Dekalb County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

DeKalb County is situated in the north-central part of Georgia and covers 267 square miles, making it the 113th largest county in the state. The county is home to over 761,200 residents, with its county seat in Decatur. DeKalb County boasts a comprehensive court system that includes a Superior Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, Probate Court, and State Court. The DeKalb County Superior Court is a general jurisdiction court handling civil and criminal cases, misdemeanors, contract disputes, divorce, and felonies involving jury trials. The DeKalb County Superior Court is located in Decatur.

The DeKalb County Magistrate Court presides over civil claims of not more than $15,000 in monetary value. Additionally, the court handles cases related to foreclosures, garnishments, and county ordinance violations. The DeKalb County Juvenile Court deals explicitly with cases involving individuals under 18 and is crucial in determining probation supervision and detention. This court is located in Decatur. The DeKalb County Probate Court deals with the administration of the estates of deceased county residents and the appointment of guardians for adults and children. DeKalb County State Court holds jurisdiction over misdemeanor violations and all civil actions not exclusively within the purview of the Superior Court.

DeKalb County's court system manages a substantial caseload each year, with the Magistrate Court alone processing around 50,000 filings annually. DeKalb County's court system plays a crucial role in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to address criminal activities within the county, particularly given the current crime rate of 44 incidents per 1,000 individuals in DeKalb. In DeKalb County, each Court Clerk is the custodian of records for cases filed in their respective courts. The court clerks make these records available to the public as part of the county's commitment to transparency and accountability. Individuals can access court records by visiting the court clerk's office where a case was filed.

In summary, the DeKalb County court system is a complex but essential structure encompassing several distinct entities, including the Superior Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, Probate Court, and State Court. Each of these courts plays a unique role in administering justice and resolving legal disputes. These courts provide a crucial foundation for maintaining public safety and order within the county. Additionally, the accessibility of court records in the county reinforces trust and confidence in the judicial system while fostering a sense of fairness and equity for all individuals involved in legal proceedings.