority may provide that ordinance violations may be tried upon citations with or without a prosecuting attorney as well as upon accusations. Each citation shall state the time and place at which the accused is to appear for trial, shall identify the offense with which the accused is charged, shall have an identifying number by which it shall be filed with the court, shall indicate the identity of the accused and the date of service, and shall be signed by the county or authority agent who completes and serves it. Prosecutions for violations of ordinances upon citations shall be commenced by the completion, signing, and service of a citation by any agent of the county who is authorized by the county governing authority to issue citations or by an agent of the state authority who is authorized by the authority to issue citations. Except as provided in subsection (c) of Code Section 15-10-62, a copy of the citation shall be personally served upon the accused; and the original shall promptly be filed with the court. No person shall be arrested prior to the time of trial, except for the offenses of public drunkenness or disorderly conduct or as authorized by ordinance of a state authority; provided, however, that the accused may be arrested prior to the time of trial for the violation of a county ordinance relating to loitering; and provided, further, that any defendant who fails to appear for trial shall be arrested thereafter on the warrant of the magistrate and required to post a bond for his or her future appearance. (Code 1981, § 15-10-63 , enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1096, § 9; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 15; Ga. L. 1987, p. 448, § 2; Ga. L. 1994, p. 292, § 2; Ga. L. 2000, p. 880, § 2; Ga. L. 2016, p. 755, § 2/HB 1025.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-10-63
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-10-63 cover?
Section 15-10-63 ("Use of citations; arrests.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 15-10-63?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-10-63" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 15-10-63 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.