Clarke 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 Superior Court of Clarke County is the county's general trial court for felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations cases. The Clerk of Superior Court keeps its records, and the official statewide court information is available at georgiacourts.gov.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of Clarke County (records kept by the Clerk of Superior Court) |
| Statewide Information | georgiacourts.gov |
| Handles | Felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations cases in Superior Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Georgia), parking tickets (issuing agency), probate matters (Probate Court), and appeals (Georgia Court of Appeals or Supreme Court) |
How to Search Clarke County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Clarke County records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court.
Online
Go to georgiacourts.gov for official statewide court information.
Ask the Clerk of Superior Court which records are published online.
Confirm any fees with the clerk before you request records.
Best for: Locating official statewide court information
In Person
Go to the Clerk of Superior Court's office in Clarke County.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates you have.
Ask the clerk which records are available for in-person review.
Best for: Records not available online
Contact the Clerk
Ask the Clerk of Superior Court how to request records by phone, mail, or email.
Have the full name, case number, or approximate dates ready.
Confirm current contact details on georgiacourts.gov before you write.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit
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
Clarke County Court Statistics
Georgia does not publish county-level superior court caseload in a downloadable form, so the figures below are statewide measures for Clarke County's court system, with the county population shown for context.
225
Authorized superior court judges (Georgia statewide)
1,474
Cases per judge, three-year average 2022 to 2024 (Georgia statewide)
50,234
Statewide population per superior court judge, 2024
129,921
Clarke County population, 2025
| Metric | Georgia statewide |
|---|---|
| Authorized superior court judges | 225 |
| Cases per judge (three-year average, 2022 to 2024) | 1,474 |
| Judge workload value | 243.0 |
| Superior court judges | 225 |
| State Court judges | 134 |
| Juvenile Court judges | 156 |
| Probate Court judges | 201 |
| Magistrate Court judges | 521 |
| County Court judges | 159 |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Clarke County?
Estimated total filings in Clarke 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 | ~24,405 | ~23,951 | ~+17.1% |
| CY 2023 | ~20,843 | ~20,463 | ~-3.8% |
| CY 2022 | ~21,673 | ~21,277 | ~+6.5% |
| CY 2021 | ~20,346 | ~19,998 | ~+9.4% |
| CY 2020 | ~18,602 | ~18,370 | ~+9.4% |
Estimated filings changed +31.2% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 18,602 to 24,405. 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 Clarke County's 1.16% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Clarke County?
Georgia cases are heard in several court types, and each court handles different matters. Filing counts by case type are not published downloadably for this county, so the table lists what each court handles along with statewide judge counts.
| Court | What It Handles | Judges Statewide |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court | Felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations cases; records kept by the Clerk of Superior Court | 225 |
| State Court | Civil and criminal cases in counties where this court is established | 134 |
| Magistrate Court | Preliminary hearings in criminal cases and small civil claims | 521 |
| Probate Court | Estates, guardianships, and related probate matters | 201 |
| Juvenile Court | Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases | 156 |
| Municipal Court | City ordinance violations | Not in the statewide count |
How Does Clarke County Compare With Georgia Overall?
Clarke County is estimated to account for about 1.16% of the 2,099,078 cases filed in Georgia courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Clarke County | Georgia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~24,405 | 2,099,078 | ~1.16% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+17.1% | +17.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,743 | 1,697 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,711 | 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 Clarke County's 1.16% share of the state population.
Clarke County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Georgia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Clarke 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 | 1,278.9 | 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 Clarke County with the state.
Clarke County Courthouse Locations
Clarke County court proceedings are held at the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens-Clarke County Courthouse | 325 East Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601 | (706) 613-3190 | 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 Clarke County?
Georgia trial courts divide cases by type, so find the court named on your ticket, charge, or paperwork. Confirm with the Clerk of Superior Court in Clarke County if you are unsure which court holds your case. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for Georgia.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | The court named on your citation | Check the citation for the court and any court date listed. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Superior Court does not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | The court named on the charge | Check the charging paperwork for the court and division. |
| Felony | Superior Court | Felony cases are heard in Superior Court, and the Clerk of Superior Court keeps the records. |
| DUI | The court named on the charge | Check the charging paperwork to confirm which court holds the case. |
| Domestic violence | The court named on your paperwork | Restricted family violence records are not public. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court, or State Court where that court exists | Civil cases are filed with the Clerk of the court that hears them. |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Magistrate Court handles small civil claims. |
| Eviction | Magistrate Court | Dispossessory actions are heard in Magistrate Court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court | Domestic relations cases are heard in Superior Court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court | Domestic relations cases are heard in Superior Court. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Estates and guardianships are handled by Probate Court. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court | Juvenile records are restricted. |
| Appeal | Georgia Court of Appeals or Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate court that has jurisdiction. |
Are Clarke County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Clarke County court records are public, with exceptions set by Georgia law and court rules. Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 et seq.) and the courts' own records rules govern access in general terms.
Public records
Most case files in Superior Court are open to inspection, including dockets, filings, and orders, unless a law or court order restricts them.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, adoption, and family violence records are restricted. Access to these records generally requires a court order or a legal basis set by law.
Online access
Online access depends on the court and case type, so not every record is available online. Check the Clerk of Superior Court website at georgiacourts.gov for official statewide information. GeorgiaCourtAccess.org can search across record types, but its results are not official court records.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court in Clarke County to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which office holds the case.
Fees
Fees are not stated in the sources used for this section. Ask the Clerk of Superior Court for current copy and certification fees before you request records.
How to Search Clarke County Court Records Online
Use the official clerk and statewide pages to find Clarke County cases, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, domestic relations, or juvenile.
- Open georgiacourts.gov for official statewide court information, then contact the Clerk of Superior Court for county details.
- Search by name or case number on GeorgiaCourtAccess.org to find leads, noting that results are not official court records.
- Review the case details, and confirm them with the clerk.
- Request documents that are not online from the Clerk of Superior Court in person or through the contact details the clerk publishes.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal (felonies) | Clerk of Superior Court | Case information through the clerk | Confirm which records are published online |
| Civil | Clerk of Superior Court | Case information through the clerk | Some documents may require the clerk |
| Family law (domestic relations) | Clerk of Superior Court | Case information through the clerk | Restricted details are not public |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Case information from that court | Confirm online access with the court |
| Probate | Probate Court | Estate and guardianship files | Separate from the Clerk of Superior Court |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Court | Not in public search | Juvenile proceedings are restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Clarke County
Pay the court named on your citation or charge, and confirm the payment methods with the Clerk of Superior Court in Clarke County before you pay.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office in Clarke County and ask which payment methods apply to your case.
- Contact the clerk: Ask the clerk how to pay and whether a payment plan is available, using the contact details the clerk publishes.
- Statewide information: Check georgiacourts.gov for official statewide court information on fines.
Parking tickets are paid to the agency that issued them, not to the Superior Court.
Clarke County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Clarke County court records?
Use the Clerk of Superior Court in Clarke County to search by name or case number, or check GeorgiaCourtAccess.org for leads, which are not official court records.
Are Clarke County court records public?
Most are public under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 et seq.), but juvenile, sealed, adoption, and family violence records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Contact the Clerk of Superior Court in Clarke County with the defendant's full name and approximate dates.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation, bond paperwork, or notice, and confirm dates with the clerk of the court named on your paperwork.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Follow the payment instructions on your citation or contact the court named on it, and ask the clerk which payment methods are accepted.
How many cases are filed in Clarke County each year?
County filing counts are not published downloadably. Statewide, superior court judges handled an average of 1,474 cases per judge over 2022 to 2024.
What is the most common type of case?
County case-type counts are not published downloadably. Superior Court handles felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations cases statewide.
Is crime 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
Athens-Clarke County Georgia Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 325 East Washington St., Athens, GA, 30601 |
| Phone Number: | 706-613-3190 |
| Fax: | 706-613-3189 |
| Website: | https://www.accgov.com/324/Clerk-of-Superior-State-Courts |
Athens-Clarke County Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 325 East Washington Street, Athens, GA, 30601 |
| Phone Number: | 706-613-3690 |
| Fax: | 706-613-3696 |
| Website: | https://www.accgov.com/municipalcourt |
Useful Links
- Clarke County Clerk of Superior & State Courts - Access information related to court records, legal documents, and other services provided by the Clarke County Clerk.
- Athens-Clarke County Courts - Official portal for Athens-Clarke County courts providing resources related to court services and information on court operations.
- Judicial Council of Georgia - Offers resources on state judicial policies, court regulations, and educational materials for legal practitioners in Georgia.
- Georgia Courts - Access statewide court information, including case look-up, court procedures, and resources for legal assistance in Georgia.
- Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority - Online resource to search for real estate records, liens, and other legal documents in Georgia's superior courts.
- Georgia Legal Aid - Provides free legal information and resources to assist low-income individuals with advice on civil court matters in Georgia.
- Athens-Clarke County Magistrate Court - Offers information on the Magistrate Court’s functions, including handling small claims, warrants, and preliminary hearings.
- Athens-Clarke County Probate Court - Provides resources on probate matters, estate administration, guardianships, and marriage licenses in Clarke County.
- Online Payment Services Athens-Clarke County - Pay traffic citations, court fines, and fees through Athens-Clarke County's online payment system.
- Georgia State and County Court Profiles - Search profiles of state and county courts in Georgia to find jurisdiction, court rules, and contact information.
- Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia - Offers resources and support for prosecutors in Georgia, including legal updates and training opportunities.
- Georgia Fair Share - Advocacy information on fair access to courts and the justice system for all Georgia residents.
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society - Provides comprehensive legal services to low-income individuals in the Atlanta metropolitan area, including Clarke County.
- Requesting Court Records Clarke County - Instructions for requesting court records from the Clarke County Clerk's office, covering civil, criminal, and probate records.
- State Bar of Georgia - Professional association for lawyers in Georgia providing legal resources, referrals, and support for legal professionals.
- Georgia Judicial Directory - Directory listing contact information and profiles for judges serving in different courts across the state of Georgia.
- Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice - Nonprofit organization focused on systemic reform in Georgia’s justice systems and advocacy for vulnerable communities.
- eFile Georgia - Online platform for electronic filing of court documents in various Georgia courts, facilitating faster processing and access.
- Georgia Child Support Services - Provides information regarding child support cases, applications, and enforcement actions coordinated through the state.
- Georgia Case Search (GCIC) - Statewide case search system to access public records and check the status of various legal matters in Georgia courts.
Table of Contents
- Clarke County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Clarke County Court Records
- Clarke County Court Statistics
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Clarke County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Clarke County?
- How Does Clarke County Compare With Georgia Overall?
- Clarke County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Clarke County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Clarke County?
- Are Clarke County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Clarke County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Clarke County
- Clarke County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links