- General Court Information:
- 404-371-2261
- 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Please feel free to contact our office for assistance.
DeKalb County Courthouse
556 North McDonough Street
2nd Floor Administrative Tower
Decatur, GA 30030
404.371.2261
Robert "Bobby" Burgess
3630 Camp Circle
Decatur, GA 30032
404.294.2099
State Court processes non-criminal, civil court cases brought by a plaintiff (individual, organization, business, institution, or government body) against a defendant. State Civil handles case appeals and transfers to other courts or jurisdictions.
State Criminal is responsible for all filings related to misdemeanor criminal cases prosecuted by the Solicitor General’s Office.
Most state law traffic violations are assigned to Division B of the State Court and are punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 per charge and maximum jail sentence of up to 12 months.
Magistrate Civil processes small claim cases brought by a plaintiff (individual, organization, business, institution, or government body) against a defendant. The maximum for these cases is $15,000.
Magistrate Criminal processes law enforcement arrest warrants, private party warrant applications, search warrants, and first appearance hearings. Public access is available from 8:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days per week.
Dispossessory handles evictions and property recovery through application, answer, writs and warrants. These cases often involve landlord tenant disputes over possession of property. Eviction process is facilitated by the DeKalb County Marshal.
The Garnishment Division handles legal actions filed against the person or business entity that owes funds to the judgment debtor or is holding funds on behalf of the judgment debtor. All account maintenance and payments from the garnishee are handled by this division.
The Ordinance Division is responsible for addressing violations of county ordinances, including those related to property maintenance and animal control. When standard code enforcement efforts are unsuccessful in resolving ongoing issues, the Division may initiate nuisance and abatement proceedings as the next step.
Given the statewide State of Emergency and in accordance with the Judicial Emergency Order issued by DeKalb County Chief Superior Court Judge, Shondeana C. Morris, all courthouse divisions of DeKalb County State Court will be closed from Sunday, January 25, 2026, beginning at 8:00 am until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 8:00 am when the Court will resume normal proceedings.
Zoom instructions
You must go to the DeKalb County Jail with a State issued ID to inquire about an active warrant.
e-File GA instructions
https://dekstatecoutdev1.kindredinternet.com/electronic-filing-announcement/
You must e-file your request. The pleading will be forwarded to the judicial case manager.
You can request a copy of the transcript with the Judge’s staff. Fees may apply.
● Obtain a Writ of Fieri Facias (Fi Fa) to record a lien or seize assets.
● Levy on property (see levy process).
● Garnish bank accounts or wages (see garnishment process).
You must compose your own motions and file them with the clerk’s office or via e-file. Resources: Law Library (4th floor), attorneys, Legal Aid, or DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.
In person: 556 N. McDonough Street, Suite 240, Decatur, GA 30030 (bring valid government ID).
By email please include case number, old/new address, phone, email, and copy of ID:
Criminal Cases: DCSCCRIMINALINFO@DEKALBCOUNTYGA.GOV
Civil Cases:
DCSCCIVILINFO@DEKALBCOUNTYGA.GOV
Defendant must contact the Judge’s staff. (See Judge’s staff directory.)
File a Notice of Appeal and pay $25. Include case number and specify whether you are appealing to the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Contact the Criminal Division of Magistrate Court of DeKalb County, 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Phone: 404-294-2150.
Contact the Criminal Division of Magistrate Court of DeKalb County, 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Phone: 404-294-2150.
Visit the Police Property Room with valid ID. If property was evidence, an Authorization of Release Letter from the arresting officer/detective is required. Address: 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Phone: 404-294-2528.
The solicitor’s office accuses cases within two years of the arrest or citation. Therefore, the Clerk’s Office does not know when an accusation will be filed. Please contact the Solicitor’s Office (404) 371-2201
Navigate to Career Opportunities page at https://dekstatecoutdev1.kindredinternet.com/careers/ to view opportunities with State Court.
