DeKalb County Court Records
In DeKalb County, Georgia, a court record is any document created or filed during a court proceeding or a similar legal action. Such records are typically filed both manually and electronically. Also included in court records are the content of court case files, the progress docket, and any other record that documents all activities during a case.
Dekalb County court records are a matter of public interest and can be used to research the history of a particular case or individual. They also provide a record of the entire judicial process during a case, including who was involved, the event that transpired, and the outcome. Furthermore, interested persons may use them to research legal precedents and understand how the law has been applied in similar cases. Court records promote transparency and fairness as it helps to hold individuals and institutions accountable.
Per the Official Code Of Georgia Annotated (OCGA), Title 50, Chapter 18, all court proceedings must be recorded and made available for public access. Along with other DeKalb County Public Records, court records are generated and maintained by the clerks of various courts within county limits.
Are Court Records Public in Dekalb County?
Yes. Court records in Dekalb County are categorized as public records and are managed by court clerks, who also make them available upon request. However access to these records is regulated by the Georgia Open Records Act.
According to the Act, public records include papers, tapes, books, photographs, generated or computer-based information, data fields, or any other similar material prepared and maintained by an individual, an agency, or other entity while performing a function that is either directly or indirectly related to the general public or the government. Court records are treated as such.
However, several federal and state confidentiality laws exempt certain records from public disclosure. Moreover, courts may decide to exempt certain court records from public view if they consider the information contained therein confidential.
Certain court records may qualify for exemption from public disclosure if the information they contain may:
- Be considered to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Reasonably be expected to disclose a confidential source of information
- Lead to interference with an ongoing court proceeding
- Cause an impartial adjudication or deprive a party in a lawsuit of their rights to fair trial
- Endanger the physical safety or life of a person
- Expose techniques used by law enforcement agencies for investigation or prosecution.
Examples of court records that may be exempt from public disclosure as regards the criteria listed above include mental health, juvenile delinquency, child adoption, and juvenile dependency records.
What Do Dekalb County Court Records Contain?
The contents of a Dekalb county court record typically includes:
- Case documents which include but are not limited to orders and judgments, pleadings, motions, and answers
- Case information, such as the case type, the filing date, the names and addresses of parties involved in the case, the status of the case, and the case number
- Exhibits (videos, photographs, audio recordings, witness statements, documents, and other materials provided as evidence during a court proceeding)
- Dockets
- Depositions
- Transcripts
- Indices for actions or proceedings.
Where to Conduct a Dekalb County Case Lookup
There are several options for court case lookup in Dekalb county. If the searcher knows the courthouse where a case was filed, they can visit the office of the court clerk during official hours for the lookup. Alternatively, they can request for the records via email or by searching online databases dedicated for the purpose. The Dekalb Clerk of Superior Court, for example, manages all court records handled at the Dekalb Superior court and also makes them available online.
How to Conduct a Dekalb County Case Records Search
In Dekalb county, members of the public who are interested in how to find court records on a person may visit the office of the clerk of court where the case was filed. They must then submit a written request with specific details about the court case of interest. Some relevant details that will be needed during the search include the case file number, names of parties in the case, and period of filing.
Usually, requesters will have to cover the cost of any required reproduction asides other regular charges. For cases filed at the Dekalb Superior Court, the court clerk runs a website where interested persons can run a judicial record search. The website allows inquirers to conduct case record searches using a case number or a name. The same office also maintains all land records in Dekalb county.
The office of the clerk is open to persons who wish to search records Mondays through Fridays (8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.).
DeKalb County Courthouse
556 North McDonough Street
Ground Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 371-2836
Alternatively, several other online portals, such as PACER provide statewide access to court records for fees that vary with different activities. However, persons must create and sign into their personal accounts on their chosen platform before accessing the needed records.
Dekalb County Civil Court Case Records
Dekalb county civil court case records include exhibits, recordings, and other related documents created in the course of civil lawsuits. Civil court case records in Dekalb County are public records unless restricted by court orders or statutes for certain reasons.
Civil cases happen when there is a dispute between two or more parties. Examples of civil court cases are torts, class action claims, property disputes, and breach of contract disputes.
The Dekalb Superior Court and Magistrate Court have divisions that handle civil cases. Civil court case records are created and maintained by court clerks. Persons interested in finding these records can do so at the court clerk's office at the Superior Court, in person, or through the court's website dedicated for the purpose.
Dekalb County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court case records comprise all documentation generated or transferred when the government or a law agency charges a person with a crime. In Dekalb County, the Superior Court handles all criminal court cases. Criminal court cases may result from crimes against a person or property, financial crimes, inchoate crimes, or statutory crimes.
Court clerks create and maintain criminal case records during court proceedings and make them available for public access upon request. Criminal court case records may be sealed or expunged due to reasons such as:
- The accused was found to be innocent
- The crimes were committed by a child
- The crime involved youthful offenders
While sealed records may be unavailable to the general public, law enforcement agencies and the prosecuting attorney may still have access to the records.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
Many websites offer free access to court records online. However, a searcher may be required to pay certain fees for download or reproduction of any kind. Fees vary with the number of pages a person wishes to download or print.
Courts in Dekalb County
The State Court of DeKalb County comprises several divisions and different judges. Judges are selected through a county-wide election and each judge serves for a four-year term. The Dekalb Magistrate Court is presided over by an elected chief magistrate who appoints associate magistrates.
Below are relevant Dekalb county courthouse addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
State Court of DeKalb County – Division A
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 371-2822
Email: dscinfo@dekalbstatecourt.gov
State Court of DeKalb County – Division B
3630 Camp Circle
Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: (404) 294-2099
Email: dcrcinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov
Magistrate Court of DeKalb County - Civil Matters
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 371-2261
Magistrate Court of DeKalb County - Criminal Matters
3630 Camp Circle
Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: (404) 294-2150
Magistrate Court of DeKalb County - Ordinance Matters
3630 Camp Circle
Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: (470) 542-9485
