Clay 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 Clay County is the county's general trial court for felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations cases. Its records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Fort Gaines, and the court is part of Georgia's judicial circuit system.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of Clay County (records kept by the Clerk of Superior Court) |
| Main Address | 210 Washington Street South, Suite 3, Fort Gaines, GA 39851 |
| Main Phone | (229) 768-2631 |
| Website | Clerk of Superior Court website |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Fort Gaines) |
| 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) |
| Statewide Information | georgiacourts.gov |
How to Search Clay County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Clay County records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Fort Gaines.
Online
Go to the Clerk of Superior Court website for Clay County.
Check the page for published records and current search options.
Confirm any fees with the clerk before you request records.
Best for: Starting with official county information
In Person
Go to 210 Washington Street South, Suite 3, Fort Gaines, GA 39851.
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
By Phone
Call (229) 768-2631 to ask the Clerk of Superior Court about a case.
Have the full name, case number, or approximate dates ready.
Ask the clerk what records can be requested by phone.
Best for: Quick questions about a case
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
Clay County Court Statistics
Georgia does not publish county-level superior court caseload in a downloadable form, so the figures below are statewide measures for Clay 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
2,815
Clay 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 Clay County?
Estimated total filings in Clay 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 | ~528 | ~519 | ~+17.1% |
| CY 2023 | ~451 | ~443 | ~-3.8% |
| CY 2022 | ~469 | ~461 | ~+6.3% |
| CY 2021 | ~441 | ~433 | ~+9.4% |
| CY 2020 | ~403 | ~398 | ~+9.4% |
Estimated filings changed +31.0% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 403 to 528. 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 Clay County's 0.03% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Clay 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 Clay County Compare With Georgia Overall?
Clay County is estimated to account for about 0.03% of the 2,099,078 cases filed in Georgia courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Clay County | Georgia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~528 | 2,099,078 | ~0.03% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+17.1% | +17.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~528 | 1,697 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~519 | 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 Clay County's 0.03% share of the state population.
Clay County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Georgia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Clay 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 Clay County with the state.
Clay County Courthouse Locations
Clay County has 1 official Clerk of Superior Court location, in Fort Gaines. Check the clerk's page before you go to confirm the office you need.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay County Clerk of Superior Court | 210 Washington Street South, Suite 3, Fort Gaines, GA 39851 | (229) 768-2631 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Clay 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 Clay 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 Clay County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Clay 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 Clay 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 Clay County Court Records Online
Use the official clerk and statewide pages to find Clay 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 the Clerk of Superior Court website to check which records are published there.
- 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 at (229) 768-2631.
| 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 Clay County
Pay the court named on your citation or charge, and confirm the payment methods with the Clerk of Superior Court in Clay County before you pay.
- In person: Go to 210 Washington Street South, Suite 3, Fort Gaines, GA 39851, and ask the clerk which payment methods apply to your case.
- By phone: Call (229) 768-2631 and ask how to pay and whether a payment plan is available.
- Online: Check the Clerk of Superior Court website for any online payment option that is listed.
Parking tickets are paid to the agency that issued them, not to the Superior Court.
Clay County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Clay County court records?
Use the Clerk of Superior Court in Clay County to search by name or case number, or check GeorgiaCourtAccess.org for leads, which are not official court records.
Are Clay 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 Clay 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 Clay 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
Clay County Georgia Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 210 Washington St., Fort Gaines, GA, 39851 |
| Phone Number: | 229-768 2631 |
| Fax: | 229-768-3047 |
| Website: | https://www.claycountyga.net/superior-court |
Useful Links
- Georgia.gov - Official State Website: Access government services, agencies, and online tools for Georgia residents, including legal resources and public records.
- Georgia Judicial Gateway - Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia: Comprehensive access to Georgia's court system, including records, forms, and court-related information.
- Clay County, Georgia - Official County Website: Find information on local government services, including court records and related public services in Clay County.
- Georgia Department of Community Supervision: Offers resources on parole, probation, and other community supervision services, including legal and court-related information.
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Criminal History Record Information: Resource for obtaining criminal history record information and understanding background checks in Georgia.
- Request Criminal History Record - Georgia.gov: Guide for requesting criminal history records from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).
- Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority: Provides information on real estate and personal property records and offers online access to various public records.
- Clay County Clerk of Courts: Official resource for accessing court documents, forms, and legal records for Clay County, Georgia.
- Georgia Probate Courts - Homepage: Find information on probate procedures, court records, and other resources related to estates in Georgia.
- GeorgiaLegalAid.org | A guide to free and low-cost legal aid, assistance: Comprehensive resource offering legal information and assistance on various topics including family, criminal, and civil law in Georgia.
- Self-Help Resources - Georgia Judicial Gateway: Access self-help legal resources, forms, guides, and community resources for individuals seeking court-related assistance.
- Georgia Legal Services Program - Nonprofit Law Firm: Provides free legal services in non-criminal cases to low-income people across Georgia through a network of field offices.
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society: A nonprofit organization offering legal assistance to low-income residents in metropolitan Atlanta in civil matters, including court assistance.
- Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia: Resource for prosecutors and the public, providing insights into prosecutorial practices and legal resources in Georgia.
- Judicial Council of Georgia/Administrative Office of the Courts: Offers statewide judicial administrative support and information regarding court services and policies in Georgia.
- Georgia Justice Project - Criminal Defense & Social Services: Supports individuals in the criminal justice system by combining legal representation with social services and advocacy.
- Georgia Department of Corrections: Access offender records and learn more about correctional facilities, probation, and reentry services within Georgia.
- Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts: Offers electronic case records, court information, and e-filing services applicable to Fulton and other counties in Georgia.
- Georgia Probate Facts - Information & Forms: Provides resources and legal information related to probate processes, wills, and estates in Georgia.
- Office of the Attorney General of Georgia - Chris Carr: Learn about consumer protection services, legal opinions, and various legal resources provided by the Georgia Attorney General's office.
Table of Contents
- Clay County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Clay County Court Records
- Clay County Court Statistics
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Clay County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Clay County?
- How Does Clay County Compare With Georgia Overall?
- Clay County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Clay County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Clay County?
- Are Clay County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Clay County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Clay County
- Clay County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links