Edwin T. Bell, Court Administrator

Office Address

DeKalb County Courthouse
556 North McDonough Street
Suite 3210
Decatur, GA 30030

Phone

404-371-2715

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Edwin T. Bell, Court Administrator

Court Administrator

Edwin T. Bell is an accomplished public sector executive with a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years.  He serves as the Court Administrator and Chief Administrative Officer of the court where he oversees many of the courts administrative and non-judicial operations.  Prior to this role he served as the Executive Director of Association Management and Court Partnerships for the National Center for State Courts. Edwin holds both Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees, as well as numerous court management and leadership certifications.

 

Additionally, he has earned the Public Leadership Credential from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and is a Fellow of the Institute for Court Management. Edwin’s journey is defined by his visionary leadership. He possesses a rare ability to drive change, build impactful partnerships, and spearhead transformative initiatives. His unwavering commitment to justice continues to leave an indelible mark on the organizations in which he works and within the community in which he lives. 

In his role with the DeKalb County State Court, Edwin provides executive oversight and strategic direction for the Court Administration division, ensuring that all operational, technological, and programmatic functions run with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. His leadership spans a wide range of mission‑critical areas that support the court’s daily operations and long‑term modernization goals.

Administrative Support
Edwin oversees the administrative teams responsible for coordinating daily court operations, managing communications, supporting judicial chambers, and ensuring timely and accurate processing of court documents and public inquiries.

Information Technology Division
He directs the IT Division, which manages the court’s digital infrastructure, case management systems, cybersecurity protocols, hardware and software support, and technology modernization initiatives that improve access, reliability, and user experience for staff and the public.

Program Management
Edwin leads a comprehensive portfolio of programmatic functions that sustain the court’s operational and fiscal health, including:

  • Grants Management: Identifying, securing, and administering grant funding to support innovation, staffing, and community‑focused initiatives.
  • Budget and Fiscal Affairs: Overseeing financial planning, budget development, expenditure tracking, and fiscal compliance to ensure responsible stewardship of public resources.
  • Legislative and Governmental Affairs: Monitoring legislative changes, coordinating with county and state partners, and ensuring the court remains aligned with evolving statutory and regulatory requirements.
  • Purchasing and Procurement: Managing vendor relationships, contract compliance, and acquisition of goods and services essential to court operations.
  • Human Resources: Providing leadership for recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee relations across the administrative workforce.
  • Payroll Administration: Ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, benefits coordination, and adherence to county and state compensation policies.
  • Facilities Management: Overseeing maintenance, space planning, security coordination, and operational readiness of all court facilities.
  • Projects and Infrastructure: Leading capital improvements, technology upgrades, workflow enhancements, and long‑range planning to strengthen the court’s operational foundation.
  • Foreign Language and Sign Language Interpreter Services: Ensuring equitable access to justice by managing interpreter services that support individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments.

 

Jo Dancer

Innovation Technology Director

Phenix Gaston

Program Director D.U.I. Court

Inclement Weather Announcement

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.

How do I attend virtual court?

Zoom instructions

How can I check to see if I have a bench warrant?

You must go to the DeKalb County Jail with a State issued ID to inquire about an active warrant.

How do I use the e-File system?

e-File GA instructions
https://dekstatecoutdev1.kindredinternet.com/electronic-filing-announcement/

How do I change my court date?

You must e-file your request. The pleading will be forwarded to the judicial case manager.

How do I get a copy of the transcript in my case?

You can request a copy of the transcript with the Judge’s staff. Fees may apply.

How do I collect my judgment?

● 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).

How do I file a Motion for a misdemeanor case?

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.

How do I update my address?

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

How do I change my court date?

Defendant must contact the Judge’s staff. (See Judge’s staff directory.)

How do I appeal a sentence?

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.

How do I put out a warrant on someone?

Contact the Criminal Division of Magistrate Court of DeKalb County, 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Phone: 404-294-2150.

How do I file a claim for child abandonment?

Contact the Criminal Division of Magistrate Court of DeKalb County, 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Phone: 404-294-2150.

How do I get my personal belongings back after arrest?

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.

How long does it take for my case to be accused?

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

How do I apply for a career with State Court?

Navigate to Career Opportunities page at https://dekstatecoutdev1.kindredinternet.com/careers/ to view opportunities with State Court.