DeKalb County Public Records /DeKalb County Court Records

DeKalb County Court Records

What Is DeKalb County Court Records

DeKalb County court records encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of legal matters processed through DeKalb County's judicial system, as defined under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.).

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and disposition records
Settlement agreements (when not sealed)
Probation and compliance documentation

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments rather than the court system.

In DeKalb County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial hierarchy:

Superior Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, divorces)
State Court (misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000)
Magistrate Court (small claims, preliminary hearings, warrants)
Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships, marriage licenses)
Juvenile Court (delinquency, dependency, custody matters involving minors)
Recorders Court (traffic violations, county ordinance violations)

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61, the Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official custodian of court records and is responsible for maintaining, preserving, and providing public access to these documents according to state law and court rules.

Are Court Records Public In DeKalb County

Court records in DeKalb County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in the Georgia Constitution (Art. I, Sec. I, Para. XI). This legal framework establishes the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
Criminal case files (post-charging documents, indictments, pleas, sentencing)
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Marriage and divorce records
Probate records (wills, estate inventories)
Property records related to court proceedings

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Records sealed by judicial order
Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Records containing personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers)
Grand jury proceedings
Records subject to attorney-client privilege
Certain domestic violence and stalking cases

The Georgia Supreme Court has established uniform rules for public access to court records through the Judicial Council of Georgia. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice. Under current Georgia law, the presumption of openness applies to both physical and electronic court records maintained by DeKalb County courts.

How To Find Court Records in DeKalb County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in DeKalb County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both electronic and physical record systems, with procedures varying by court division.

To obtain court records in person:

Identify the appropriate court division where the case was filed (Superior, State, Magistrate, Probate, Juvenile, or Recorders Court)
Visit the respective clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable search and copy fees (fees vary by court and document type)

DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk's Office
556 N. McDonough Street, Ground Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2836
DeKalb County Superior Court

DeKalb County State Court Clerk's Office
556 N. McDonough Street, Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2261
DeKalb County State Court

For remote access to court records:

Visit the DeKalb County court records portal or the specific court's website
Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
Review search results and select desired records
Pay any applicable fees for document access or copies
Download or request certified copies as needed

For records not available online, written requests may be submitted:

Prepare a detailed written request specifying the records sought
Include contact information and preferred delivery method
Submit the request via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate clerk's office
Include payment for applicable fees (check with the specific court for current fee schedule)

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies must respond to records requests within three business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

How To Look Up Court Records in DeKalb County Online?

DeKalb County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote searches of various court documents without visiting the courthouse in person.

The primary online resources for DeKalb County court records include:

DeKalb County Superior Court Case Management System
- Access civil, criminal, domestic, and real estate cases
- Search by case number, party name, filing date, or attorney
- View case summaries, party information, and docket entries
- Access is available through the Georgia Courts website
DeKalb County State Court Online Records
- Search misdemeanor criminal cases and civil litigation
- Access traffic citations and dispositions
- View case status and scheduled hearings
- Available through the DeKalb County State Court portal
DeKalb County Landmark Web
- Search property records, liens, and judgments
- Access marriage and divorce records
- View recorded deeds and property transfers
- Available through the Landmark Web Official Records Search
DeKalb County Probate Court Records
- Search estate proceedings, guardianships, and conservatorships
- Access marriage license applications
- View probated wills and estate inventories

To conduct an online search:

Navigate to the appropriate court records portal
Select the record type or case category
Enter search parameters (minimum of last name or case number required)
For party name searches, enter the last name first, followed by first name
Use wildcard characters (usually * or %) for partial name searches
Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
Note that document images may require additional fees to view or download

Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete case files, particularly for older cases or those with sealed documents. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in accordance with Georgia privacy laws and court rules.

How To Search DeKalb County Court Records for Free?

DeKalb County provides several options for members of the public to access court records without payment, in accordance with Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71), which guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge.

Free in-person inspection options include:

Public access terminals located in courthouse lobbies and clerk's offices
Self-service kiosks at the DeKalb County Law Library
Physical case files available for review at respective clerk's offices during regular business hours

DeKalb County Law Library
DeKalb County Courthouse
556 N. McDonough Street, 5th Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2441

Free online search options include:

Basic case information searches through the DeKalb County State Court website
Limited docket searches via the Georgia Courts e-access portal
Calendar and hearing schedule information
Case status and party information

While basic searches are available without charge, users should note the following limitations:

Document images and complete case files typically require payment of copy fees
Certified copies always incur statutory fees
Extensive searches requiring staff assistance may incur research fees
Commercial users or bulk data requests may be subject to different fee structures

For the most comprehensive free access, visitors may:

Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours (typically 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
Bring case number or party name information to expedite the search process
Request to inspect specific case files
Take notes or use personal devices to photograph non-restricted documents (policies vary by court)
Request reasonable accommodations for access if needed

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)(1), while inspection of records is free, reproduction costs may be charged at a rate not to exceed 10 cents per page for letter or legal-sized documents.

What's Included in a DeKalb County Court Record?

DeKalb County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.

Standard components of most court records include:

Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
Service of process documentation
Responsive pleadings (answers, motions to dismiss)
Court orders and judicial rulings
Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
Evidence logs and exhibit lists
Final judgments and decrees
Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents

For criminal cases, additional components typically include:

Charging documents (indictments, accusations, citations)
Arrest warrants and probable cause affidavits
Bond and pretrial release information
Plea agreements and sentencing recommendations
Criminal history information used in sentencing
Probation and parole documents
Restitution orders and payment records

For civil cases, records may also contain:

Affidavits and sworn statements
Discovery documents filed with the court
Expert witness reports and qualifications
Settlement agreements (when not sealed)
Judgments and collection documents
Appeals documentation

For domestic relations cases:

Financial affidavits and asset disclosures
Parenting plans and custody evaluations
Child support worksheets and calculations
Temporary and permanent orders
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)

For probate matters:

Wills and codicils
Estate inventories and appraisals
Guardianship/conservatorship reports
Annual accountings and financial reports
Distribution plans and receipts

Each court record also contains a docket sheet or case summary that chronologically lists all activities, filings, and proceedings in the case, serving as an index to the complete file. This docket information is typically what is most readily available through online search systems.

How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Court Records?

DeKalb County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq.) and the Judicial Council of Georgia. These schedules vary by record type, case category, and historical significance.

The standard retention periods for major record categories are:

Felony Criminal Cases:

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Serious violent felonies: 70 years after final disposition
Other felonies: 25 years after final disposition
Dismissed felony cases: 7 years after dismissal

Misdemeanor Criminal Cases:

DUI cases: 10 years after final disposition
Domestic violence cases: 10 years after final disposition
Other misdemeanors: 7 years after final disposition
Dismissed misdemeanor cases: 3 years after dismissal

Civil Cases:

Real property cases: Permanent retention
Domestic relations (divorce, custody): 75 years
General civil litigation: 20 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 10 years after final disposition
Dismissed civil cases: 5 years after dismissal

Probate Records:

Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Marriage licenses: Permanent retention

Juvenile Court Records:

Dependency cases: Until child reaches age 25
Delinquency cases: Until child reaches age 21
Status offense cases: Until child reaches age 21

Certain records designated as historically significant may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention period. Additionally, records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic format for long-term preservation while the original paper documents are destroyed according to schedule.

The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official custodian of court records and is responsible for implementing these retention policies in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-6-62, which mandates the proper maintenance and preservation of court records.

Types of Courts In DeKalb County

DeKalb County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific types of cases within the county's legal framework.

DeKalb County Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2836
DeKalb County Superior Court

DeKalb County State Court
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2261
DeKalb County State Court

DeKalb County Magistrate Court
556 N. McDonough Street, Ground Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2261
DeKalb County Magistrate Court

DeKalb County Probate Court
556 N. McDonough Street, Suite 1100
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2608
DeKalb County Probate Court

DeKalb County Juvenile Court
4309 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032
404-294-2700
DeKalb County Juvenile Court

DeKalb County Recorders Court
3630 Camp Circle
Decatur, GA 30032
404-294-2100
DeKalb County Recorders Court

The judicial hierarchy in Georgia places these courts in a specific structure:

Trial Courts (Superior, State, Magistrate, Probate, Juvenile, Municipal)
Georgia Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
Supreme Court of Georgia (highest state court)

Superior Courts are Georgia's general jurisdiction trial courts and have exclusive jurisdiction over felonies, divorces, and land title cases. Appeals from Superior Court decisions typically go directly to the Georgia Court of Appeals or, in certain cases, to the Supreme Court of Georgia.

State Courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases and civil matters regardless of amount (concurrent with Superior Court). Appeals from State Court go to the Georgia Court of Appeals.

Magistrate Courts handle small claims (up to $15,000), preliminary hearings, and issue arrest and search warrants. Appeals from Magistrate Court go to Superior Court for a new trial (de novo review).

Probate Courts handle wills, estates, guardianships, and certain licenses. Appeals from Probate Court typically go to Superior Court.

Juvenile Courts handle cases involving minors, including delinquency and dependency matters. Appeals from Juvenile Court go to the Georgia Court of Appeals.

Recorders Courts handle traffic violations and county ordinance violations. Appeals from Recorders Court go to Superior Court.

What Types of Cases Do DeKalb County Courts Hear?

DeKalb County's court system processes a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as established by Georgia law. The distribution of case types across the county's courts ensures specialized handling of different legal issues.

Superior Court handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking)
Civil cases with unlimited monetary claims
Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
Real property disputes and title cases
Habeas corpus petitions
Appeals from lower courts
Equity matters requiring injunctive relief
Complex business litigation

State Court adjudicates:

Misdemeanor criminal cases (DUI, simple battery, shoplifting)
Civil actions regardless of amount in controversy
Landlord-tenant disputes
Personal injury and tort claims
Contract disputes
Traffic violations (concurrent with Recorders Court)

Magistrate Court processes:

Small claims civil actions (up to $15,000)
Preliminary hearings in criminal matters
Issuance of arrest and search warrants
First appearance hearings and bail determinations
County ordinance violations
Dispossessory (eviction) proceedings
Garnishments and distress warrants

Probate Court oversees:

Wills and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Marriage licenses
Weapons carry permits
Involuntary commitments for mental health treatment
Certain minor's matters (work permits, emancipation)

Juvenile Court handles:

Delinquency cases (criminal offenses by minors)
Children in need of services (CHINS) cases
Dependency cases (abuse, neglect, abandonment)
Termination of parental rights
Juvenile traffic offenses
Custody matters involving juveniles

Recorders Court processes:

Traffic violations
County ordinance violations
Code enforcement cases
Animal control violations
Environmental violations

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in the Georgia Code, with O.C.G.A. § 15-6-8 defining Superior Court jurisdiction, O.C.G.A. § 15-7-4 establishing State Court authority, and similar statutes for other courts. In instances of overlapping jurisdiction, factors such as the amount in controversy, severity of the offense, and specialized subject matter determine the appropriate venue.

How To Find a Court Docket In DeKalb County

Court dockets in DeKalb County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case listings for each court. These dockets are accessible through multiple channels to accommodate different user needs.

To access court dockets electronically:

Visit the DeKalb County State Court website for State Court dockets
Access the Georgia Courts e-access portal for Superior Court dockets
Select the appropriate court division and case type
Enter search criteria (date range, judge, case type, or party name)
Review results showing hearing dates, times, courtroom assignments, and case status

For in-person docket access:

Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court during business hours
Request to view the daily or weekly docket sheets
Docket boards are typically displayed in courthouse lobbies showing the current day's proceedings
Check electronic display monitors located throughout the courthouse for real-time updates

By telephone:

Contact the appropriate clerk's office (numbers listed in the Courts section above)
Provide case number or party name information
Request current docket status and next scheduled appearance

For attorneys and registered users:

Access the e-filing system used by the specific court
Log in with authorized credentials
View comprehensive docket information for cases where you are a party or counsel
Set up notifications for docket changes and updates

Docket information typically includes:

Case number and style (parties' names)
Presiding judge assignment
Hearing date, time, and location
Nature of proceeding (arraignment, motion hearing, trial)
Filing deadlines and submission requirements
Special instructions from the court

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61, the clerk of each court is responsible for maintaining accurate docket records. These dockets are updated continuously as new cases are filed and existing cases progress through the judicial system.

Which Courts in DeKalb County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Georgia judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a verbatim transcript or recording of its proceedings and has the authority to punish for contempt. This distinction is established under O.C.G.A. § 15-1-3, which delineates the powers of courts in the state.

DeKalb County courts that are not courts of record include:

Magistrate Court (for certain proceedings)
Municipal Courts within DeKalb County cities:
- City of Atlanta Municipal Court (portion in DeKalb)
- City of Avondale Estates Municipal Court
- City of Brookhaven Municipal Court
- City of Chamblee Municipal Court
- City of Clarkston Municipal Court
- City of Decatur Municipal Court
- City of Doraville Municipal Court
- City of Dunwoody Municipal Court
- City of Lithonia Municipal Court
- City of Pine Lake Municipal Court
- City of Stone Mountain Municipal Court

These courts typically handle:

Traffic violations
Local ordinance violations
Minor misdemeanors
First appearance hearings
Preliminary matters

The key characteristics of courts not of record include:

Appeals from these courts result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) in Superior or State Court
No official transcript is automatically created (parties must arrange for court reporters if desired)
Limited contempt powers compared to courts of record
Simplified procedures with less formal rules of evidence
Judges may not need to be attorneys in some municipal courts

In contrast, DeKalb County courts that are courts of record include:

Superior Court
State Court
Probate Court
Juvenile Court
Recorders Court (for certain proceedings)

These courts maintain official records of all proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the record created in the original trial rather than starting anew.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appellate purposes and for understanding the formality and procedural requirements of different judicial forums within DeKalb County.