DeKalb County, Georgia Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in DeKalb County, Georgia?
Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.), warrants are considered public records in DeKalb County, Georgia. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to governmental records, including those related to judicial proceedings and law enforcement activities. The statute specifically designates certain records as accessible to members of the public to promote transparency in governmental operations.
The DeKalb County judicial system maintains warrant records as part of its official documentation of legal proceedings. These records serve multiple public interest functions, including allowing individuals to verify the existence of warrants issued against them or others. Public access to warrant information supports the constitutional principles of due process by enabling citizens to be informed of legal actions that may affect their rights or obligations.
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through designated channels established by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court, located at 556 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in DeKalb County?
Warrant records maintained by DeKalb County authorities typically contain the following information as required by Georgia state law:
- Full legal name and identifying information of the subject
- Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable)
- Case number and docket information
- Nature of the alleged offense, including statutory citations
- Name and title of the issuing judicial authority
- Bond amount (for arrest warrants)
- Specific conditions related to execution of the warrant
- Jurisdictional limitations
- Service status (served, unserved, or recalled)
The DeKalb County Criminal Investigation Division maintains records of warrants related to ongoing investigations in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information.
How to Check For Warrants in DeKalb County For Free
DeKalb County provides several no-cost methods for individuals to verify warrant status. These services are available pursuant to Georgia's public records laws:
- In-person requests at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, located at 4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Telephone inquiries to the Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at (404) 298-8100
- Public access terminals at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 556 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030
- Attendance at scheduled first appearance hearings, which are open to the public in accordance with constitutional requirements
The DeKalb County Police Department also maintains warrant information at their headquarters, located at 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084. Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
DeKalb County Sheriff Warrants
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for the execution of warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official documents issued under judicial authority that empower law enforcement officers to take specific actions, including:
- Arrest of individuals charged with criminal offenses
- Execution of search and seizure operations
- Service of court orders requiring specific compliance
- Enforcement of child support obligations
The Sheriff's Warrant Division processes approximately 1,500 warrants monthly, prioritizing those related to violent offenses and public safety concerns. The division operates in accordance with Georgia Code § 15-16-10, which establishes the powers and duties of county sheriffs regarding warrant execution.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
4415 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032
(404) 298-8100
Official Website
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in DeKalb County in 2025
As of 2025, DeKalb County has implemented enhanced systems for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status may utilize the following official channels:
- The DeKalb County online records portal, which provides 24-hour access to warrant information through a secure interface
- Direct contact with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at (404) 298-8100
- In-person inquiries at the Sheriff's Office, 4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
- Written requests submitted to the Clerk of Superior Court, 556 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 17-4-20.1, individuals with active warrants may be subject to immediate arrest. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office advises that persons who believe they may have outstanding warrants should address the matter promptly through appropriate legal channels.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in DeKalb County
DeKalb County maintains comprehensive systems for tracking outstanding warrants. Members of the public may verify warrant status through several authorized methods:
- The DeKalb County Police Department Warrant Division at (404) 294-2911
- The Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit at (404) 298-8200
- The online warrant verification system accessible through the county's official website
- Scheduled appointments with the Records Division at 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38) establishes penalties for the misuse of criminal history record information, including warrant data. All inquiries must be conducted through authorized channels and for legitimate purposes as defined by statute.
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