Rockdale County Public Records /Rockdale County Court Records

Rockdale County Court Records

What Is Rockdale County Court Records

Court records in Rockdale County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records are maintained pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which establishes the framework for public access to government records.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets listing chronological case events
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

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

Superior Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000)
State Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $25,000)
Magistrate Court (small claims, preliminary hearings)
Probate Court (wills, estates, marriage licenses)
Juvenile Court (delinquency, dependency cases)

The Georgia Courts system provides the structural framework for how these records are organized and maintained across all counties, including Rockdale.

Are Court Records Public In Rockdale County

Court records in Rockdale County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under both the Georgia Open Records Act (§ 50-18-70 et seq.) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in the Georgia Constitution, Article I, § 1, Paragraph XI. These provisions establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.

Records typically available to the public include:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, judgments)
Criminal case files after formal charging
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Property records related to court proceedings

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Records sealed by judicial order
Certain domestic violence and family court matters
Grand jury proceedings
Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account information)

The Georgia Supreme Court has established uniform rules for public access to court records through the Judicial Council of Georgia, which provides guidance to all courts in the state regarding record accessibility and confidentiality.

Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (which includes Rockdale County) are governed by separate federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.

How To Find Court Records in Rockdale County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Rockdale County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both in-person and electronic access options.

For in-person requests:

Identify the specific court that holds the desired records (Superior, State, Magistrate, Probate, or Juvenile)
Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying case number, party names, or other identifying information
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees (typically $1.00 per page for standard copies)

Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
922 Court Street
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7800
Rockdale County Clerk of Courts

For electronic access, Rockdale County participates in Georgia's statewide E-Access to Court Records system, which allows registered users to search and retrieve certain court documents online. The process typically involves:

Creating a user account on the appropriate portal
Selecting Rockdale County from the jurisdiction menu
Entering search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
Reviewing search results and selecting desired documents
Paying any applicable access or download fees

For records not available online, requesters may submit written requests via mail or email to the appropriate court clerk, including:

Requester's full name and contact information
Specific description of records sought
Case numbers or party names if known
Date range of interest
Preferred delivery method (mail, email, pickup)

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-61, the Clerk of Superior Court maintains the official records of the court and is responsible for facilitating public access in accordance with state law and court rules.

How To Look Up Court Records in Rockdale County Online?

Rockdale County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online, with varying levels of information availability depending on the court and case type. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits.

The primary online resources include:

Georgia Courts E-Access Portal
- Accessible through the Georgia Courts website
- Provides access to Superior Court and State Court records
- Requires user registration and acceptance of terms
- Allows searches by case number, party name, or filing date
- Displays case summaries, party information, and docket entries
- Some documents may require payment to view or download
Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Records Search
- Offers access to civil, criminal, and real estate records
- Searchable by name, case number, or property information
- Provides case status, hearing dates, and judgment information
- Updated daily with new filings and case actions
Rockdale County Probate Court Online Records
- The Rockdale County Probate Court maintains a separate system for wills, estates, and marriage records
- Allows searches for probate cases and marriage licenses
- Provides status updates on pending probate matters
- Some documents require in-person requests due to confidentiality
Magistrate Court Case Lookup
- Offers information on small claims, evictions, and preliminary criminal hearings
- Searchable by defendant/plaintiff name or case number
- Provides hearing schedules and basic case status

When using these online systems, users should note:

Not all documents within a case file may be available electronically
Older cases (generally pre-2000) may have limited online availability
Confidential or sealed records will not appear in public searches
Document images may require special software to view
Some systems may assess access fees for certain document types

For technical assistance with online court record systems, users may contact the Rockdale County Information Technology Department at (770) 278-7100.

How To Search Rockdale County Court Records for Free?

Georgia law provides for free public inspection of court records under the Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71), though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Rockdale County offers several no-cost options for accessing basic court information.

Free access methods include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
- No charge for viewing records on-site
- Bring case numbers or party names to facilitate searches
- Photo ID may be required for certain sensitive cases
Public Access Terminals
- Located in the Rockdale County Courthouse
- Provide free access to computerized court indices
- Available during regular business hours
- No registration required
- Staff assistance available for basic search guidance
Basic Online Case Information
- The Georgia Courts website offers free case status lookups
- Provides basic case information including:
  - Party names
  - Case type and filing date
  - Judge assignment
  - Next scheduled hearing
  - Case status (active/closed)
- No registration required for basic information
Rockdale County Law Library
- Located in the Rockdale County Courthouse
- Offers public access computers for legal research
- Provides assistance locating publicly available court records
- Available during designated library hours

While basic record searches are free, the following fees may apply for additional services:

Printed copies: $1.00 per page
Certified copies: $2.50 per document plus copy fees
Research assistance: $15.00 per hour (for searches requiring staff time)
Electronic document downloads: Varies by document type

The Rockdale County Clerk's Office maintains a public fee schedule pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, which establishes allowable charges for court record services.

What's Included in a Rockdale County Court Record?

Court records in Rockdale County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documents.

Standard components found in most court records include:

Case Initiation Documents
- Complaints or petitions in civil cases
- Indictments or accusations in criminal matters
- Initial pleadings establishing jurisdiction
Party Information
- Names and contact information for all parties
- Attorney information when represented
- Service of process documentation
Docket Sheet
- Chronological listing of all case events
- Filing dates for all documents
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judge assignments and reassignments
Court Orders and Judgments
- Interim and final rulings by the court
- Settlement agreements approved by the court
- Dismissal orders and reasons
- Judgment amounts in civil cases
Hearing and Trial Records
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness lists and testimony summaries

Case-specific documents may include:

Criminal Cases
- Arrest warrants and booking information
- Bond orders and conditions
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms and violations
Civil Cases
- Answers and counterclaims
- Discovery documents (when filed with court)
- Expert witness reports
- Damage calculations
- Post-judgment collection efforts
Family Law Cases
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Temporary and permanent orders
- Qualified domestic relations orders
Probate Cases
- Wills and codicils
- Inventories of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Guardian/conservator reports
- Final accountings and distributions

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children, in accordance with Georgia Supreme Court rules on privacy protection.

How Long Does Rockdale County Keep Court Records?

Rockdale County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq.) and the Judicial Council of Georgia. These schedules vary by record type and significance, with some records preserved permanently while others may be disposed of after specified periods.

Standard retention periods include:

Permanent Retention Records:

All Superior Court criminal felony case files
Civil cases with historical or precedential value
Real property cases (title disputes, condemnations)
Domestic relations final judgments and decrees
Adoption proceedings
Wills and estate administrations
Mental health commitment proceedings
Naturalization records
Court minutes and final judgment indices

Extended Retention Records (75+ years):

Birth and death records maintained by Probate Court
Marriage licenses and certificates
Divorce decrees
Name change orders
Legitimation proceedings

Medium-Term Retention (15-25 years):

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Civil cases without permanent significance
Domestic violence temporary protective orders
Small claims court judgments
Traffic violations resulting in points
Probation records

Shorter-Term Retention (5-10 years):

Minor traffic violations
Dismissed cases without prejudice
Satisfied judgments in small claims cases
Administrative court records
Routine correspondence

The Georgia Archives provides oversight for the state's records management program and publishes detailed retention schedules that all counties, including Rockdale, must follow. After the required retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to archival storage for historical preservation
Converted to electronic format for space-saving storage
Destroyed according to secure destruction protocols

Individuals seeking older records should note that while the information may still exist, the format and location may differ from current records. Some historical court records from Rockdale County have been transferred to the Georgia Archives for permanent preservation and may require special access procedures.

Types of Courts In Rockdale County

Rockdale County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels, operating within Georgia's unified court system. Each court handles specific case types and maintains its own records.

Rockdale County Superior Court
922 Court Street
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7800
Rockdale County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, divorce and family matters, land title disputes, and civil cases with amounts exceeding $25,000. It also handles appeals from lower courts within the county.

Rockdale County State Court
922 Court Street
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7720
Rockdale County State Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters with amounts up to $25,000. It conducts both bench and jury trials for cases within its jurisdiction.

Rockdale County Magistrate Court
948 Bank Street
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7800
Rockdale County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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

Rockdale County Probate Court
922 Court Street, Suite 110
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7700
Rockdale County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and issues marriage licenses. It also processes weapons carry permits and certain mental health proceedings.

Rockdale County Juvenile Court
922 Court Street
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7777
Rockdale County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Juvenile Court handles cases involving children under 18, including delinquency, dependency, child custody, and child support matters when related to juvenile cases.

Appeals from Rockdale County courts proceed to the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court of Georgia, depending on the case type. These appellate courts are located in Atlanta rather than within Rockdale County.

What Types of Cases Do Rockdale County Courts Hear?

Rockdale County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with each court handling specific case types according to jurisdictional authority established by Georgia law. This specialized structure ensures efficient processing of various legal issues.

Superior Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking)
Divorce and annulment proceedings
Child custody and support determinations
Adoption petitions
Property disputes exceeding $25,000
Equity matters (injunctions, specific performance)
Title to land cases
Habeas corpus petitions
Appeals from lower courts

State Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses
Traffic violations (DUI, reckless driving)
Civil actions up to $25,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Contract controversies
Personal injury claims
Property damage cases
Ordinance violations

Magistrate Court Cases:

Small claims up to $15,000
Dispossessory (eviction) proceedings
Abandoned motor vehicle claims
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
Year's support petitions
Guardianships and conservatorships for adults
Guardianships of minors' property
Marriage license applications
Weapons carry permits
Involuntary commitment proceedings
Cemetery lot deed disputes

Juvenile Court Cases:

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

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in the Georgia Code Title 15, which defines court authority and procedures. When jurisdictional questions arise, the Superior Court generally has authority to determine proper case assignment as Georgia's constitutional court of general jurisdiction.

How To Find a Court Docket In Rockdale County

Court dockets in Rockdale County provide the official schedule of cases to be heard and serve as a chronological index of all actions taken in a case. These essential records are accessible through several methods.

To access current court dockets:

Online Docket Search
- Visit the Georgia Courts E-Access portal
- Select Rockdale County from the jurisdiction menu
- Choose the specific court (Superior, State, etc.)
- Search by date range to view upcoming hearings
- Filter by judge or case type if needed
Courthouse Public Terminals
- Located in the Rockdale County Courthouse lobby
- Provide free access to current docket information
- Updated daily with schedule changes
- No login required for public docket viewing
Clerk's Office Inquiry
- Visit the clerk for the specific court
- Request to view the daily or weekly printed docket
- Staff can assist with locating specific cases
- Available during regular business hours
Telephone Information Line
- Superior Court: (770) 278-7800
- State Court: (770) 278-7720
- Automated system provides hearing information
- Enter case number when prompted

For specialized docket information:

Criminal Dockets: Contact the District Attorney's Office at (770) 278-7900
Civil Motion Calendar: Published weekly on the court's website
Probate Court Hearings: Available through the Probate Court website
Juvenile Court Proceedings: Limited public access; contact court directly

Docket information typically includes:

Case number and style (parties' names)
Presiding judge
Hearing type (arraignment, motion, trial)
Scheduled date, time, and courtroom
Attorney information
Current case status

Pursuant to Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 33.3, court calendars must be published at least seven days before scheduled proceedings. Docket information is subject to change, and parties should verify hearing times before appearing.

Which Courts in Rockdale County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Georgia's judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested, while "courts not of record" typically maintain only basic case information and outcomes. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record availability.

In Rockdale County, the following are not courts of record:

Rockdale County Magistrate Court
948 Bank Street
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7800
Rockdale County Magistrate Court

The Magistrate Court, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 15-10-1, is not a court of record for most proceedings. This means:

Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim
Appeals are handled as de novo trials (completely new hearings) in Superior or State Court
Only basic documentation of claims, defenses, and judgments is maintained
Formal rules of evidence may be applied less strictly

However, when the Magistrate Court conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases, these specific proceedings must be recorded pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 17-7-28, creating a limited exception to its non-record status.

Municipal Courts in Rockdale County
City of Conyers Municipal Court
1174 Scott Street
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 929-4255
Conyers Municipal Court

Municipal courts handling city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses are also not courts of record. Appeals from these courts proceed to Rockdale County State Court for de novo hearings.

By contrast, the following Rockdale County courts are courts of record:

Superior Court
State Court
Probate Court
Juvenile Court

These courts maintain complete records of all proceedings, including:

Verbatim transcripts of hearings (when requested)
Comprehensive documentation of evidence presented
Detailed orders and judgments
Complete party and witness testimony

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is established in the Georgia Constitution, Article VI, and further defined in O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61, which outlines the record-keeping responsibilities of courts throughout the state.