Cherokee County_ Justice Center Space Needs Assessment_Final Report_February 2025.pdf

Cherokee County, Georgia Justice Center Space Needs Assessment

Final Report

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | II

National Center for State Courts

Court Consulting Services

Laurie Givens, Vice President

Assessment Team

February 21, 2025

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | III

Acknowledgments

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) project team acknowledges Cherokee

County's leadership for their collaboration and support throughout this project. We also thank the many stakeholders who generously contributed their time, expertise, and perspectives to this effort. The project's success was only possible due to the ongoing partnership and dedication of Cherokee County’s leadership, Judiciary, Court

Administration, Clerk of Court, and external stakeholders. In particular, we want to recognize the representatives from the following departments and their staff for their engagement and thoughtful contributions. Despite busy schedules and ongoing work demands, each stakeholder provided critical information that allowed the NCSC project team to understand the court system and its challenges.

Cherokee County Stakeholders

Geoffrey E. Morton Kenneth (Scott) Gordon Matt Williams

County Manager Director, General Services Agency Director, Property Management

Judge David Cannon Judge Alan Jordan Judge Rick Jones/

Judge Jennifer Davis

Superior Court State Court Juvenile Court

Judge Keith Wood Magistrate Greg Douds Captain Phillip D. Downey

Probate Court Magistrate Court Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Patty Baker Jody Overcash Susan Treadaway

Clerk of Court Court Administration Office of the District Attorney

Todd Hayes Louis Turchiarelli Mike Haines

Office of the Cherokee County

Solicitor

Indigent Defense Office County IT

Jorge Basto Whit Frost/

Catie Blackwell

Clerk of Court Office IT Bar Representatives

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | IV

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS AND COURT CASE FILING PROJECTIONS

FUTURE STAFFING PROJECTIONS

COURT OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY CONSIDERATIONS

JUSTICE CENTER FACILITY SPACE REQUIREMENTS

COURT SPACE UTILIZATION AND BLOCKING CONCEPTS

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW OF COURT AND COURT-RELATED AGENCIES

PROJECT SCOPE

METHODOLOGY

SECTION 3: COURT SYSTEM FUTURE GROWTH MODELING

HISTORICAL AND PROJECTED POPULATION ESTIMATES

FUTURE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTION

SECTION 4: TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS PROCESS

COURTROOM UTILIZATION AND CALENDARING PRACTICES

COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY

CASE MANAGEMENT AND EFILING SYSTEMS

IN-CUSTODY TRANSPORTATION

JURY ASSEMBLY ROOM

CLERK OF COURT COUNTERS

RESOURCE CENTER

SECTION 5: CHEROKEE COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER FACILITY OBJECTIVE

COURT SPACE PLANNING GOALS

SECTION 6: DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS

OVERALL PROGRAMMING GOALS

SUPERIOR COURT

STATE COURT

JUVENILE COURT

PROBATE COURT

MAGISTRATE COURT

CLERK OF COURT

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

COURT ADMINISTRATION

LAW LIBRARY/RESOURCE CENTER

SHERIFF AND COURT SECURITY

SECTION 7: COURT SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | V

OVERALL COURT SPACE REQUIREMENTS

DEFINITIONS OF SQUARE FOOTAGE TERMS USED IN THE SPACE ESTIMATES

COURTHOUSE SPACE SUMMARY BY MAJOR DEPARTMENT/FUNCTION

DETAILED SPACE PROGRAM LISTINGS

SECTION 8: COURT SPACE UTILIZATION AND BLOCKING CONCEPTS

SECTION 9: CONCLUSION

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: COURTHOUSE SPACE SUMMARY BY MAJOR DEPARTMENT

APPENDIX B: SPACE ALLOCATION BLOCKING CONCEPTS

APPENDIX C: POPULATION PROJECTIONS COMPARISON

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | VI

List of Tables

TABLE 1. CHEROKEE COUNTY POPULATION ESTIMATES (YEAR 2044)

TABLE 2. CHEROKEE COUNTY HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1998-2023)

TABLE 3. CHEROKEE COUNTY COURT CASE FILING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 4. CURRENT AND ESTIMATED FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS FOR YEAR 2044

TABLE 5. HISTORICAL AND PROJECTED COUNTY POPULATION (2015-2044)

TABLE 6. SUPERIOR COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1998-2023)

TABLE 7. SUPERIOR COURT CASE FILING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 8. SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROJECTED CASE FILINGS (2024-2044)

TABLE 9. STATE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1998-2023)

TABLE 10. STATE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 11. STATE COURT CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROJECTED CASE FILINGS (2024-2044)

TABLE 12. JUVENILE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1999-2023)

TABLE 13. JUVENILE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 14. MAGISTRATE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1998-2023)

TABLE 15. MAGISTRATE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 16. MAGISTRATE COURT CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROJECTED CASE FILINGS (2024-2044)

TABLE 17. PROBATE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (2003-2023)

TABLE 18. PROBATE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 19. SAMPLE MONTHLY CALENDAR: STATE COURT CALENDAR – APRIL 2024

TABLE 20. SAMPLE MONTHLY CALENDAR: SUPERIOR COURT CALENDAR – APRIL 2024

TABLE 21. SUPERIOR AND STATE COURT JUROR DATA (2023-2024)

TABLE 22. SUPERIOR COURT FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 23. STATE COURT FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 24. JUVENILE COURT FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 25. PROBATE COURT FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 26. MAGISTRATE COURT FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 27. CLERK OF COURTS FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 28. DISTRICT ATTORNEY FTE STAFFING PROJECTS (2024-2044)

TABLE 29. COURT ADMINISTRATION FTE STAFFING PROJECTS (2024-2044)

TABLE 30. LAW LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 31. SHERIFF OFFICES AND CENTRAL HOLDING FTE STAFFING PROJECTIONS (2024-2044)

TABLE 32. CHEROKEE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND ANNEX SPACE NEEDS SUMMARY

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | VII

List of Figures

FIGURE 1. CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA POPULATION SUMMARY (2015-2044) 17

FIGURE 2. SUPERIOR COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1998-2023) 20

FIGURE 3. SUPERIOR COURT CASE FILING PROJECTION (2015-2044) 22

FIGURE 4. SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASE FILING COMPOSITION (2015-2044) 23

FIGURE 5. STATE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1998-2023) 24

FIGURE 6. STATE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTION (2015-2044) 26

FIGURE 7. STATE COURT CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASE FILING COMPOSITION (2015-2044) 27

FIGURE 8. JUVENILE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1999-2023) 29

FIGURE 9. JUVENILE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTION (2018-2044) 31

FIGURE 10. MAGISTRATE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (1998-2023) 32

FIGURE 11. MAGISTRATE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTION (2015-2044) 34

FIGURE 12. MAGISTRATE COURT CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASE FILING COMPOSITION (2015-2044) 35

FIGURE 13. PROBATE COURT HISTORICAL CASE FILINGS (2003-2023) 36

FIGURE 14. PROBATE COURT CASE FILING PROJECTION (2015-2044) 38

FIGURE 15. COURT FLOOR CIRCULATION ZONES 65

FIGURE 16. COURTHOUSE VERTICAL CIRCULATION ZONES 66

FIGURE 17. SPACE DEFINITIONS 87

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 1

In May 2024, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners contracted with the National

Center for State Courts (NCSC) to conduct a court space planning and programming study for the existing Cherokee County Courthouse and a future Courthouse Annex, collectively referred to as the “Justice Center.” The study, which was an update to a previous court space assessment conducted by NCSC in 2015 encompassed the Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Probate Court, Magistrate Court, Clerk of Court, District Attorney’s Office, Court

Administration, Law Library/Resource Center, and Sheriff and Court Security.

The study aimed to assess current operations and project future space needs, technology enhancements, and sustainable operational practices for future space utilization. Key project tasks included data collection through surveys and interviews, assessments of court operations and technology that may impact space utilization, long-term projections for population growth and case filings, and the development of a detailed space program based on these findings.

The study also includes the development of conceptual layout options for the existing courthouse and proposed new Courthouse Annex ensuring that space allocations and building circulation align with operational needs. Statistical forecasting models and qualitative analyses were used to estimate future staffing requirements, space utilization, and technology improvements.

The following report summarizes the findings related to historic and projected population and case filing, technology and business process considerations, future staffing needs, proposed space requirements, and conceptual layout for courthouse expansion.

Section 1: Executive Summary

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 2

Population Demographics and Court Case Filing Projections

According to data gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau, Cherokee County has experienced substantial population growth and rapid development over the past two decades. Between

2010 and 2023, this growth positioned Cherokee as the sixth-largest county in the region.

Specifically, from 2015 to 2023, the population increased by 22%. Looking ahead, projections from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget indicate continued growth, with the population expected to increase by an additional 32% by 2044.

Table 1. Cherokee County Population Estimates (Year 2044)

Cherokee County Population Estimates (Year 2044)

Year 2023 Year 2044 Estimate Percent Growth

(2023-2044)

286,602 378,738 32%

This study updates a 2015 court space assessment by incorporating data on case filings from

2015 to 2023, alongside data from 1998 to 2013. The findings in that study found Superior

Court filings increased by 57.8% between 1998 and 2013, while State Court filings experienced a decrease of 9.9% during the same period. Juvenile Court filings peaked from 2003 to 2007, but then decreased by 21%, returning to levels slightly above those seen in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Magistrate Court filings showed a steady increase, growing by 55.7% from 1998 to 2013, and Probate Court filings rose by 65% between 2003 and 2013.

As illustrated in the table below, case filings in Cherokee County have significantly increased.

From 2015 to 2023 total case filings increased by 58.15%. State Court filings had the largest percentage growth, increasing by 67.94% from 9,983 cases in 2015 to 16,766 in 2023.

Magistrate Court filings also experienced a considerable increase starting with 10,495 cases in 2015 and totaling over 16,000 cases in 2023. Superior Court case filings showed moderate growth, increasing by 21.18%. Juvenile Court filings, on the other hand, declined by 30.32%.

Specifically, filings decreased from 1,431 cases in 2018 to 997 cases in 2023.

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Table 2. Cherokee County Historical Case Filings (1998-2023).

Cherokee County Historical Case Filings (1998-2023)

Year Superior

Court State Court

Magistrate Court

Juvenile Court

Probate Court

1998 3,414 17,032 8,630 - -

1999 3,580 13,677 8,511 1,590 -

2000 4,014 12,583 9,400 1,770 -

2001 4,018 18,615 9,589 1,815 -

2002 4,276 19,872 11,199 1,837 -

2003 4,587 18,581 11,730 2,080 1,287

2004 4,614 17,289 12,234 2,159 1,490

2005 6,793 16,964 12,832 2,003 1,881

2006 5,635 24,613 14,431 2,112 1,296

2007 5,964 26,657 13,484 2,078 1,422

2008 6,622 21,133 14,566 1,862 1,451

2009 6,421 16,914 14,502 1,806 1,573

2010 5,617 14,528 14,559 1,606 1,993

2011 5,291 16,045 16,345 1,723 2,026

2012 5,039 15,222 14,479 1,619 2,257

2013 5,387 15,348 13,441 1,633 2,124

2014 - - - - -

2015 3,824 9,983 10,495 - 757

2016 3,842 9,546 10,388 - 818

2017 3,577 10,926 18,327 - 876

2018 4,070 12,842 16,376 1,431 740

2019 4,597 15,832 17,493 1,264 777

2020 3,863 9,741 14,885 925 834

2021 4,207 12,332 16,523 1,151 1,182

2022 3,994 12,272 16,241 937 1,190

2023 4,634 16,766 16,202 997 1,033

Percent Change (1998-2013)

57.8% -9.9% 2.7% 55.7% 65.0%

Percent Change (2015-2023)

21.1% 67.9% 54.3% -30.3%1 36.4%

1 Percent change from 2018-2023.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 4

Overall, case filings in Cherokee County are projected to continue to increase through 2044.

Total case filings are expected to increase by 27% over the next 20-year period. The Magistrate

Court is projected to see the most significant growth, with filings increasing by 40% from 17,676 cases in 2024 to 22,626 in 2044. Similarly, Probate Court filings are expected to experience substantial growth, increasing by 58% over the same period, from 965 cases in 2024 to 1,628 in 2044. In contrast to these trends, Juvenile Court filings are expected to continue to decline and then remain relatively stable.

Table 3. Cherokee County Court Case Filing Projections (2024-2044)

Cherokee County Court Case Filing Projections (2024-2044)

Year Superior

Court State Court

Magistrate Court

Juvenile Court

Probate Court

2024 4,414 13,594 17,676 1,010 965

2030 4,889 15,253 19,252 1,087 1,159

2035 5,294 16,610 20,525 1,149 1,325

2040 5,694 17,917 21,726 1,207 1,493

2044 6,005 18,918 22,626 1,250 1,628

Percent Change

(2019-2044) 31% 19% 29% -1% 110%

Percent Change

(2023-2044) 30% 13% 40% 25% 58%

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 5

Future Staffing Projections

The future staffing to be housed in the Justice Center is examined based on the caseload growth projections of each Court, the respective operations of each Court and court-related departments, and new service initiatives proposed. Offices and court departments included in the staffing projection analysis include all courts and departments planned to be housed in the

Justice Center. The current staffing level at the Justice Center accounts for 238 full-time-equivalent positions (FTEs). Future growth projection models estimate that the occupancy levels in the Justice Center and new annex could be 321 FTEs by year 2044.

Table 4. Current and Estimated FTE Staffing Projections for Year 2044

Current and Estimated FTE Staffing Projections for Year 2044

Office/Department 2024 (Current) 2044 (Estimated)

Superior Court 21 27

State Court 13 22

Juvenile Court 17 20

Probate Court 11 18

Magistrate Court 4 6

Clerk of Court 58 72

District Attorney 80 103

Court Administration 10 12

Court Security 28 47

Total FTE 242 327

Court Operations and Technology Considerations

The evolving demands on judicial systems necessitate a strategic alignment of court space planning with advanced technological solutions to meet the needs of modern justice delivery.

Courts today face increasing caseloads, evolving public expectations for accessibility, and the need for operational efficiency. Integrating technology into court space planning is essential to support both current needs and future advancements. Key considerations and recommendations focus on leveraging technology to optimize court spaces, enhance judicial service delivery, and ensure operational efficiency, accessibility, and adaptability.

Key Considerations

• Flexible Infrastructure: Modern court spaces require robust infrastructure to accommodate technological growth. This includes high-capacity network connectivity, adaptable power systems, and modular designs for easy integration of future technologies.

• Flexible Courtroom Design: Courtrooms must be designed for versatility, enabling quick reconfiguration to accommodate various proceedings, including jury trials, Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 6 mediation, and hybrid hearings. Movable furniture, scalable technology systems, and adaptable layouts are key to achieving this flexibility.

• Enhanced Connectivity: Reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is fundamental to supporting virtual hearings, eFiling, and online public access portals.

Courts must ensure seamless connectivity for all stakeholders, including litigants, attorneys, and court personnel.

• Courtroom Technology Integration: Courtrooms must support advanced audiovisual systems for evidence presentation, hybrid hearings, and remote participation. High-definition displays, integrated video conferencing, and real-time transcription capabilities are now indispensable.

• Digital Wayfinding: User-friendly digital wayfinding systems, including interactive kiosks and mobile applications, help streamline navigation within court facilities.

These systems reduce confusion and enhance the overall user experience for the public and court staff.

• Data and Case Management Systems: Centralized, cloud-based Case Management Systems (CMS) should seamlessly integrate with courtroom operations, enabling efficient scheduling, document sharing, and case tracking.

Infrastructure must support secure access and data redundancy.

• Digital Evidence Policies and Platform: Courts must adopt clear policies for managing digital evidence, including storage, authentication, and presentation. A centralized digital evidence platform ensures secure access, efficient management, and streamlined sharing of digital files during proceedings.

• eFiling and Document Management: Digital filing systems streamline workflows and reduce reliance on physical storage. Court facilities must provide adequate digital storage solutions and public access kiosks for eFiling.

• Public and Remote Access: Technology must enhance public access to court services through online portals, virtual hearings, and self-help resources. Reliable WiFi and user-friendly wayfinding systems within the facility are essential.

• Security and Privacy: Advanced security systems, including video surveillance, access controls, and cybersecurity measures, are critical to protecting sensitive court data and ensuring physical safety. Recent upgrades should focus on integrating technology to monitor and respond to emerging threats.

• Flexible Use Spaces: Multi-functional spaces equipped with movable walls and portable technology allow courts to adapt quickly to varying caseloads and operational needs, accommodating everything from jury trials to mediation sessions.

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Smart building technologies, such as automated lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and eco-friendly designs, support sustainability goals while reducing long-term operational costs.

• Training and Support Facilities: Dedicated spaces for staff training on new technologies, equipped with state-of-the-art tools, ensure that personnel are proficient and efficient in using modern systems.

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A modern court facility must balance traditional values of justice with the demands of a digital society. By prioritizing technology in the planning phase, courts can enhance service delivery, improve accessibility, and future-proof operations. This strategic approach ensures that court spaces remain relevant, efficient, and capable of meeting the needs of diverse stakeholders in a dynamic legal environment.

Justice Center Facility Space Requirements

The NCSC project team developed space requirements to accommodate the needs of the

Courts and court-related agencies for now and as they grow in the future. The total Justice

Center space needs required to house the entire program is estimated to be approximately

270,000 gross square feet.

The space program is organized into two parts:

Existing Courthouse Annex Building

Space requirement for functions planned to be housed in the existing courthouse.

Space requirement for functions planned to be housed in the new annex.

138,000

Gross Square Feet

132,500

Gross Square Feet

The following tables outline current and planned totals of judicial officers, support staff, courtroom, and space needs across the following courts:

• Superior Court

• State Court

• Juvenile Court

• Probate Court

• Magistrate Court

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 8

Superior Court

Judicial Officers Support Staff Courtrooms Space Needs

Current

Planned

Current

Planned

Current (Units)

Target (Units)

Estimated

Needs Current

Estimated

Needs

4 5 13 22 5 6 27,139 31,247

State Court

Current

Planned

Current

Planned

Current (Units)

Target (Units)

Estimated

Needs Current

Estimated

3 5 10 17 3 5 15,252 24,205

Juvenile Court

Current

Planned

Current

Planned

Current (Units)

Target (Units)

Estimated

Needs Current

Estimated

2 3 15 17 2 3 13,160 18,638

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 9

Probate Court

Current

Planned

Current

Planned

Current (Units)

Target (Units)

Estimated

Needs Current

Estimated

2 3 9 15 2 2 7,211 8,353

Magistrate Court

Current

Planned

Current

Planned

Current (Units)

Target (Units)

Estimated

Needs Current

Estimated

3 4 1 2 1 2 5,985 9,721

The complete detailed space program listings, included as Appendix A to this report, contains a detailed listing for each department and function included in the Justice Center space needs assessment.

Court Space Utilization and Blocking Concepts

The NCSC project team developed blocking concepts of the Justice Center to illustrate the functional space adjacency relationship and building circulation between major court functional elements. These blocking concepts, which are included as Appendix B to this report, provide a strategic overview of the potential utilization of the Existing Courthouse and construction of a future Courthouse Annex, collectively referred to as the “Justice Center”.

The Justice Center blocking concepts illustrate a space utilization strategy which includes the existing courthouse (approximately 138,000 gross square feet) and new courthouse annex

(approximately 132,500 gross square feet). Combined, the blocking concepts suggest that the new Justice Center may encompass approximately 270,500 gross square feet overall.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 10

Cherokee County, Georgia contracted with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to conduct a court space planning and programming study for the Existing Cherokee County

Courthouse and a future Courthouse Annex, collectively referred to as the “Justice Center.”

The study, which was an update to a previous court space assessment conducted by NCSC in

2015, was designed to help the County prepare for future court and court-related facility needs and address relevant issues the Courts and court related agencies may face. The needs assessment analyzed court system growth, staffing levels, court workflows, technology, and service delivery needs to assess prospective facility needs and requirements. Emphasis was placed on providing adequate and efficient operating space for the Courts and other entities housed at the Justice Center, appropriate customer service amenities, appropriate security arrangements (e.g., separate circulation and zoning for judges, judicial support, staff, in-custody individuals, and the public), accessibility, technology, and the building space and adjacency standards to meet current courthouse design standards. The ultimate goals of the assessment were to ensure that future courthouse facilities are able to accommodate the anticipated workload and services, are user-friendly, operationally efficient, safe, and convey the proper decorum and respect appropriate for the Courts and related services.

A qualitative analysis of feasible and innovative changes and improvements of future services, including references to the applicable national best practices of court administration and state and/or local court initiatives, was conducted to supplement the quantitative model inferences and optimize the resulting facility needs and space solutions. This report identifies the Court's current and future operational environments, the findings on historic and future population demographics and Court case filing trends, future court system staffing requirements, technology and operational considerations, facility space requirements, and conceptual space allocation blocking concepts.

Overview of Court and Court-Related Agencies

Superior Court Department The Superior Courts are the general jurisdiction trial courts handling both civil and criminal cases. With 159 Superior Courts across 50 judicial circuits, they address felony cases, domestic issues, and appeals from lower courts. Superior Court judges are elected for four-year terms in nonpartisan elections.

State Court Department State Courts operate at the county level with limited jurisdiction. They focus on misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and civil matters not exclusive to the Superior Courts. State Court

Section 2: Introduction

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 11 judges, elected to four-year terms through countywide elections, also handle appeals from magistrate court judgments.

Juvenile Court Department Juvenile Courts preside over cases involving delinquent and unruly minors, as well as custody and child support matters. Most juvenile court judges in Georgia's 50 judicial circuits are appointed for four-year terms by Superior Court judges, except in the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit where they are elected.

Probate Court Department Probate Courts manage wills, estate administration, and guardianships, with exclusive rights to certain proceedings. Probate judges serve four-year terms and may oversee minor criminal cases in some counties. In larger counties, probate judges need to be qualified attorneys, with extended jurisdiction involving jury trials.

Magistrate Court Department Magistrate Courts handle claims under $15,000, minor offenses, and preliminary hearings.

Each of Georgia’s 159 magistrate courts is overseen by a chief magistrate, elected to a four-year term, with provisions in some counties permitting the merger with probate courts.

Clerk of Court Department Clerks of Court are elected officials responsible for maintaining court records, managing jury duties, and ensuring public access to court information. They work closely with enforcement and legal communities to facilitate the smooth running of the courts.

District Attorney Department The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes all felony offenses in Cherokee County and provides victim and witness support through the Victim Witness Assistance Program. Services include courtroom orientation and referrals to social services for crime victims and witnesses.

Court Administration Department Court Administration ensures the efficient functioning of the courts through human resources, budgeting, scheduling, and collaboration with other justice agencies. They oversee interpreters, court reporters, and the Mediation Program, and coordinate various court operations and meetings.

Sheriff Office and Holding Department The Sheriff Office oversees the maintenance of safety and security within courthouse premises, while the Holding Department manages the temporary custody and processing of detainees awaiting court proceedings or transportation.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 12

Bailiff Department Bailiffs play a critical role in maintaining order in the courtrooms. They are responsible for courtroom security, assisting jurors, and ensuring smooth operations during court proceedings by acting as liaisons between the judges and the attorneys.

Accountability Court Department Accountability Courts are specialized programs offering alternatives to incarceration. They include Adult Felony Drug Court, Mental Health Treatment Court, Parental Court, DUI Court, Veteran’s Court, and Juvenile Courts. A dedicated local lab supports these courts by providing necessary testing and services.

Indigent Defense Department The Indigent Defense Department ensures legal representation for those unable to afford it, in compliance with the Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003. The team includes a Program

Director, Counselors/Investigators, and an Administrative Assistant, working to uphold standards set by the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council.

Solicitor General Department Situated in the Historic Courthouse, the Solicitor General's Office prosecutes misdemeanor cases and traffic violations. It plays a vital role in upholding justice by collaborating closely with law enforcement and victims to ensure fair legal proceedings.

IT Department - County Hub Department The Cherokee County IT Department supports the technological infrastructure of the courts and court-related agencies with the assistance of two on-site System Analysts, ensuring seamless IT operations and addressing technological needs within the judicial system.

Law Library Department The Law Library provides legal resources and research assistance. The Librarian offers support to legal professionals and the public, enhancing access to legal information and education.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 13

Project Scope

The primary objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive court space planning and programming study. The scope of work includes updating the 2015 NCSC space needs assessment report by developing a new long-term (20-year) projection and staffing analysis for the court system and associated agencies. The project also includes a technology and operations assessment to analyze current calendaring and scheduling practices, business processes, and the utilization of court technologies, with recommendations for technology improvements to support modern court operations and the adoption of sustainable operational practices. Furthermore, the scope includes projecting court functional space needs and developing a courthouse space program aligned with future court operations, service delivery requirements, and specific space needs for the courts and related agencies. Lasty, the project encompasses the development of conceptual court functional space allocation diagrams and building space stacking diagrams to illustrate functional adjacency relationships and circulation between major court functional elements.

Methodology

The project methodology was divided into seven key tasks, each designed to systematically address the goals of the study:

Task 1: Project Kickoff This initial phase involved virtual meetings between the NCSC project team, County leadership, Court leadership, and key stakeholders. During these meetings, the team outlined key activities, deliverables, and timelines.

Task 2: Data Collection, User Group Surveys, and Interviews The NCSC project team initiated this phase by submitting a data collection request aimed at understanding current court system operations and gathering historical caseload, workload, and staffing data. This information was critical for projecting future growth and space requirements. Data collection meetings were held with stakeholders to determine data availability and agree on appropriate sources. In collaboration with the courts and stakeholders, NCSC has gathered historical data on population, case filings, calendaring and scheduling, workload, and staffing.

NCSC also conducted a court space requirements survey, collecting feedback from a wide range of court representatives and respective agencies. The survey provided valuable insights on staffing levels, space usage, and technology. Additionally, the survey provided respondents with an opportunity to identify any specific concerns or needs related to their current and future work environments.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 14

Surveys from the following stakeholder groups were received:

• Superior Court

• State Court

• Juvenile Court

• Indigent Defense Office

• Magistrate Court

• Probate Court

• Office of the Cherokee County Solicitor

• Accountability Courts/Lab

• Office of the District Attorney

• Court Administration

• Clerk of Court

Task 3: Court Operations and Technology Assessment As part of this task, the NCSC project team assessed current calendaring and scheduling practices, business processes, and the utilization of court technology. To inform this assessment, a site visit was conducted from August 14 to August 16, 2024, during which the team observed court operations and conducted in-person interviews with stakeholders from various court and administrative offices. These in-person discussions were supplemented by virtual interviews with additional stakeholders.

Following these activities, the NCSC project team prepared a preliminary summary document outlining key observations and initial findings based on the site visit, stakeholder interviews, and collected data. This document was shared with key stakeholders and a virtual walkthrough was conducted to review and discuss the preliminary content.

Task 4: Long-Term Court System Projections Under this task, the NCSC project team utilized the data and information gathered to develop projections for future population growth and court caseloads. Historical population and case filing trends were analyzed to develop projections for future population and court caseload growth. The primary purpose of the forecasting process is to provide a realistic and reasonable basis for estimating future facility needs for the Court.

To perform the analysis, the following forecasting models were applied:

• Linear Regression

• Fixed Ratio to Population

• Changing Ratio to Population

• Planning Average

These models have been tested to simulate how case filing trends evolve and provide a comprehensive basis for estimating long-term facility requirements.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 15

Task 5: Future Court Space Program The NCSC project team developed a building space program based on the proposed future court operations, the future service delivery requirements, and the specific space needs estimated for the Courts and related agencies. The space program includes functional space requirement estimates for respective occupants including major court functional areas, courtroom ancillary space, public service space, office space for respective agencies, building support areas, and parking estimates. The space program concepts tabulate respective functional areas and offices by the space standards identified and the required number of functional units assigned.

To ensure the program addressed the operational and functional needs of the courts and agencies, virtual meetings were held with stakeholders to review draft plans, gather input, and refine the program based on their feedback.

Task 6: Concept Blocking and Stacking Options In this task, the NCSC project team developed building implementation concepts for the designated site provided by the County. The designated site assumed remodeling of the existing Cherokee County Courthouse and constructing a new Courthouse Annex, collectively referred to as the “Justice Center” in this report. Conceptual court functional space allocation diagrams and building space stacking diagrams were developed to illustrate the functional space adjacency relationship and building circulations between major court functional elements. Virtual meetings with stakeholders were held to review and validate these concepts.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 16

Future growth modeling is a critical component of long-term planning for court facilities. The primary purpose is to provide a realistic and reasonable foundation for estimating future space and operational requirements. This process involves estimating population growth and future case filing trends to assess the architectural implications in terms of operational work environment and space requirements.

To estimate future needs over the next twenty years, historical case filing data provided by

Cherokee County’s Clerk of Court office and population estimates published by the Governor's

Office of Planning and Budget were analyzed. Additionally, historical data from 1998 to 2013, previously utilized in the 2015 NCSC court space needs assessment for Cherokee County, was considered.

The following forecasting models were used to analyze historical data and assess case filing trends:

• Fixed Ratio to Population: This model examines how case filings correlate with population size, maintaining a fixed proportional relationship.

• Linear Regression: This model uses an equation that measures how much one data variable changes in relation to a second in the same series.

• Changing Ration to Population: This model analyzes how case filings fluctuate relative to changes in population growth or decline.

• Planning Average: Combines multiple forecasting models to calculate the average between selected forecast models.

This section outlines the historical and projected population estimates for the county over the next twenty years, along with historical and future court filing projections for the same period across the following courts:

• Superior Court

• State Court

• Magistrate Court

• Juvenile Court

• Probate Court

Section 3: Court System Future Growth Modeling

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 17

Historical and Projected Population Estimates

To develop a basis for future growth, it is necessary first to analyze the makeup of the population served. The NCSC project team obtained and reviewed historical population estimates from 2015 to 2023 compiled by the U.S. Census and projected population data to year 2044 from the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. Data from these sources show that over the last two decades, the county has experienced significant population growth and rapid development. Specifically, from 2015 to 2023, Cherokee County's population grew by approximately 31.2%, making it the sixth-largest county in the Atlanta region. As illustrated below this growth trajectory is expected to continue over the coming decades.

Figure 1. Cherokee County, GA Population Summary (2015-2044)

Source: 2015-2023 U.S. Census and Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, 2024-2044 Population

Projections

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2030 2035 2040 2044

Cheroke County, GA Historic and Projected Population Growth

(2015-2044)

Historical County Population Projected County Population

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 18

As the table below demonstrates, historical population data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Cherokee County’s population increased by 22% from 235,329 in 2015 to 286,602 in 2023. Population estimates published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget indicate an additional 32% increase between 2023 and 2044. This growth aligns with broader trends observed across the Atlanta region.2 The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) projects significant growth in the 21-county Atlanta metro area by 2050. The region is anticipated to add approximately 1.8 million residents, representing a 30% increase from 2020 to 2050. Among the counties, Cherokee is projected to experience one of the fastest growth rates with an estimated population increase of 53% during this period.

Table 5. Historical and Projected County Population (2015-2044)

Historical County Population Projected County Population

22% Increase

(2015 - 2023)

32% Increase

(2023 – 2044)

Year Total Year Total

2015 235,329 2024 291,481

2016 241,795 2030 320,074

2017 247,763 2035 342,780

2018 253,914 2040 363,626

2019 258,773 2044 378,738

2020 268,156

2021 274,732

2022 281,194

2023 286,602

Source: 2015-2023 U.S. Census and 2024-2044 Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, Population Projections

Source: 2024-2044 Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, Population Projections

2 Population projections compiled by the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget and the ARC are closely aligned and consistent. A comparison of population estimates for 2030, 2040, and 2050 can be found in Appendix C. The ARC forecasts a population of 408,837 by 2050, while the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget projects a nearly identical figure of 408,905 by 2053, just three years later.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 19

Future Court Case Filing Projection

The methodology to project future case filings focuses on analyzing historical data, demographic shifts, and population trends within a jurisdiction to understand how caseloads evolve and provide a basis for predicting future activity. For planning purposes, an extensive period of historical filing data provides sufficient guidance for estimating the growth of the court system and inferring the resulting long-term space needs. This approach assumes that factors influencing past caseload growth will continue to shape future trends, barring significant changes in court jurisdiction, legislation, or demographic patterns. While it is reasonable to assume that court caseloads will increase over time, caseloads can be subject to significant fluctuations from year to year.

Recognizing the inherent variability in caseload growth, historical data from 2015 to 2023 provided by Cherokee County’s Clerk of Court office was analyzed supplemented by caseload data from 1998 to 2013 previously collected during the 2015 Cherokee County space needs assessment. To further account for potential trends in case filings and strengthen the reliability of projected estimates, multiple forecasting models were tested to simulate case filing trends evolvements. The following models were applied in this study to analyze data for each court type:

• Linear Regression – This model uses an equation that measures, for a series of data, how much one data variable changes in relation to a second. As a forecasting technique, linear regression equations find the relationship that best expresses the trend between two variables (number of case filings and duration of time) and then extends the trend by that amount into the future.

• Fixed Ratio to Population – This model analyzes how case filings trend in relation to population, with the assumption that case filing levels will change in proportion to changes in the populations with the number of filings per population remaining constant over the time frame examined. The range of ratios for historical filings is calculated to create a mean average of case filings per unit of population; this ratio is then applied against the population forecast. Forecasts based on this ratio can be useful, especially when historical trends are not suited for regression or exponential smoothing techniques.

• Changing Ratio to Population – This model, based on past filing trends, implicitly assumes that caseloads change consistently over time, and that the factors that influenced caseload growth in the past will continue to affect case filings in the future.

Exponential smoothing is a two-variable forecasting method and is used to project case filings based on historical trends between both population and case filings.

However, rather than a fixed ratio between the two variables, this model calculates the annual changing ratios of number of cases in relation to yearly population and projects that change average forward.

• Planning Average – This multi-model trend calculates the average between chosen applicable forecast models. Understandably, each model has inherent strengths and weaknesses. The averaging in this fourth model attempts to counter the weakness of one model with the strength of the others.

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 20

Superior Court case filings have fluctuated over the years. Between 1998 and 2023, total filing increased by 57.8%, peaking at 6,793 cases in 2005. From 2015 to 2023, filings gradually increased by 21% from 3,824 to 4,634 cases. Over the 25-year period, the average case filing totaled 4,715 cases.

Superior Court Historical Case Filing Trend Over 25 Years (1998 – 2023)

Highest Case Filing

Lowest Case Fling

Average Case Filing

Median Case Filing

6,793

Year 2005

3,414

Year 1998

4,715

Over 25 Years

5,617

Over 25 Years

Figure 2. Superior Court Historical Case Filings (1998-2023)

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

Superior Court Case Filings (1998-2023)

Total Case Filings Linear Trend

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 21

Table 6. Superior Court Historical Case Filings (1998-2023)

Superior Court Historical Case Filings (1998-2023)

Year Total Case

Filings Year

Total Case

Filings Year

Total Case

Filings

1998 3,414 2007 5,964 2016 3,842

1999 3,580 2008 6,622 2017 3,577

2000 4,014 2009 6,421 2018 4,070

2001 4,018 2010 5,617 2019 4,597

2002 4,276 2011 5,291 2020 3,863

2003 4,587 2012 5,039 2021 4,207

2004 4,614 2013 5,387 2022 3,994

2005 6,793 2014 n/a 2023 4,634

2006 5,635 2015 3,824

Total case filings are projected to increase by 31% from 2019 to 2044, reaching 6,005 cases.

This estimate accounts for both historical trends and population growth.

As outlined in the table below, the linear projection model, based solely on past filing trends, projects only 4,731 cases by 2044. This estimate reflects the 25-year filing average of 4,715 cases per year. However, when incorporating population growth, projections increase significantly. Specifically, by 2044, the fixed ratio model estimates 5,738 cases and the changing ratio model, which adjusts for evolving filing rates, projects 7,549 cases.

The final planning average of 6,005 cases by 2044 incorporates the anticipated population growth while remaining within the historical range of filings.

Table 7. Superior Court Case Filing Projections (2024-2044)

Case Filing Projections (2024-2044) Percent Growth 2019- 2044 2024 2030 2035 2040 2044

Linear Projection 4,321 4,444 4,546 4,649 4,731 3%

Fixed Ratio to Population 4,416 4,849 5,193 5,509 5,738 25%

Changing Ratio to Population 4,505 5,377 6,141 6,922 7,549 64%

Planning Average 4,414 4,889 5,294 5,694 6,005 31%

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 22

Figure 3. Superior Court Case Filing Projection (2015-2044)

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

P e rc e n t C h a n g e f ro m Y e a r

A n n u a l F ili n g s

Year

Superior Court Court Case Filing Projection

(2015-2044)

Linear Fixed Ratio Changing Ratio

Planning Average Historical Case Filing Reverse Planning Estimate

Projection Begins

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 23

From 2015 to 2023, civil case filings increased by 9% while criminal filings increased a total of

34% since 2015. During this time period, criminal case filings fluctuated significantly.

Specifically, between 2015 to 2017, new criminal case filings decreased from 1,484 cases to

858 cases. New filings then increased to 1,955 in 2019 and 2,089 cases in 2023, reflecting a

34% increase since 2015.

Figure 4. Superior Court Civil and Criminal Case Filing Composition (2015-2044)

Looking ahead from 2019 to 2044, both civil and criminal filings are projected to increase. Civil case filings are projected to increase by 17% from 2019 to 2044. Criminal filings are expected to grow by 50% from 2019 to 2044, increasing from 1,955 to 2,924 cases.

Table 8. Superior Court Civil and Criminal Projected Case Filings (2024-2044)

Superior Court

Civil and Criminal Projected Case Filings (2024-2044)

Historical Case Filing Projected Planning Average Percent

Growth

2019-2044 2015 2019 2023 2024 2030 2035 2040 2044

Civil 2,340 2,642 2,545 2,486 2,672 2,826 2,972 3,081 17%

Criminal 1,484 1,955 2,089 1,928 2,217 2,468 2,722 2,924 50%

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2030 2025 2040 2044

Criminal 1,484 1,140 858 1,598 1,955 1,599 1,859 1,591 2,089 1,928 2,217 2,468 2,722 2,924

Civil 2,340 2,702 2,719 2,472 2,642 2,264 2,348 2,403 2,545 2,486 2,672 2,826 2,972 3,081

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

Superior Court Civil and Criminal Case Filing Composition

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 24

Case filing trends in State Court have fluctuated over the years. Between 1998 to 2005, filings averaged around 16,000 cases per year. This average increased to over 24,000 cases between 2006 and 2008, peaking at 26,657 cases in 2007. Filings began to decline in 2009, averaging around 15,000 cases per year before then increasing again by 67.94% between

2014 and 2023. While filings have varied, the average case filing over the 25-year period is

15,813 cases annually.

State Court Historical Case Filing Trend Over 25 Years (1998 – 2023)

Lowest Case Fling

Average Case Filing

Median Case Filing

26,657

Year 2007

9,546

Year 2016

15,813

Over 25 Years

14,528

Over 25 Years

Figure 5. State Court Historical Case Filings (1998-2023)

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

State Court Case Filings

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 25

Table 9. State Court Historical Case Filings (1998-2023)

State Court Historical Case Filings (1998-2023)

Year Total Case

Filings Year

Total Case

Filings Year

Total Case

Filings

1998 17,032 2007 26,657 2016 9,546

1999 13,677 2008 21,133 2017 10,926

2000 12,583 2009 16,914 2018 12,842

2001 18,615 2010 14,528 2019 15,832

2002 19,872 2011 16,045 2020 9,741

2003 18,581 2012 15,222 2021 12,332

2004 17,289 2013 15,348 2022 12,272

2005 16,964 2014 n/a 2023 16,766

2006 24,613 2015 9,983

As illustrated below, State Court case filings are projected to increase by 19% from 2019 to

2044. The planning average of 18,918 cases by 2044 balances past trends with the anticipated future population growth.

Table 10. State Court Case Filing Projections (2024-2044)

Percent Growth

2019-2044 2024 2030 2035 2040 2044

Linear Projection 13,608 15,708 17,457 19,206 20,606 30%

Fixed Ratio to Population 12,906 14,172 15,177 16,100 16,769 6%

Changing Ratio to Population 14,268 15,881 17,197 18,444 19,379 22%

Planning Average 13,594 15,253 16,610 17,917 18,918 19%

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 26

Figure 6. State Court Case Filing Projection (2015-2044)

-20%

-15%

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

1,000

6,000

11,000

16,000

21,000

26,000

P e rc e n t C h a n g e f ro m Y e a r

A n n u a l F ili n g s

Year

State Court Court Case Filing Projection

(2015-2044)

Linear Fixed Ratio Changing Ratio

Final Report | Cherokee County, GA Court Space Needs Assessment Page | 27

Between 2015 and 2023, criminal cases consistently accounted for a larger share of the total filings, comprising approximately 89% to 93% of all cases.