Criminal records in DeKalb County, Georgia, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. DeKalbCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The DeKalb County State Court, the Superior Court Clerk's Office, and the DeKalb County Police Records unit also serve as access points for criminal case data and background checks.
How to Search Criminal Records in DeKalb
There are several ways to search criminal records in DeKalb County, depending on the type of case and the level of detail you need.
Online Search Options
- DeKalbCourt.us — Search publicly available court record information by name or case number.
- DeKalb County State Court — Search State Court civil and criminal (misdemeanor) cases directly through the court's website. The State & Magistrate Court Clerk's Office is the official record keeper for misdemeanor criminal cases.
- Clerk of Superior Court Official Records Search — The Landmark Web portal allows searches of official records filed with the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court, including judicial records related to felony cases.
- Georgia Courts E-Access — The statewide portal provides links to individual court case search systems across Georgia. You may need an account to search some courts.
- DeKalb County Police Records — For criminal history background checks, email CriminalHistoryCheck@dekalbcountyga.gov to initiate a request through the Police Records unit.
In Person
- Visit the DeKalb County Courthouse in Decatur. Public access terminals may be available for case lookups.
- The Clerk of Superior Court's office handles felony case records. The State Court Clerk's Office handles misdemeanor records.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court or the State Court Clerk for copies of specific case records.
- For a statewide criminal history report, submit a request to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
- DeKalb County also accepts Open Records Requests under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70). The responding department has three business days to determine whether records exist and are available.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual (try spelling variations)
- Date of birth (if available)
- Case number (if known)
- Court type — Superior Court (felonies) or State Court (misdemeanors)
Search DeKalb Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. In Georgia, criminal case numbers typically follow a format that encodes the year, court type, and a sequential filing number.
A DeKalb County Superior Court criminal case number generally looks like this:
- YY-CR-NNNNN — where YY is the two-digit filing year, CR indicates a criminal case, and NNNNN is the sequential number assigned by the clerk.
State Court misdemeanor case numbers may use a different prefix or format. When searching, enter the case number exactly as it appears on any court documents you have. If the system does not return results, confirm you are searching the correct court — felony cases are filed in Superior Court, while misdemeanors are filed in State Court.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in DeKalb
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The O.C.G.A. (Official Code of Georgia Annotated) section the defendant is charged under, e.g., O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2 for theft by taking. |
| Severity | Felony (Superior Court), Misdemeanor (State Court), or Misdemeanor of a High and Aggravated Nature. Infractions such as traffic violations are typically handled in Magistrate or Municipal Court. |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations. The docket will reflect both original and amended charges. |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting court action.
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions filed).
- Disposed — A final outcome has been entered (conviction, dismissal, acquittal).
- Closed — All obligations fulfilled; case is no longer active.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary Hearing — Judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases).
- Pre-Trial Conference — Attorneys discuss case status, plea offers, and scheduling.
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented.
- Sentencing — Judge imposes a sentence after conviction or guilty plea.
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor probation compliance or other conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict. |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial. |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the prosecution or court. |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecutor declines to pursue the case (common in Georgia). |
| Dead Docketed | Case is inactive but not formally dismissed; may be revived. |
| First Offender | Defendant sentenced under Georgia's First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60); successful completion may result in discharge without a conviction. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in DeKalb
Certified copies carry the court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, employment verification, and licensing applications. The office you contact depends on the case type.
Felony Case Records — Clerk of Superior Court
Request certified copies of felony criminal case documents from the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court.
- In person: Visit the clerk's office and request copies at the records counter. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request including the case number, defendant's name, and the specific documents needed. Include a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online: Some judicial records may be viewable through the Landmark Web Official Records Search, though certified copies typically require an in-person or mail request.
Misdemeanor Case Records — State Court Clerk
- Visit the office or contact them by phone or email to request certified copies of misdemeanor case records.
Criminal History Background Checks — Police Records
The DeKalb County Police Records unit handles criminal history background checks. Email CriminalHistoryCheck@dekalbcountyga.gov to start the process. You will receive instructions and fee information.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive Georgia criminal history report, submit a request to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Fingerprint-based searches are required for official background checks and typically cost $20.00 or more.
What to Bring or Include
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Case number (if requesting specific case documents)
- Full legal name and date of birth of the subject
- Payment for fees (check, money order, or as directed by the office)
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in DeKalb
Fees vary by office and record type. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77), clerks of Superior Court may charge per-page copy fees and certification fees. The following table reflects standard fee ranges based on Georgia statute and county practice.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copies (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 – $0.50 per page | O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77(f); first page may be higher |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Superior Court) | $2.50 for first page, $0.25 each additional page | O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77(f) |
| Criminal history background check (Police Records) | Contact office for current fee | Email CriminalHistoryCheck@dekalbcountyga.gov |
| GCIC statewide criminal history (GBI) | $20.00+ | Fingerprint-based; fee set by GBI |
| Open Records Request copies | $0.25 per page (estimated) | O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c) |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often same-day for simple copy requests at the clerk's office, depending on volume.
- Mail requests: Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing.
- Open Records Requests: DeKalb County has three business days to determine whether responsive records exist and are available, per the Open Records Request policy. Production time depends on the volume and complexity of the request.
- Police background checks: Processing times vary. Contact the Police Records unit for current turnaround estimates.
- GBI statewide history: Typically 5–15 business days for fingerprint-based results.
Confirm current fees directly with the relevant office before submitting payment, as amounts may change.