Cherokee County Court Records
Cherokee County court records consist of data detailing court case events and outcomes. These records contain case identifiers, such as party names, court locations, case numbers, and case titles. They also encompass motions, orders, witness statements, petitions, complaints, warrants, and judicial verdicts. Also included in case filings are materials and documents from private entities (financial records, contracts, and MOUs) and other government institutions (evidence from police departments and tax filings from the Tax Commissioner’s Office).
People often look up court records because they want to obtain updates about ongoing cases, research historical cases that may serve as evidence, or collect documents, such as divorce decrees, that may be required in other legal or formal settings.
The Cherokee County Clerk of Courts maintains most court records in Cherokee County and provides access to members of the public in line with state law and court rules. Other courts, such as Municipal Courts and the Probate Court, can be approached for documents produced from cases under their jurisdiction.
Are Cherokee County Court Records Public?
Yes. Court clerks grant requests for public access to Cherokee County court records pursuant to Georgia Superior Court Uniform Rules, Rule 21. The rule follows the principle of the Georgia Open Records Act in allowing public access to documents created during a court’s adjudicative activities.
However, certain state laws and court rules prohibit the release of some court records to the public. This prohibition applies to protected documents, such as sensitive personal information, sealed case files, certain juvenile case information, details concerning child-related proceedings (like custody), and ongoing police investigations.
What Information is Available in Cherokee County Court Records?
Cherokee County court records contain the following:
- Names of case parties
- Case number
- Court location
- Presiding judge
- List of charges (in criminal cases)
- Offense date (criminal cases)
- Arrest date (criminal cases)
- Filing dates
- Filed documents (motions, complaints, petitions, witness lists, supporting evidence, agreements, pleas, indictments, etc.)
- Court decisions (orders, jury verdicts, judgments, fines, injunctions, opinions, and sentences, etc.)
Cherokee County Court Records Search
A Cherokee Court records search involves using a custodian’s request channels to locate case files and information. The court case determines which custodian to approach, while the search or request method depends on whether the person seeks to inspect or copy case records.
The Clerk of Court holds records that emanate from the Superior, State, and Magistrate courts. The office’s Case Search system provides detailed information about court cases, including case events, party names, and filed documents. It allows people to view images of open documents for free. Users can also purchase filings from the portal.
The clerk provides in-person inspections or requests, and members of the public can also submit requests for copies by mail. The office instructs mail-in requesters to include the following information in their requests:
- Case number (if available)
- Names of case parties
- Title of requested documents, such as plea agreement, settlement agreement, or final decree
- Type of copy (plain, certified, or exemplified)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Cash or money order (money order is recommended)
Requests may be submitted to
90 North Street
Suite G-170
Canton, GA 30114
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority’s eCertification Portal also allows the public to find and obtain electronic certified copies.
Municipal courts handle record requests for minor traffic offenses and municipal code violations within city boundaries. People interested in these records should contact the specific court that handled the case.
Fees for Court Records in Cherokee County
The following are record-related fees charged by clerks of courts in Cherokee County:
- Plain copies without court staff assistance: 50 cents per page
- Plain copies with court staff assistance: $1 per page
- Certified or exemplified copy: $2.50 for the first copy and 50 cents for each page after
- Computer printouts: $2.50 per page
- Electronic and faxed copies: $2.50 for the first page and $1 for each subsequent page
- Oversized copy (larger than 81/2" x 14"): $2 per page
Cherokee County Courthouse Locations
The following are the locations and contact details of courts in Cherokee County, Georgia:
Frank C. Mills, III Justice Center
90 North Street
Suites 270, 260, 230, and 240
Canton, GA 30114
Phone: (678) 493-6270, (678) 493-6260, (678) 493-6230, (678) 493-6240
Frank C. Mills, III Justice Center
90 North Street
Canton, GA 30114
Phone: (678) 493-6490, (678) 493-680, (678) 493-6483
90 North Street
Suite 270
Canton, GA 30114
Phone: (678) 493-6583
90 North Street
Suite 340
Canton, GA 30114
Phone: (678) 493-6160
12453 Highway 92
Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: (770) 592-6025
Public Safety & Municipal Court Building
151 Elizabeth Street
Canton, GA 30114
Phone: (770) 704-1546
3235 Holly Springs Parkway
Holly Springs, GA 30115
Phone: (770) 345-5538
Fax: (770) 345-5610
Ball Ground City Hall
215 Valley Street
Ball Ground, GA 30107
Criminal Records Access in Cherokee County
Criminal records contain arrest information, court case filings, incarceration details, and post-conviction data, such as parole. These records are in the custody of different agencies, depending on whether the subject was charged, found guilty, sentenced to prison, or fined.
One can contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to obtain complete criminal histories. However, requesting another person’s records requires their written consent per O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34. Only felony conviction records are available to the general public without consent (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 (d.2)).
Additionally, local law enforcement agencies in Cherokee, such as the Sheriff’s Office and city police departments, may release publicly available arrest records, and the county courts can be contacted for criminal case records.
To find criminal case records in Cherokee, individuals should approach the custodian’s office. The Clerk of Court oversees felony and serious misdemeanor records from criminal cases heard by the Superior, State, and Magistrate Courts. The office’s online case information portal displays court sentences, guilty and innocent verdicts, fines, citations, warrants, and other related filings and details entered into criminal case files. The clerk also posts monthly indictments on its website.
Municipal court offices are responsible for minor traffic infractions and municipal code violations. People interested in these files can visit the city Municipal Court that handled the case.
Cherokee County Probate Records
Cherokee County probate records are generated during legal proceedings under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court. These proceedings include the probate of wills, administration of a deceased resident’s estate, involuntary commitment to mental health institutions, and the appointment of legal guardians for incapacitated individuals. The court also issues marriage and firearm licenses.
Records generated during these activities include wills and other probate filings, property documents pertaining to estates, dates of death, names of appointed executors and legal guardians, details about inheritance disputes, and certified licenses.
The Probate Court provides marriage and estate records search forms on its website that produce details of past probate proceedings and issued marriage licenses. One can also contact the court to obtain copies of case records.
Cherokee County Family Court Records
Cherokee Family Court records encompass all documents, filings, and details created and submitted during family law cases in the county. These cases include divorce, annulment, legal separation, child support, paternity, adoption, custody and visitation, domestic violence, and termination of parental rights.
The Superior Court handles these cases, and the Clerk of Court provides access to the related records. Individuals must note that information and documents, in some instances, are restricted to case parties and representatives. These protected cases include adoption, child custody and visitations, and domestic violence.
Interested parties can contact the clerk’s office by phone, in person, or by mail for inquiries about accessing records and the available request methods.
90 North Street
Suite G-170
Canton, GA 30114
Phone: (678) 493-6511
Additionally, the public has the option to search the clerk’s case search system by name or case number to view images of filed documents during family law proceedings. Individuals can also purchase documents through the portal or visit the GSCCCA eCertification Portal to purchase electronic certified copies.
Federal Court Records in Cherokee County
The Atlanta Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia adjudicates federal matters arising in Cherokee County. These matters include federal criminal cases, disputes involving out-of-state parties, and constitutional cases.
The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system is the primary method for accessing federal case records online. The platform allows the public to search for specific cases, view dockets, and download electronic copies of motions, orders, and judgments.
For individuals requiring physical inspection or certified copies, the Clerk of Court’s Office at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in downtown Atlanta serves as the official repository. The office maintains public terminals where individuals can view electronic case files at no cost during standard business hours.
Staff members are also available to assist with inquiries, though fees are generally required for printing documents or obtaining official certifications.
