Can I sue a non-resident of the state of Georgia in a Georgia Magistrate Court?
Yes, but it is relatively rare in Magistrate Court. A plaintiff can however sue a non-resident of the state of Georgia if certain legal elements are met. This type of claim is one that is brought under the statute that is called the “Georgia Long Arm” statute. It is the ability of a Georgia court to exercise jurisdiction over a non-resident of this state. The statute is as follows: O.C.G.A. 9-10-91. Grounds for exercise of personal jurisdiction over nonresident. A court of this state may exercise personal jurisdiction over any nonresident or his executor or administrator, as to a cause of action arising from any of the acts, omissions, ownership, use, or possession enumerated in this Code section, in the same manner as if he were a resident of the state, if in person or through an agent, he: (1) Transacts any business within this state; (2) Commits a tortuous act or omission within this state, except as to a cause of action for defamation of character arising from the act; (3) Commits
