If you believe your civil rights, or someone else's, have been violated, submit a report using our online form. You file the complaint or petition with the clerk of court.You generally want to file in the court in the county where the person you are suing lives. If you wish to start a civil action in federal court, but do not have an attorney to represent you, you may bring your case on your own. You must file where the Defendant lives. Filing an answer gives you the right to be notified of the hearing. How to fill out the Civil Rights Complaint in Georgia Traffic Case? Your case may be dismissed if the court cannot locate you and you fail to appear in Court when your case is called for trial. The court does not appoint attorneys for civil cases. Either a person or a business may be sued.