Dade County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Dade County is situated in the Northwest corner of Georgia and is home to a relatively small population of 16,239 residents. The county seat is Trenton, which is the only incorporated municipality in the county. Residents of Dade County are served by a robust court system comprising a Superior Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court.

The Dade County Superior Court operates as a general jurisdiction trial court, with exclusive authority over felony cases, divorce, equity, and cases concerning land title. The court also possesses the power to rectify errors made by courts of limited jurisdiction. The Dade County Magistrate Court oversees all county ordinance violations and small claims where the disputed amount is less than $15,000. This court is also responsible for issuing arrests as well as handling most dispossessory or eviction actions. The Dade County Juvenile Court processes cases involving individuals under the age of 18 who are abused, neglected, or without a parent, as well as handles cases related to children in need of services, guidance, and counseling. It also shares jurisdiction with the county's Probate Court in permanent guardianship proceedings over minors. The Dade County Probate Court has exclusive authority over specific cases such as probate of wills, estate administration, and guardians' appointments. It also hears cases involving the involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults and other individuals.

The Dade County Court System handles more than 6,000 criminal and civil cases each year, reflecting the county's crime rate of 333 per 100,000 residents. Court records in Dade County are public records that members of the public can access. The Office of the Clerk of Superior and Juvenile Courts in Dade County maintains all of these court records. The clerk ensures the integrity of public records and provides public access to them. You can search court records online using an electronic system maintained by the clerk. Some cases may be sealed and inaccessible due to the nature of the cases. Anything having to do with juvenile records will automatically be sealed and will require permission prior to access.

In summary, the Dade County court system is a cornerstone of the county's governance, providing an essential platform for dispensing justice across a broad spectrum of legal issues. With its multifaceted court structure comprising Superior, Magistrate, Juvenile, and Probate Courts, the county can effectively address various legal cases, including civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters.