Clayton County Public Records /Clayton County Court Records

Clayton County Court Records

What Is Clayton County Court Records

Court records in Clayton County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of court activities as maintained by the Clayton County courts. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 50-18-70, which establishes the state's Open Records Act, court records are defined as documents created, received, or maintained by courts in their official capacity.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Docket sheets listing chronological case events
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records
Settlement agreements (when not sealed)
Jury verdicts and findings

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by other county departments rather than the courts.

In Clayton County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:

Superior Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, divorces)
State Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $25,000)
Magistrate Court (small claims, preliminary hearings, warrants)
Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
Juvenile Court (delinquency, dependency cases)
Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, traffic offenses)

The Georgia Judicial Council, under authority granted by O.C.G.A. § 15-5-24, establishes standards for court record maintenance and accessibility throughout the state, including Clayton County.

Are Court Records Public In Clayton County

Court records in Clayton County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Georgia's Open Records Act, codified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that court records are open for inspection by any citizen of the state at a reasonable time and place.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
Criminal case files (post-charging, including indictments and informations)
Final judgments and orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Property records related to judgments and liens

However, certain records may be restricted from public access pursuant to statutory exemptions or court orders. According to the Georgia Judicial Council's rules, the following records typically have restricted access:

Juvenile court proceedings (except as specified in O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment records
Records sealed by court order
Grand jury proceedings
Certain family violence and stalking protective orders
Records containing confidential personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers)

The distinction between federal and state court records is important to note. While Clayton County courts operate under Georgia state law, federal courts in Georgia (including the Northern District of Georgia, which serves Clayton County) operate under federal rules regarding public access.

The Georgia Supreme Court has established uniform rules for public access to court records through the Judicial Council of Georgia, which provides policy guidance on record access throughout the state court system.

How To Find Court Records in Clayton County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Clayton County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of court records for the county. Individuals may obtain records through the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

By Mail:

Send a written request to the appropriate court clerk
Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
Include payment for estimated copy fees (money order preferred)

Online Access:

Visit the Clayton County Court Case Inquiry portal
Register for an account if required
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
View available documents and case information
Pay online for any copies or certified documents needed

For Superior Court Records:

Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court
9151 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-3432
Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

For certified copies of court records, requestors must submit a specific request form and pay additional certification fees ($2.50 per certification). Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61, the Clerk of Superior Court maintains records for all divisions of Superior Court, including civil, criminal, domestic relations, and real estate records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Clayton County Online?

Clayton County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources allow members of the public to search and retrieve court information without visiting the courthouse in person. The following online systems are currently available:

Clayton County Court Case Inquiry System This portal provides access to Superior and State Court records:

Navigate to the Court Case Inquiry portal
Select either "Name Search" or "Case Search" option
For name searches, enter last name, first name (minimum 2 characters each)
For case searches, enter the complete case number in proper format
Review search results showing case type, filing date, and status
Select specific cases to view additional details including parties, charges, and events

Georgia Judicial Gateway For statewide court record searches:

Visit the Georgia Courts E-Access portal
Create a user account or log in with existing credentials
Select Clayton County from the jurisdiction dropdown
Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
Pay any applicable search fees
View available case information and document listings

Clayton County Public Access System For property and tax records related to court judgments:

Access the Clayton County Public Access portal
Accept the terms of use agreement
Select the appropriate record type (deeds, liens, etc.)
Enter search parameters
View and download available documents

Each online system contains different record types and has varying levels of detail. Superior Court records generally include civil, criminal, domestic, and real estate cases, while State Court records include misdemeanor criminal, civil, and traffic cases. Municipal Court records may require separate access through individual city websites.

Users should note that certain sensitive case types (adoption, juvenile, sealed cases) are not available through online portals pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-72, which restricts access to confidential court records.

How To Search Clayton County Court Records for Free?

Georgia law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)(1), which states that "an agency shall utilize the most economical means available for providing copies of public records." While copying fees may apply, the inspection of records is available at no cost.

The following free search options are available to the public:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Clayton County Courthouse during regular business hours
Use public access terminals in the clerk's office at no charge
Review physical case files with assistance from court staff
Take notes without incurring any fees

Free Online Resources:

The Clayton County Court Case Inquiry system provides basic case information at no cost
Case status, party names, and hearing dates are viewable without fees
Docket entries showing case progression are freely accessible
Court calendars can be viewed online without charge

Public Law Library Access:

The Clayton County Law Library provides free access to court records
Public computers are available for conducting research
Staff can assist with locating case information
Legal research materials are available to help understand court documents

While basic record searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:

Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($2.50 per certification plus copy fees)
Complete case file reproductions
Expedited search services
Document delivery by mail or electronic means

For individuals with financial hardship, fee waivers may be available under certain circumstances as provided in O.C.G.A. § 9-15-2, which allows courts to waive filing fees for indigent parties. Similar considerations may apply to record search fees upon proper application to the court.

What's Included in a Clayton County Court Record?

Court records in Clayton County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components as required by Georgia court rules and O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints, petitions, or indictments
Summonses and service of process documentation
Initial appearances and arraignment records
Bail and bond information in criminal matters

Procedural Documents:

Motions filed by parties and responses
Court orders and rulings on motions
Scheduling notices and continuances
Discovery-related filings and disputes
Pre-trial conference summaries

Evidentiary Materials:

Witness lists and statements
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Expert witness reports
Deposition transcripts (when filed)
Affidavits and sworn statements

Disposition Documents:

Trial transcripts (when prepared)
Jury selection records and instructions
Verdict forms and findings of fact
Final judgments and decrees
Sentencing information in criminal cases

Post-Judgment Materials:

Appeals documentation
Satisfaction of judgment filings
Probation and parole records
Modification requests
Enforcement proceedings

Administrative Records:

Case management information
Docket sheets listing chronological events
Attorney appearances and withdrawals
Fee payments and financial records
Court reporter notes and recordings

In domestic relations cases, additional documents may include financial affidavits, parenting plans, and child support worksheets. Probate matters typically contain wills, inventories of assets, and fiduciary reports. Criminal cases include charging documents, plea agreements, and sentencing recommendations.

All court records must be maintained according to standards established by the Judicial Council of Georgia and the Administrative Office of the Courts to ensure consistency and accessibility throughout the state court system.

How Long Does Clayton County Keep Court Records?

Clayton County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act and the Judicial Council of Georgia. These retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and statutory requirements. The Georgia Archives' Records Management Division oversees these schedules pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99.

Felony Criminal Cases:

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Serious violent felonies: 70 years after final disposition
Other felonies: 25 years after final disposition
Dismissed felony cases: 7 years after dismissal

Misdemeanor Criminal Cases:

DUI and serious traffic offenses: 10 years after disposition
Other misdemeanors: 7 years after case closure
Dismissed misdemeanors: 3 years after dismissal

Civil Cases:

Cases establishing precedent: Permanent retention
Real property cases: 20 years after final judgment
Standard civil litigation: 7 years after final disposition
Small claims: 5 years after judgment

Domestic Relations:

Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
Child custody and support: Until youngest child reaches 23
Temporary orders: 3 years after expiration
Dismissed domestic cases: 3 years after dismissal

Probate Records:

Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
Guardianships: 10 years after termination
Conservatorships: 10 years after final accounting

Juvenile Court Records:

Delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 25
Dependency cases: 10 years after final disposition
Status offenses: 5 years after final disposition

After the designated retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to proper procedures. However, certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules. Additionally, case indices and docket books are typically retained permanently to maintain a record of case existence even after file destruction.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The Clayton County Clerk's Office has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term access to electronic court records.

Types of Courts In Clayton County

Clayton County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific case types as established by Georgia law and the state constitution.

Superior Court of Clayton County
Harold R. Banke Justice Center
9151 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-3405
Clayton County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Superior Court is Clayton County's court of general jurisdiction with authority over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, divorce and family law cases, and property disputes. It has exclusive jurisdiction over equity matters, title to land, and felonies. The court operates within the Clayton Judicial Circuit.

State Court of Clayton County
Harold R. Banke Justice Center
9151 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-3440
Clayton County State Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil actions where the amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000. It operates with a jury system and maintains its own clerk's office.

Magistrate Court of Clayton County
Harold R. Banke Justice Center
9151 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-3443
Clayton County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Magistrate Court handles small claims (up to $15,000), landlord-tenant disputes, county ordinance violations, and issues arrest and search warrants. It also conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases.

Probate Court of Clayton County
Harold R. Banke Justice Center
9151 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-3299
Clayton County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, and certain mental health proceedings. It also administers firearms licenses.

Juvenile Court of Clayton County
Juvenile Justice Center
4460 Jonesboro Road
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-3270
Clayton County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over delinquency, dependency, and children in need of services cases involving individuals under 18 years of age.

Municipal Courts Several municipalities within Clayton County operate their own courts for city ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses:

City of Forest Park Municipal Court
745 Forest Parkway
Forest Park, GA 30297
(404) 366-4720
City of Jonesboro Municipal Court
170 South Main Street
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 478-3800
City of Morrow Municipal Court
1500 Morrow Road
Morrow, GA 30260
(770) 961-4002

The court hierarchy in Georgia places the Supreme Court of Georgia and Court of Appeals at the appellate level, with Superior Courts, State Courts, and limited jurisdiction courts (Magistrate, Probate, Juvenile, Municipal) at the trial level.

What Types of Cases Do Clayton County Courts Hear?

Clayton County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with each court handling specific case types according to its statutory jurisdiction. The following breakdown details the types of cases heard by each court:

Superior Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking)
Civil matters with amounts in controversy exceeding $25,000
Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, alimony, adoption)
Real property disputes and title to land cases
Equity matters (injunctions, specific performance)
Habeas corpus petitions
Appeals from lower courts
Complex business litigation

State Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses
Traffic violations (DUI, reckless driving)
Civil actions up to $25,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Personal injury and tort claims
Contract disputes
Garnishments and post-judgment proceedings
Ordinance violations

Magistrate Court Cases:

Small claims civil actions (up to $15,000)
Dispossessory (eviction) proceedings
Distress warrant hearings
County ordinance violations
Preliminary hearings in criminal matters
Issuance of arrest and search warrants
Good behavior bonds
Deposit account fraud (bad checks)

Probate Court Cases:

Wills and estate administration
Appointment of executors and administrators
Guardianships and conservatorships
Marriage licenses
Weapons carry permits
Involuntary commitment proceedings
Certain minor traffic violations
Hunter education certification

Juvenile Court Cases:

Delinquency proceedings (criminal offenses by minors)
Children in need of services (CHINS)
Dependency cases (abuse, neglect)
Termination of parental rights
Custody matters involving DFCS
Emancipation petitions
Truancy issues
Juvenile traffic offenses

Municipal Court Cases:

City ordinance violations
Minor traffic offenses within city limits
Parking violations
Public intoxication
Disorderly conduct
Business license violations
Property maintenance code enforcement

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by Georgia law, with certain matters having exclusive jurisdiction in specific courts. For example, only Superior Court can hear felony cases and divorce matters, while Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over delinquency proceedings involving minors.

The Clayton County court system processes thousands of cases annually across these various courts, with each maintaining separate dockets and case management systems.

How To Find a Court Docket In Clayton County

Court dockets in Clayton County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These public records allow citizens to track case progress and determine hearing dates. Several methods exist for accessing docket information:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Clayton County Court Case Inquiry system
Select the appropriate court (Superior, State, etc.)
Search by case number, party name, or date range
Review docket entries showing scheduled hearings
Note that some specialized dockets may require separate access

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
Request to view the daily or weekly docket sheets
Provide case information if seeking a specific matter
Public terminals may be available for self-service searching
Staff can assist with locating appropriate docket information

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the clerk's office during business hours
Provide case number or party names
Request current docket status and next hearing date
Be prepared to verify your identity
Note that detailed information may require in-person visits

Specialized Docket Programs: Clayton County operates several specialized docket programs, including:

Drug Court docket (Superior Court)
Mental Health Court docket (Superior Court)
Veterans Treatment Court docket (State Court)
Accountability Courts docket (various courts)

For these specialized dockets, contact the specific program coordinator for schedule information.

Attorney Access: Attorneys registered with the courts may access additional docket information through:

The Georgia Courts Automated Information System
E-filing portals with docket tracking features
Court notification systems for represented cases

Docket information typically includes case numbers, party names, hearing types, assigned judges, courtroom locations, and scheduled times. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61(a)(4), the clerk of each court must maintain accurate docket records for all pending cases.

Which Courts in Clayton County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Georgia judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive verbatim records of all proceedings and have the authority to punish for contempt. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically do not maintain complete transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested by parties. This distinction is established in O.C.G.A. § 15-6-36, which outlines the requirements for courts of record.

In Clayton County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:

Municipal Courts:

Forest Park Municipal Court
Jonesboro Municipal Court
Morrow Municipal Court
Lake City Municipal Court
Riverdale Municipal Court

These municipal courts typically handle city ordinance violations, minor traffic offenses, and certain misdemeanors. While they maintain case files and docket information, they do not automatically create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. If a case is appealed from a municipal court, it receives a de novo trial (completely new hearing) in State Court rather than a review of the record.

Magistrate Court: The Clayton County Magistrate Court is generally considered a court not of record for most proceedings, particularly in its small claims division and preliminary hearing functions. However, certain proceedings may be recorded at the discretion of the presiding magistrate or upon request of parties.

Courts of record in Clayton County include:

Superior Court
State Court
Probate Court
Juvenile Court

These courts maintain official transcripts of proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. Appeals from these courts to higher courts (Court of Appeals or Supreme Court) are based on the official record created during the original proceedings.

The practical implications of this distinction include:

Appeals process differences (de novo trials vs. record review)
Availability of transcripts for future reference
Precedential value of decisions
Contempt powers of the court

Parties appearing in courts not of record should be aware that if they wish to preserve testimony for potential appeals, they may need to specifically request recording services, often at their own expense.