Dekalb 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 DeKalb County is the county's general trial court for felony, civil, and domestic relations cases. Its Clerk of Superior Court keeps the records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of DeKalb County (DeKalb Judicial Circuit) |
| Main Address | 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030 |
| Main Phone | 404-371-2836 |
| Website | dksuperiorclerk.com/contactus |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Decatur) |
| Handles | Felony, civil, and domestic relations cases in Superior Court; the Clerk of Superior Court keeps the court records |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Georgia) and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
How to Search Dekalb County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search.
Online
Go to the official clerk website for Clerk of Superior Court office information.
Check the clerk's page before you request records by any channel.
An online case search tool is not listed on the verified clerk page.
Best for: Confirming official clerk contact options
In Person
Go to 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk's office which division handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 404-371-2836 to confirm which records the clerk needs.
Ask which division holds your case type and how to request copies.
Confirm details by phone before you visit the office.
Best for: Confirming records requests before visiting
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
Dekalb County Court Statistics
Georgia's superior court workload is published statewide, not by county. The statewide figures below cover all 225 authorized superior court judges, and the county population is shown for context.
225
Authorized superior court judges (Georgia statewide)
1,474
Cases per judge, Georgia statewide three-year average (2022 to 2024)
50,234
Georgia residents per superior court judge (2025 population / 225)
774,394
DeKalb County population, 2025 estimate
| Metric | Georgia statewide |
|---|---|
| Authorized superior court judges | 225 |
| Cases per judge (three-year average, 2022 to 2024) | 1,474 |
| Judge workload value | 243.0 |
| Georgia population per superior court judge (2025) | 50,234 |
| State court judges | 134 |
| Juvenile court judges | 156 |
| Probate court judges | 201 |
| Magistrate court judges | 521 |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Dekalb County?
Estimated total filings in DeKalb 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 | ~144,616 | ~141,924 | ~+17.1% |
| CY 2023 | ~123,511 | ~121,255 | ~-3.8% |
| CY 2022 | ~128,427 | ~126,078 | ~+6.5% |
| CY 2021 | ~120,566 | ~118,499 | ~+9.4% |
| CY 2020 | ~110,232 | ~108,854 | ~+9.4% |
Estimated filings changed +31.2% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 110,232 to 144,616. 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 DeKalb County's 6.89% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Dekalb County?
Georgia trial courts divide cases among several court types. Judge counts below are statewide, since county case counts are not published in a downloadable form.
| Court | What It Handles | Statewide Judges |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court | Felonies, civil cases, and domestic relations cases; the Clerk of Superior Court keeps the records | 225 authorized |
| State Court | Civil and criminal cases in counties that have a State Court | 134 |
| Magistrate Court | Small claims, dispossessory (eviction) cases, and warrants | 521 |
| Probate Court | Estates, guardianships, and conservatorships | 201 |
| Juvenile Court | Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases | 156 |
| Municipal Court | City ordinance and some traffic cases | Not counted in statewide totals |
County filing counts by case type are not published in a downloadable form, so no filing shares or yearly changes are shown.
How Does Dekalb County Compare With Georgia Overall?
DeKalb County is estimated to account for about 6.89% of the 2,099,078 cases filed in Georgia courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | DeKalb County | Georgia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~144,616 | 2,099,078 | ~6.89% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+17.1% | +17.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,701 | 1,697 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,670 | 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 DeKalb County's 6.89% share of the state population.
Dekalb County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Georgia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for DeKalb 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 DeKalb County with the state.
Dekalb County Courthouse Locations
DeKalb County has 1 Superior Court location, the Clerk of Superior Court office in Decatur. Check the court named on your citation or notice before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Superior Court, Ground Floor, DeKalb County Courthouse | 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030 | 404-371-2836 | See location page here |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Dekalb County?
Georgia cases are heard in the Superior Court, State Court where the county has one, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, and municipal courts. Check the court named on your paperwork.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Court named on the citation (Magistrate, State, or municipal court) | Check the citation for the court and the date to appear. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Courts generally do not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | Magistrate Court or State Court | The charging document shows the court that will hear the case. |
| Felony | Superior Court | The Clerk of Superior Court keeps felony records. |
| DUI | Magistrate, State, or Superior Court | The charge and the citing agency determine the court. |
| Domestic violence | Magistrate, State, or Superior Court | The charge determines the court; ask the clerk about protective orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court or State Court | Civil claims go to the court where the county has one. |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Magistrate Court hears small claims cases. |
| Eviction | Magistrate Court | Dispossessory cases are filed in Magistrate Court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court, Domestic Relations | The Clerk of Superior Court keeps domestic relations records. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court, Domestic Relations | Custody and support cases are heard with domestic relations matters. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Probate Court is separate from the Clerk of Superior Court. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court | Juvenile proceedings are generally closed to the public. |
| Appeal | Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Georgia | Appeals go to the appellate court named in the trial court's order. |
Are Dekalb County Court Records Public?
Yes, most DeKalb County court records are public under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 et seq.) and court records rules, with exceptions for sealed and restricted records.
Public records
Most case files and court orders are open to the public, subject to the court's records rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, adoption, and family violence records are restricted. Sealed records are not available without a court order.
Online access
GeorgiaCourtAccess.org lets you search across record types by name. Results are not official court records, and not every document is online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court at 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030 to view or request records. Call 404-371-2836 to confirm which division holds your case.
How to Search Dekalb County Court Records Online
Start with GeorgiaCourtAccess.org and then confirm details with the court that holds the case.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open GeorgiaCourtAccess.org for a name search across record types.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Clerk of Superior Court at 404-371-2836 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | GeorgiaCourtAccess.org | Case names and status | Confirm records with the Clerk of Superior Court |
| Traffic | Court named on the citation | Case information from that court | Traffic courts vary; call the court to confirm |
| Civil | GeorgiaCourtAccess.org | Case names and status | Documents may require the clerk |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Case information from that court | Documents may require the court |
| Family law | GeorgiaCourtAccess.org | Case names and status | Domestic relations details are restricted |
| Probate | Probate Court | Estate and guardianship files | Separate from the Clerk of Superior Court |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Court | Case information through the court only | Juvenile proceedings are generally closed |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Dekalb County
Fine payment options are set by the court that handles your case, and the court's payment pages were not verified for DeKalb County. Contact the Clerk of Superior Court at 404-371-2836 to confirm how to pay before your court date.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Dekalb County Court Records FAQ
How do I search DeKalb County court records?
Use GeorgiaCourtAccess.org for a name search, or contact the Clerk of Superior Court at 404-371-2836.
Are DeKalb County court records public?
Most are public under the Georgia Open Records Act and court records rules, but juvenile, sealed, adoption, and family violence records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name on GeorgiaCourtAccess.org, then confirm the case with the Clerk of Superior Court at 404-371-2836.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice, or contact the Clerk of Superior Court at 404-371-2836.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Confirm the payment options with the court named on your citation, using the Clerk of Superior Court at 404-371-2836 if you need help.
How many cases are filed in DeKalb County each year?
County filing counts are not published downloadably. Georgia superior courts averaged 1,474 cases per judge statewide over 2022 to 2024.
What is the most common case type in DeKalb County?
County case type counts are not published downloadably. Georgia has 225 authorized superior court judges statewide.
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
DeKalb County Georgia Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA, 30030 |
| Phone Number: | 404-371-4901 |
| Fax: | 404-371-2002 |
| Website: | https://www.dekalbsuperiorcourt.com/ |
Stonecrest Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Stonecrest, GA, 30038 |
| Phone Number: | 770-224-0200 |
| Fax: | 470-299-4214 |
| Website: | https://www.stonecrestga.gov/municipal-court.aspx |
Brookhaven Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 2665 Buford Highway, Brookhaven, GA, 30319 |
| Phone Number: | 404-637-0660 |
| Website: | https://www.brookhavenga.gov/court |
Dunwoody Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA, 30338 |
| Phone Number: | 678-382-6973 |
| Fax: | 770-396-4717 |
| Website: | https://www.dunwoodyga.gov/government/departments/court |
Tucker Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1975 Lakeside Parkway, Tucker, GA, 30084 |
| Phone Number: | 678-597-9040 |
| Website: | https://www.tuckerga.gov/government/court/index.php |
Useful Links
- Superior Court of DeKalb County, GA : Access information about the Superior Court's services, including case filings, calendars, and jury service in DeKalb County.
- Magistrate Court of DeKalb County, GA : Find resources related to small claims, evictions, and more at the Magistrate Court of DeKalb County.
- Probate Court of DeKalb County, GA : Learn about wills, estates, guardianship, and marriage licenses issued by the DeKalb County Probate Court.
- Judicial Council of Georgia | Administrative Office of the Courts : Comprehensive access to resources and information about Georgia's judicial system and courts, including DeKalb County.
- State Court of DeKalb County, GA : Provides details on traffic offenses, civil cases, and misdemeanor criminal cases in DeKalb County.
- Court Records | Georgia.gov : Official portal for finding public court records and accessing documents throughout Georgia, including DeKalb County.
- DeKalb Bar Association : Offers legal resources, attorney referrals, and professional support for residents and legal practitioners in DeKalb County.
- Georgia Legal Aid : Provides free legal help, self-help resources, and information for low-income Georgians, including those in DeKalb County.
- DeKalb County Board of Equalization : Handles property valuation disputes and appeals in DeKalb County, Georgia.
- DeKalb County Sheriff's Office : Access information on jail records, inmate lookup, and sheriff's department services in DeKalb County.
- Georgia Probate Courts Directory : Directory of probate courts across Georgia, useful for locating specific services and offices in DeKalb County.
- Planning & Sustainability | DeKalb County, GA : Covers zoning, permits, and code enforcement, impacting court-related planning issues in DeKalb County.
- The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority : Provides statewide access to real estate, UCC, and civil case records, including those from DeKalb County.
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society : Delivers legal services to low-income families and individuals in the Atlanta area, including DeKalb County.
- DeKalb County Court Services : Offers comprehensive details on court hearings, filings, and legal document management in DeKalb County.
- Geographic Information Systems | DeKalb County, GA : Provides mapping and geographical data essential for planning legal strategies in DeKalb County.
- Find a Court | Georgia.gov : Resource for locating courts throughout Georgia, helping residents find specific courts within DeKalb County.
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers : Offers support and resources for criminal defense attorneys and information on criminal law cases in DeKalb County.
- Atlanta Municipal Court Public Defender’s Office : Provides defense services for those unable to afford private counsel, serving areas including DeKalb County.
- Office of the Attorney General of Georgia : Access to the state's legal resources, law enforcement duties, and consumer protection information relevant to DeKalb County.
Table of Contents
- Dekalb County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Dekalb County Court Records
- Dekalb County Court Statistics
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Dekalb County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Dekalb County?
- How Does Dekalb County Compare With Georgia Overall?
- Dekalb County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Dekalb County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Dekalb County?
- Are Dekalb County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Dekalb County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Dekalb County
- Dekalb County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links