DeKalb County Criminal Records
What Is DeKalb County Criminal Records
Criminal records in DeKalb County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, these records constitute public information maintained by various government agencies for administrative and public safety purposes.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal proceedings
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of lesser offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
The distinction between adult and juvenile records is significant. While adult records are generally accessible to the public, juvenile records (individuals under 18) are sealed and confidential under Georgia Code § 15-11-701, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in DeKalb County:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
4415 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032
404-298-8100
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2836
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk's office maintains court case records, dispositions, and sentencing information.
DeKalb County Police Department
1960 West Exchange Place
Tucker, GA 30084
678-406-7929
DeKalb County Police Department
The Police Department maintains incident reports, arrest records, and investigation files.
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information. For individuals on probation or parole, records may also include compliance reports and supervision details.
Are Criminal Records Public In DeKalb County
Criminal records in DeKalb County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which establishes the presumption that public records, including criminal records, should be open for inspection by any citizen. The Act states that "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any citizen of this state at a reasonable time and place."
However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Active Investigations: Records pertaining to pending investigations are restricted until the investigation is concluded
- Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order, including certain first-time offender cases under Georgia First Offender Act § 42-8-60
- Juvenile Records: Records involving individuals under 18 years of age, with exceptions for certain violent offenses
- Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
- Restricted Records: Records that have been restricted under Georgia's record restriction laws
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and sentencing information are generally available to the public through the DeKalb County Judicial System. These records can be accessed through the Clerk of Superior Court's office or through online portals maintained by the county.
The Georgia Open Records Act balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns. While most criminal records are accessible, certain personal identifying information may be redacted, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain medical information.
Law enforcement agencies in DeKalb County, including the Sheriff's Office and Police Department, maintain their own records systems and may have different procedures for public access in accordance with state law and departmental policies.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In DeKalb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in DeKalb County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
DeKalb County Courthouse - Records Division
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2836
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
The procedure for obtaining criminal records in person includes:
- Complete a records request form, available at the Records Division counter
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, case number, date of incident)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (currently $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page)
- Wait for records to be retrieved (same-day service for most requests)
For mail requests, individuals should:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form from the DeKalb County website
- Include a copy of government-issued photo identification
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment by check or money order
- Mail the request to:
DeKalb County Records Division
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
For criminal background checks, individuals may contact:
DeKalb County Police Department - Central Records Unit
1960 West Exchange Place
Tucker, GA 30084
678-406-7929
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
DeKalb County Police Records
The Central Records Unit processes background check requests for employment, housing, and other purposes. Requestors must provide fingerprints and pay applicable fees.
How To Find Criminal Records in DeKalb County Online?
DeKalb County offers several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. These systems provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.
The primary online resources include:
DeKalb County Superior Court Case Search
This portal allows users to search court cases by name, case number, or filing date. The system includes criminal cases filed in Superior Court, which handles felonies and serious misdemeanors. Users can access case information including charges, hearing dates, and case disposition. The portal is accessible through the DeKalb County Judicial System website.
DeKalb County Jail Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals. The search requires the inmate's name or booking number and returns information including charges, booking date, and bond information. No registration is required to access this system.
DeKalb County State Court Records
The DeKalb County State Court maintains records for misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters. Users can search by name or case number to retrieve case information, hearing dates, and disposition information.
DeKalb County Clerk's Office Records Search
The Clerk of Superior Court offers the Landmark Web Official Records Search system for accessing various court records. While primarily used for property records, this system also contains certain criminal case information.
To conduct an effective online search:
- Determine which court or agency likely holds the records (Superior Court for felonies, State Court for misdemeanors)
- Gather identifying information (full name, date of birth, case number if known)
- Navigate to the appropriate online portal
- Enter search criteria (exact spelling of names is important)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Note that some detailed documents may require in-person requests
Some limitations of online searches include:
- Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be available electronically
- Certain case documents may be viewable only in person
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in online searches
- Some systems may require registration or fees for detailed information
Can You Search DeKalb County Criminal Records for Free?
DeKalb County provides several options for free access to criminal records in compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71(c), which states that agencies may "provide access to records through a website accessible by the public." While copy fees may apply for printed documents, inspection of records is available without charge.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court - Public Access Terminal
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2836
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The public access terminals allow visitors to search and view court records at no cost. Staff assistance is available for navigating the system.
Free online resources include:
- DeKalb County Jail Inmate Search - Provides current inmate information including charges and booking dates at no cost
- DeKalb County Court Case Search - Basic case information is available without charge through the DeKalb County Judicial System portal
- DeKalb County State Court Records - The DeKalb County State Court website offers free access to misdemeanor and traffic case information
- DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search - Active warrants can be searched at no cost
While basic record searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents ($5.00 per certification)
- Printed copies ($0.10 per page)
- Background checks for employment or housing purposes ($20.00)
- Expedited processing services
The DeKalb County Police Department provides limited free access to certain police reports and incident information, though fees may apply for complete reports.
Public libraries in DeKalb County also offer free internet access where residents can utilize the county's online record search systems at no cost.
What's Included in a DeKalb County Criminal Record?
DeKalb County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Georgia Code § 35-3-34, which governs criminal history record information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph when available
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding Georgia statute numbers
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and arraignment information
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor with class/level)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Judge assigned to the case
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date if applicable
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or educational program mandates
- Appeal information if applicable
- Probation/parole status and compliance
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements if applicable
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history within DeKalb County
The DeKalb County Property Appraisal records may be cross-referenced in cases involving property crimes or asset forfeiture.
Criminal records maintained by the DeKalb County Police Department may contain additional investigative information not included in court records, though access to such information may be restricted.
How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Criminal Records?
DeKalb County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives and Records Act under Georgia Code § 50-18-90. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense, ensuring proper documentation while balancing administrative needs with individual rights.
Felony records are retained permanently in DeKalb County. This includes:
- Murder and violent felony case files
- Sexual offense records
- Aggravated assault cases
- Armed robbery records
- Records involving crimes against children
Misdemeanor records are generally retained for 7 years after case disposition, though certain categories have longer retention periods:
- DUI/DWI cases: 10 years
- Domestic violence cases: 10 years
- Weapons violations: 10 years
- Property crimes: 7 years
- Drug possession (misdemeanor): 7 years
Arrest records without prosecution are typically retained for 5 years, though individuals may petition for earlier restriction under certain circumstances as provided by Georgia Code § 35-3-37.
Court records retention periods include:
- Superior Court criminal case files: Permanent
- State Court criminal case files: 10 years after disposition
- Magistrate Court records: 7 years after disposition
- Traffic court records: 5 years after disposition
Law enforcement records follow these general guidelines:
- Incident reports: 5 years
- Investigation files (unsolved): 25 years
- Investigation files (solved): 7 years after disposition
- Booking records: 7 years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent
The DeKalb County Judicial System maintains court records according to these schedules, while the Sheriff's Office and Police Department maintain their respective records.
Digital records are increasingly replacing paper records, but retention periods remain consistent regardless of format. The county's records management system ensures proper maintenance and eventual disposition of records according to these schedules.
Lookup Criminal Records in DeKalb County
DeKalb County State Court Records
DeKalb County Government Services