DeKalb County Courthouse
556 North McDonough Street
Suite 3210
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2715
Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 5:00 pm
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:
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.