The DeKalb Magistrate Court is in the DeKalb County Courthouse, Decatur GA and handles some criminal matters. If you need more information, please contact the Criminal Clerk's Office at 404-294-2150. Please note that the Clerks can only provide general information and cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.

Arrest Warrants
The Criminal Division of Dekalb Magistrate Court is responsible for issuing warrants in most cases where a crime is alleged to have been committed within Dekalb County. Law Enforcement Officers that have been certified by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) may apply for arrest warrants by making an oath or affirmation (Affidavit) before a Judge asserting probable cause that a crime has occurred in this county.

Search Warrants
Law Enforcement Officers may apply for search warrants that allow them to obtain evidence from a person's home, automobile, or other property that is otherwise protected by their privacy rights. The officer must provide the Judge with an Affidavit asserting probable cause: that a crime has been committed, that evidence of that crime can be obtained within this county, and a list specifically naming what items are being sought.

First Appearance Hearings/Bond Hearings
The Court handles bonding matters in most cases for accused persons that have been arrested and are housed in the Dekalb County Jail, regardless of the Law Enforcement Agency that made the arrest.
Misdemeanor First Appearance Hearings/Bond Hearings normally begin at 9:00am or shortly thereafter.
Felony First Appearance Hearings/Bond Hearings normally begin at 1:00pm or shortly thereafter.