Gwinnett County Court Records
What Is Gwinnett County Court Records
Court records in Gwinnett County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related information maintained by various courts operating within Gwinnett County jurisdiction. Pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, court records are defined as documentary materials created, utilized, or maintained in the course of judicial proceedings.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records
- Settlement agreements (when not sealed)
It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by Gwinnett County. While property records, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records are also public documents, they fall under different administrative departments and access protocols.
The Gwinnett County Courts system encompasses multiple judicial bodies that maintain their respective records:
- 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)
- Recorder's Court (traffic violations, county ordinance cases)
Each court maintains records pertaining to civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters within their respective jurisdictions as established by Georgia state law.
Are Court Records Public In Gwinnett County
Court records in Gwinnett County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Georgia's constitutional principle of open courts and the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that court records are public unless specifically exempted by law or sealed by judicial order.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents, indictments, pleas)
- Final judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Property records related to judgments and liens
It should be noted that access protocols differ between federal courts (which follow federal rules) and state courts in Gwinnett County (which follow Georgia state law). The Georgia Supreme Court has established uniform rules governing public access to court records through its Rule 21, which balances transparency with privacy concerns.
Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Sealed records pursuant to court order
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Grand jury materials
- Certain family court matters involving minors
The Georgia Courts system maintains statewide policies on record access that apply to Gwinnett County courts, ensuring consistent application of public access principles while protecting legally confidential information.
How To Find Court Records in Gwinnett County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Gwinnett County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both in-person and electronic access options for court record retrieval.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate clerk's office:
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Clerk of Superior Court
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
The process for obtaining court records in person typically involves:
- Identifying the specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Completing a records request form available at the clerk's office
- Submitting the request to the appropriate clerk
- Paying applicable search and copy fees
- Waiting for records to be retrieved (same-day service for readily available records)
For electronic access, Gwinnett County offers several online portals:
- The Gwinnett County Courts website provides links to each court's case management system
- The E-Access to Court Records portal maintained by the state judiciary offers searchable databases
- The Gwinnett County Clerk's Office maintains a public access terminal for electronic records
When requesting records, individuals should provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
- Specific documents needed
Certified copies of court records require additional fees and may be requested using the official certification request form available through the clerk's office. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-77, fees for court records are established by state law and local court rules.
How To Look Up Court Records in Gwinnett County Online?
Gwinnett County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. Each court within the county maintains its own electronic case management system, accessible through the county's unified portal.
The primary online resources for court record searches include:
-
Gwinnett County Justice Information System (GCJIS)
- Accessible through the Gwinnett County Courts website
- Provides access to Superior Court, State Court, and Magistrate Court records
- Allows searches by case number, party name, or filing date
- Displays case status, scheduled hearings, and document listings
-
Probate Court Online Records
- Specialized system for wills, estates, and guardianship cases
- Limited to non-confidential probate matters
- Requires registration for full document access
-
Recorder's Court Case Search
- Dedicated to traffic violations and county ordinance cases
- Searchable by citation number, name, or hearing date
- Provides payment options for applicable fines
-
State of Georgia Judicial Gateway
- Accessible through Georgia Courts E-Access
- Provides unified search across multiple counties
- Requires free registration for advanced features
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the appropriate court's website through the Gwinnett County portal
- Select the "Case Search" or "Records Search" option
- Enter the required search criteria (minimum information requirements vary by system)
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select specific cases to view detailed information
- Access available documents (some may require in-person requests)
Users should note that online systems typically display case metadata (parties, filing dates, scheduled events) for all public cases, but complete document access may require additional steps or fees. Pursuant to Georgia Supreme Court Rule 21, certain sensitive information is redacted from online records to protect privacy while maintaining public access.
How To Search Gwinnett County Court Records for Free?
Georgia law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71, inspection of records shall be permitted during regular business hours.
Gwinnett County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records:
-
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Public terminals are available for searching electronic records
- Physical case files may be reviewed under staff supervision
- No fee for viewing records (copying fees apply if needed)
-
Free Online Resources
- The Gwinnett County Courts website provides basic case information at no charge
- Case status, party information, and hearing dates are freely accessible
- Docket listings and case indices are available without registration
-
Public Access Terminals
- Located in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
- Provide more comprehensive access than remote online systems
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
-
Law Library Access
- The Gwinnett County Law Library offers public access computers
- Legal research databases include some court record information
- Professional librarians can assist with navigating resources
When utilizing free search options, users should note:
- Basic case information is generally available without charge
- Document viewing may require in-person visits
- Complex searches may be more efficient through fee-based services
- Some older records may not be available electronically
The Georgia Courts system continues to expand free electronic access to court records statewide, with Gwinnett County participating in these initiatives to increase transparency and accessibility while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations.
What's Included in a Gwinnett County Court Record?
Gwinnett County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. The composition of these records is governed by Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 21 and corresponding local court rules.
A typical Gwinnett County court record includes:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment filings (garnishments, appeals)
Criminal Case Records:
- Indictment or accusation
- Arrest warrant information
- Bond documentation
- Plea agreements
- Motions to suppress or dismiss
- Trial exhibits (when admitted)
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms
- Appeal documentation
Family Court Records:
- Divorce petitions
- Child custody determinations
- Support orders
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Final divorce decrees
- Modification requests
Probate Records:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Estate inventories
- Letters of administration
- Guardianship appointments
- Annual accountings
- Distribution orders
Each court record also contains a case docket, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. The docket typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Document filing dates
- Hearing schedules and outcomes
- Fee payments
- Service of process information
Court records may also include transcripts of proceedings, though these are typically prepared only upon request and payment of transcription fees. Audio recordings of hearings may be maintained according to court policies but are not automatically included in the public case file.
How Long Does Gwinnett County Keep Court Records?
Gwinnett County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act § 50-18-90 et seq and the Judicial Council of Georgia. These schedules vary by record type and significance, ensuring historically important documents are preserved while allowing for the disposition of routine records after appropriate time periods.
The standard retention periods for major record categories include:
Permanent Retention:
- Felony case files with sentences of death or life imprisonment
- Civil cases establishing precedent or significant property rights
- Adoption records
- Real property cases
- Wills and estate administration records
- Mental health commitment records
- Naturalization records
- Divorce decrees and judgments
- Docket books and indices
Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Felony case files (non-capital)
- Civil cases with historical significance
- Juvenile dependency cases
- Guardianship records
Medium-Term Retention (10-20 years):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases without continuing legal significance
- Traffic cases involving serious offenses
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Child support enforcement records
Short-Term Retention (5-7 years):
- Minor traffic violations
- Small claims cases
- Dismissed cases without prejudice
- Administrative records
The Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official custodian of court records and implements these retention schedules in accordance with state mandates. Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed to ensure compliance with retention requirements before disposition.
Digital records are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The county's electronic case management systems maintain digital records according to these established timeframes.
Researchers seeking historical court records should note that older documents may have been transferred to the Georgia Archives for permanent preservation, particularly those predating modern record-keeping systems or having significant historical value.
Types of Courts In Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific case types as defined by Georgia state law.
Gwinnett County Superior Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Gwinnett County State Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett State Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Gwinnett County Magistrate Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Gwinnett County Probate Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Gwinnett County Juvenile Court
115 Stone Mountain Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Gwinnett County Recorder's Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett Recorder's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
The Georgia court system follows a hierarchical structure:
- Municipal/Magistrate Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- State/Superior Courts (general jurisdiction)
- Georgia Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate)
- Supreme Court of Georgia (highest state court)
This structure allows for appeals to progress from lower courts to higher courts according to established procedures. The Georgia Courts system provides oversight and administrative support to all courts within the state, including those in Gwinnett County.
What Types of Cases Do Gwinnett County Courts Hear?
Each court within Gwinnett County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Georgia law. This specialized structure ensures efficient processing of legal matters according to their nature and complexity.
Superior Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil matters with unlimited monetary claims
- Divorce and family law proceedings
- Real property disputes
- Equity cases
- Appeals from lower courts
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Complex business litigation
State Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations (except parking)
- Civil actions up to $25,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Contract controversies
- Personal injury claims
- Appeals from Magistrate Court
Magistrate Court Cases:
- Small claims (up to $15,000)
- Warrant applications
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- County ordinance violations
- Dispossessory (eviction) proceedings
- Garnishments
- Bad check cases
Probate Court Cases:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Marriage licenses
- Weapons carry permits
- Involuntary commitments
- Certain minor criminal offenses
Juvenile Court Cases:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Child dependency cases
- Children in need of services
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile traffic offenses
- Emancipation petitions
Recorder's Court Cases:
- County ordinance violations
- Traffic citations
- Environmental code enforcement
- Animal control violations
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by Georgia Code § 15-6-8 for Superior Courts and corresponding statutes for other courts. When jurisdictional overlap exists, factors such as the amount in controversy, the nature of the relief sought, and statutory priority rules determine the appropriate venue.
The Gwinnett County Courts system processes thousands of cases annually across these various jurisdictions, with each court maintaining specialized procedures and rules for its particular case types.
How To Find a Court Docket In Gwinnett County
Court dockets in Gwinnett County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These essential records help the public track court activities and identify specific hearings of interest. Multiple access methods are available to locate docket information.
For online docket searches:
- Visit the Gwinnett County Courts website
- Select the specific court of interest (Superior, State, Magistrate, etc.)
- Navigate to the "Calendar" or "Docket Search" section
- Enter search criteria (date range, judge, case type, or party name)
- Review the resulting docket listings
Alternative docket access methods include:
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the daily or weekly printed docket
- Public terminals may be available for electronic docket searches
- Staff can assist with locating specific cases on the docket
Telephone Information:
- Call the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Provide case information to receive docket status
- Automated systems may offer limited docket information
Attorney Access:
- Registered attorneys can access enhanced docket information
- E-filing systems provide docket updates to participating attorneys
- Case management notifications alert to docket changes
The Supreme Court of Georgia maintains docket information for cases at the appellate level, while trial court dockets remain under local control. Docket information typically includes:
- Hearing date and time
- Courtroom assignment
- Presiding judge
- Case number and style (parties' names)
- Nature of proceeding (trial, motion hearing, status conference)
- Attorney information
Docket searches can be conducted by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Date range
- Case type
For specialized dockets such as drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, contact the specific program coordinator for schedule information, as these may not appear on standard public dockets.
Which Courts in Gwinnett County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Georgia judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains comprehensive documentation of its proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested, and whose decisions may serve as legal precedent. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-62, courts of record must employ official court reporters to transcribe proceedings.
Gwinnett County courts that are NOT courts of record include:
Magistrate Court
- Handles preliminary matters, small claims, and warrant applications
- Proceedings are summarized rather than transcribed verbatim
- Decisions have no precedential value
- Appeals result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) in Superior or State Court
Recorder's Court
- Adjudicates traffic violations and county ordinance cases
- Maintains case outcomes but not detailed proceeding records
- No court reporters regularly assigned
- Appeals proceed to State Court for new trials
Municipal Courts (within city jurisdictions in Gwinnett County)
- Process city ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses
- Maintain basic case information without full transcripts
- Appeals are heard de novo in Superior or State Court
- Each municipality operates its court independently
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record affects several procedural aspects:
-
Appeal Process: Appeals from non-record courts require new trials in courts of record, as there is no official transcript to review.
-
Evidence Preservation: In courts not of record, evidence presented is noted but not preserved in the same manner as courts of record.
-
Precedential Value: Decisions from courts not of record do not establish binding legal precedent.
-
Procedural Formality: Courts not of record typically operate with simplified procedures and rules of evidence.
This two-tier structure allows for efficient processing of minor matters while ensuring more serious cases receive the full procedural protections of courts of record. The Georgia Courts system provides oversight for both types of courts within its unified judicial framework.