Chatham County, GA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County, keeps the county's Superior Court records. Superior Court is the county's main trial court for felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations matters.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of Chatham County |
| Records Custodian | Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County |
| Handles | Felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations matters in Superior Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Georgia), probate matters (Probate Court), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County |
| Statewide Court Directory | georgiacourts.gov |
| Clerk Directory | gsccca.org |
How to Search Chatham County Court Records
Have the full name, case number if known, and approximate dates ready before you search. Superior Court records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in the county.
Online
Go to georgiacourts.gov to find official court directories and search links.
Check the clerk's office for any online record searches it offers.
Ask the clerk about any fees before you search.
Best for: Finding court directories and search links
In Person
Go to the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Chatham County courthouse.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates if you have them.
Ask staff whether public terminals are available for searching.
Best for: Copies and records not available online
By Phone
Find the clerk's current phone number at gsccca.org.
Call and ask what details the clerk needs for your request.
Have the case number and party names ready before you call.
Best for: Confirming which records are available
Search by Name on GeorgiaCourtAccess.org
Go to GeorgiaCourtAccess.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Chatham County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Chatham County courts handled an estimated 57,699 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 56,625. The estimate scales Georgia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~57,699
Total filings in CY 2024
~56,625
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,697
Filings per judicial position (34 estimated positions)
~+17.1%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~57,699 | ~49,278 | ~+17.1% |
| Total Dispositions | ~56,625 | ~48,378 | ~+17.0% |
| Criminal Filings | ~25,564 | ~25,289 | ~+1.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~8,246 | ~7,422 | ~+11.1% |
| Family Law Filings | ~3,024 | ~2,969 | ~+1.9% |
| Probate Filings | ~8,618 | ~5,546 | ~+55.4% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~550 | ~522 | ~+5.4% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~1,389 | ~1,500 | ~-7.4% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~34 | ~34 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in probate filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Georgia statewide figures scaled by Chatham County's 2.75% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Chatham County?
Estimated total filings in Chatham County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~57,699 | ~56,625 | ~+17.1% |
| CY 2023 | ~49,278 | ~48,378 | ~-3.8% |
| CY 2022 | ~51,239 | ~50,302 | ~+6.5% |
| CY 2021 | ~48,103 | ~47,279 | ~+9.4% |
| CY 2020 | ~43,980 | ~43,430 | ~+9.4% |
Estimated filings changed +31.2% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 43,980 to 57,699. The largest annual change was +17.1% in CY 2024. The latest change of +17.1% reflects statewide Georgia trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Georgia statewide figures scaled by Chatham County's 2.75% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Chatham County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Chatham County, at about 44.3% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~25,564 | ~44.3% | ~+1.1% |
| Probate | ~8,618 | ~14.9% | ~+55.4% |
| Civil | ~8,246 | ~14.3% | ~+11.1% |
| Family law | ~3,024 | ~5.2% | ~+1.9% |
| Juvenile | ~1,389 | ~2.4% | ~-7.4% |
| Mental health | ~550 | ~1.0% | ~+5.4% |
Probate cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and juvenile cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Georgia statewide figures scaled by Chatham County's 2.75% share of the state population.
How Does Chatham County Compare With Georgia Overall?
Chatham County is estimated to account for about 2.75% of the 2,099,078 cases filed in Georgia courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Chatham County | Georgia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~57,699 | 2,099,078 | ~2.75% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+17.1% | +17.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,697 | 1,697 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,665 | 1,665 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~44.3% | 44.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~14.3% | 14.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~5.2% | 5.2% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Georgia figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Georgia statewide figures scaled by Chatham County's 2.75% share of the state population.
Chatham County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Georgia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Chatham County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 16.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 91.1% of Georgia's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
31,216
Violent crimes, Georgia statewide, 2025
144,550
Property crimes, Georgia statewide, 2025
276.2
Violent crime rate per 100K, Georgia statewide, 2025 (population 11,302,748)
-16.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Georgia statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (175,766 vs 210,520)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 582 | 5.1 | 747 | -22.1% |
| Rape | 3,191 | 28.2 | 3,535 | -9.7% |
| Robbery | 3,513 | 31.1 | 4,276 | -17.8% |
| Aggravated assault | 23,930 | 211.7 | 25,474 | -6.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 31,216 | 276.2 | 34,032 | -8.3% |
| Burglary | 16,513 | 146.1 | 22,177 | -25.5% |
| Larceny-theft | 111,417 | 985.8 | 130,378 | -14.5% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 16,620 | 147.0 | 23,933 | -30.6% |
| Property crimes total | 144,550 | 1278.9 | 176,488 | -18.1% |
Rates use the Georgia 2025 population of 11,302,748. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Chatham County with the state.
Chatham County Courthouse Locations
Chatham County court proceedings are held at the Chatham County Judicial Center. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chatham County Judicial Center | 133 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | (912) 652-7200 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Chatham County?
Most matters in Chatham County go to Superior Court, Magistrate Court, State Court, or Probate Court, depending on the case type. Use the table to find the right court, and check your paperwork for the court named on it.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | State Court or Magistrate Court, depending on the county | Check the court named on your citation before you pay or appear. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by a court. |
| Misdemeanor | Magistrate Court or State Court, depending on the county | Your charging papers name the court that will hear the case. |
| Felony | Superior Court | Superior Court tries felonies, and the Clerk of Superior Court keeps felony records. |
| DUI | Magistrate, State, or Superior Court, depending on the charge | The charge on your paperwork decides which court hears the case. |
| Domestic violence | Magistrate Court or Superior Court | Protective order petitions and felony charges follow different routes. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court or State Court, depending on the county | Magistrate Court hears some smaller civil claims. |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Small claims cases are filed in Magistrate Court. |
| Eviction | Magistrate Court | Dispossessory cases are filed in Magistrate Court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court, Domestic Relations | Divorce cases are heard in the Superior Court of the county. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court, Domestic Relations | Juvenile Court hears some child welfare custody matters. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Estates and guardianships are handled by the Probate Court, not the Superior Court. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court | Juvenile proceedings are handled separately from adult cases. |
| Appeal | Superior Court or the Georgia Court of Appeals | Superior Court reviews some lower court decisions; the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Georgia hears appeals from Superior Court. |
Are Chatham County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Chatham County court records are public, but some are restricted by Georgia law and court rules. Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 et seq.) and each court's own records rules set the general rule that court records are open, with exceptions.
Public records
Most superior court case files, including dockets, filings, and orders, are open to the public unless a law or court order says otherwise.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, adoption, and family violence records are restricted. Access requires a court order or the rules that apply to those records, so do not assume a sealed record is available.
Online access
GeorgiaCourtAccess.org is a name search across record types, but its results are not official court records. Check georgiacourts.gov for the official list of Georgia courts and their resources, since not every document is available online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the county courthouse to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which office holds your record.
Fees
Copy and certification fees are set by the clerk and court. Ask the clerk for current amounts before you request records.
How to Search Chatham County Court Records Online
Use the Clerk of Superior Court's records and the official Georgia court directory to find cases, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open georgiacourts.gov to find the court that handles that case type.
- Search by party name or case number, using GeorgiaCourtAccess.org for a name search only.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Clerk of Superior Court to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County (felonies); Magistrate or State Court (misdemeanors) | Case status and charges the clerk makes available | Full files may require the clerk, and some records are restricted |
| Traffic | The court named on your citation | Case status and court date | Payment and records may be handled by different offices |
| Civil | Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County or the court that filed the case | Case status and docket entries | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Case status and docket entries | Documents may require the court |
| Family law | Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County (Domestic Relations) | Case status for domestic relations cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Probate Court (separate from the Superior Court clerk) | Estate and guardianship files | Not part of the Superior Court clerk's records |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Court | Case information only through the court | Juvenile proceedings are closed to the public |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Chatham County
Fines and citations in Chatham County are paid to the court or agency named on your paperwork, and the options below depend on that court.
- Contact the court named on your citation: Ask which payment methods it accepts, such as in person or by mail, before you send money.
- Find the court's contact details: Check georgiacourts.gov for the official list of Georgia courts, then call the clerk's office.
- Ask about a payment plan: Ask the court whether it offers a payment plan or an ability-to-pay review before your court date.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by a court.
Chatham County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Georgia court records?
Start with the Clerk of Superior Court in Chatham County, or run a name search on GeorgiaCourtAccess.org. Results from that site are not official court records.
Are court records public in Georgia?
Most court records are public under Georgia's Open Records Act and court rules, but juvenile, sealed, adoption, and family violence records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Contact the Clerk of Superior Court in Chatham County with the defendant's full name and approximate dates, or check georgiacourts.gov for the court that handles your case type.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice first, then contact the court named on it to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the court named on your citation to confirm which payment methods it accepts and whether a payment plan is available.
How many superior court judges does Georgia have?
Georgia has 225 authorized superior court judges statewide, and county-level judge counts are not published here.
How many cases does each superior court judge handle?
Georgia superior court judges averaged 1,474 cases each over 2022 to 2024, a statewide three-year average.
Is crime in Georgia rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 8.3% to 31,216 in 2025 from 34,032 in 2024, and property crimes fell 18.1% to 144,550 from 176,488, as reported to the FBI. These are Georgia statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Chatham County Georgia Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA, 31401 |
| Phone Number: | 912-652-7200 |
| Website: | https://courts.chathamcountyga.gov/ |
Savannah Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA, 31401 |
| Phone Number: | 912-652-7425 |
| Fax: | 912-652-7413 |
| Website: | https://savannahga.gov/492/Recorders-Court |
Pooler Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 100 Southwest Highway 80, Pooler, GA, 31322 |
| Phone Number: | 912-748-7333 |
| Website: | https://www.pooler-ga.gov/pooler-news/654-regarding-pooler-municiple-court |
Garden City Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 100 Central Avenue, Garden City, GA, 31405 |
| Phone Number: | 912-963-2778 |
| Fax: | 912-966-7785 |
| Website: | https://www.gardencity-ga.gov/city-government/municipal-court |
Useful Links
- Chatham County Courts - Official Website Comprehensive source for information on Chatham County judicial services, case management, jury duty, and court calendars and records.
- Chatham County, GA - Government Access to local governmental resources and departments, including updates, services, and community links for Chatham County residents.
- Chatham County Tax Commissioner - Property Tax Information Detailed information on property tax services, payments, and records available through the Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office.
- GSCCCA - Civil E-Filing Docket Search Allows users to search Georgia Superior Court dockets and access case documents, covering public records and civil filings.
- Georgia Probate Court Online System Statewide portal to access Georgia probate records, wills, and estate documents from participating counties, including Chatham.
- Council of Magistrate Court Judges of Georgia Provides educational resources and information about magistrate courts in Georgia, including jurisdiction and procedural guidelines.
- State Bar of Georgia Resource for finding legal professionals, understanding law practices, accessing CLEs, and staying updated on legal news statewide.
- Judicial Council of Georgia/Administrative Office of the Courts Offers a directory of Georgia courts and comprehensive resources on judiciary programs, initiatives, and strategic plans.
- Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority Provides statewide access to real estate and personal property records, UCC filings, and lien searches for Georgia counties.
- Office of the Attorney General of Georgia Chris Carr Offers legal opinions, consumer protection resources, and statewide initiatives on criminal justice, water rights, and public policy.
- Georgia General Assembly Legislative information including bills, resolutions, statutes, and committee hearings for Georgia’s state legislative processes.
- Georgia Sheriffs' Association Organization offering resources, education, and support for law enforcement agencies and initiatives across Georgia counties.
- Georgia Association of Professional Process Servers Professional network offering educational resources and best practices for process servers operating within Georgia.
- Georgia Judicial System - State Information Informational guide to understanding the structure and functions of Georgia's judicial system with links to court resources.
- QuickFacts Chatham County, Georgia U.S. Census Bureau resource offering statistical data about demographics, economic, and housing information for Chatham County.
- U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Georgia Federal enforcement agency covering the Southern District of Georgia, providing details on warrants, fugitives, and operations.
- Georgia Department of Human Services Offers family services, resources for children, seniors, and information on state assistance programs in Georgia.
- Georgia Court of Appeals Provides information on appellate court decisions, case proceedings, opinions, and judicial decisions in Georgia.
- PACER - Public Access to Court Electronic Records U.S. government service providing electronic access to case and docket information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.
- Justia - Law & Legal Information Comprehensive resource for finding case law, court opinions, statutes, legal news, and tools for lawyers and law students.
Table of Contents
- Chatham County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Chatham County Court Records
- Chatham County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Chatham County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Chatham County?
- How Does Chatham County Compare With Georgia Overall?
- Chatham County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Chatham County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Chatham County?
- Are Chatham County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Chatham County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Chatham County
- Chatham County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links