Court records in Gwinnett County, Georgia can be searched through several channels. GwinnettCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Gwinnett County Courts official website, the Georgia statewide E-Access court records portal, individual clerk offices in person, and public computer terminals located at county courthouses.
Gwinnett Court System & Jurisdictions
Gwinnett County operates several courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is essential before searching for a docket entry.
- Superior Court — The general jurisdiction trial court in Georgia. Handles felony criminal cases, civil actions with no dollar limit, divorces, land title disputes, and equity cases. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains most civil and criminal records in the county.
- State Court — Hears misdemeanor criminal cases (including traffic offenses that are misdemeanors), civil claims of any dollar amount, and preliminary hearings. State Court also processes jury trials for misdemeanors.
- Magistrate Court — Issues warrants and handles small claims (currently up to $15,000 under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2), county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings, and deposit account fraud (bad check) cases. No jury trials are held here.
- Probate Court — Oversees wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, marriage licenses, firearms licenses, and birth and death certificate applications.
- Juvenile Court — Handles cases involving minors alleged to be delinquent, unruly, or deprived, as well as child deprivation proceedings and certain custody matters. Most juvenile records are restricted from public access under Georgia law.
- Recorder's Court — Processes county ordinance violations and certain traffic citations issued within unincorporated Gwinnett County and participating municipalities.
All of these courts operate from facilities in Lawrenceville, the Gwinnett County seat. Detailed contact information and court-specific resources are available on the Gwinnett County Courts website.
Gwinnett Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Gwinnett County are typically published by each individual court division. To find today's or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Gwinnett County Courts page and select the specific court (Superior, State, Magistrate, Probate, Juvenile, or Recorder's Court).
- Look for the court calendar or docket section within that court's page. Many divisions post daily and weekly calendars as downloadable PDF documents.
- For statewide case searches, the Georgia Courts E-Access portal allows you to look up case information across participating courts. An account may be required.
If you cannot find a specific hearing date online, contact the clerk's office for the relevant court directly. Calendar availability varies — Superior and State Court calendars are generally posted in advance, while Magistrate and Recorder's Court schedules may be available only a few days before the hearing date.
For appellate-level cases originating from Gwinnett County, the Supreme Court of Georgia docket search tool allows searches by case number or party name.
How to Get a Copy of a Gwinnett Court Document
The Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court is the primary custodian of civil and criminal court records. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court office at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file. You can request either certified or uncertified copies at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to the address above.
Online
Some records may be viewable through the Georgia E-Access court records system. Availability depends on the court division and the date the case was filed. Certified copies generally still require an in-person or mail request.
Certified vs. uncertified: A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, making it valid for legal proceedings, background checks, or official filings. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference only. Certain records — including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and adoption files — are restricted under Georgia law and may not be available to the general public.
Gwinnett Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record searches and copies in Georgia are set by statute (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77) and local administrative orders. The following table reflects standard fees at the Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certification of document | $2.50 per certification |
| Record search (per name) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Exemplified copy | $5.00 (in addition to copy charges) |
| Issuing a subpoena | Varies by court |
Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office typically include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Some online services may charge an additional convenience fee for electronic payments.
For questions about fees for specific courts — such as Probate Court filing fees or Magistrate Court small claims costs — contact the relevant court division directly through the Gwinnett County Courts website. If you need information about an individual currently in state custody, the Georgia Department of Corrections offender search is a separate resource.