Criminal History Check: DeKalb County Records & Fast Results

Criminal History checks in DeKalb County deliver the essential facts people need when they ask, “What does my record show?” By pulling data from DeKalb County criminal history records, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s criminal history database can reveal arrest dates, charging agencies, court dispositions, sentencing details, and any pending case status. Whether you are an employer verifying a candidate, a landlord screening a tenant, or an individual confirming your own background, a DeKalb County criminal history search returns a clear snapshot of felony records, misdemeanor history, conviction records, and even dismissed criminal cases. The process uses name‑based criminal search, date‑of‑birth lookup, or case‑number inquiry, allowing you to access DeKalb County criminal case records quickly and accurately. Because the state‑wide repository updates after each court filing, the information reflects the latest DeKalb County criminal court records, arrest history, and booking information, giving you confidence that the results are current and reliable.

Criminal History reports also support identity verification and legal compliance by linking directly to DeKalb County court records and official criminal case dispositions. When you request a DeKalb County criminal record lookup, the system scans the criminal history database for active criminal cases, pending charges, and any sealed or expunged records that may affect eligibility for jobs, licenses, or housing. The search returns detailed criminal history information such as charge history, conviction dates, sentencing records, and case filing history, all sourced from DeKalb County arrest records, conviction records, and court judgments. This comprehensive view helps you understand the full scope of a person’s criminal background, ensuring that decisions are based on verified, government‑verified data rather than third‑party estimates.

How to Search Criminal History

Searching criminal history in DeKalb County starts with the official Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) portal, including wanted persons, which gives you direct access to arrest records, conviction records, court dispositions, and case status maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). You can run a name-based criminal search, look up records by date of birth, or enter a case number to pull criminal case records from DeKalb County Superior Court, State Court, and Magistrate Court filings. The portal also lets you request certified criminal records for employment screening, licensing review, or immigration processing.

Official Search Portal: https://gbi.georgia.gov/criminal-history

Steps to Search

• Open the GBI criminal history page at https://gbi.georgia.gov/criminal-history and choose the type of search you need (name-based, date of birth, or case number).
• Enter the subject’s full legal name, date of birth, and any known aliases exactly as they appear on official documents.
• Pay the GBI search fee using a credit card or debit card through the secure online payment system.
• Review the results for arrest dates, arresting agencies, charge descriptions, court jurisdictions, disposition outcomes, and sentencing details.
• Download or print the report. For certified copies needed for legal or employment use, submit a separate certified record request by mail or in person.

What Is a Criminal History?

A criminal history is an official, government-maintained record of a person’s arrests, prosecutions, court dispositions, and sentencing outcomes. In Georgia, the GBI and GCIC compile arrest, court, and disposition records from every agency that reports through the statewide Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) network. This record serves as the primary source for background checks used by employers, licensing boards, firearm dealers, and immigration authorities. The legal definition of criminal history in Georgia is set by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-30, which governs the collection, storage, and release of criminal record data.

Criminal History Defined: Official Georgia Definition 

The GCIC defines a criminal history as the chronological summary of a person’s contact with the criminal justice system, beginning with the first arrest and continuing through final case disposition. This summary is drawn from fingerprint submissions, arrest reports, court orders, and correctional release documents that flow into the state’s central repository. Each entry shows the date of arrest, the arresting agency, the charges filed, the court where the case was heard, and the final outcome.

What a Georgia Criminal History Report Contains

A standard Georgia criminal history report lists every arrest event, the charge classification (felony or misdemeanor), the prosecuting court, the plea or verdict, and the sentence imposed. The report also shows probation terms, parole status, and any active warrants. For cases that are still pending, the record shows the current stage of the criminal case rather than a final outcome.

What Is Not Included in a Standard Criminal History

A standard criminal history does not show sealed records, expunged records, juvenile criminal history records, or non-conviction traffic infractions handled in municipal courts. Civil court judgments, protective orders, and family court matters fall outside the criminal history scope. To find these records, you must search DeKalb County civil court records, the protective order registry, or specialized databases maintained by other agencies.

Historical Context: How Criminal Records Became Centralized in Georgia

Georgia began centralizing criminal records in the early 1970s when the General Assembly created the Georgia Crime Information Center to unify arrest and disposition data across state and local agencies. Before GCIC, each county kept its own paper files, which made statewide background checks slow and error-prone. The shift to a fingerprint-based central repository gave employers, licensing boards, and law enforcement agencies a single source for criminal record verification.

The Role of the Georgia Crime Information Center 

GCIC operates as the state’s central criminal records repository, processing more than one million fingerprint submissions and criminal record updates each year. GCIC maintains the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) file, which integrates arrest data, court dispositions, and custody details from every Georgia county. DeKalb County arrest records and court dispositions flow into the CCH file as soon as the arresting agency and the court submit their reports.

Why Criminal History Records Exist

Criminal history records exist to protect public safety, support employment screening, and give licensing authorities the data they need to evaluate applicants. Federal law requires certain employers, child care providers, and healthcare organizations to run criminal background checks on job candidates. Georgia law extends this duty to school personnel, security officers, and firearm purchasers, all of whom rely on the GBI criminal history report for verification.

Key Takeaway Box: Criminal History in 25 Words

A criminal history is an official record of arrests, prosecutions, and case dispositions maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for use in background checks and public safety screening.

Who Maintains DeKalb County Criminal History Records?

Criminal history records for DeKalb County are maintained at two levels: the statewide repository run by GBI and GCIC, and the local custodians (court clerks and the sheriff’s office) that generate the original documents. The two systems work together so that every arrest, court filing, and disposition in DeKalb County flows into the central criminal history database.

GBI (Statewide Repository) vs. DeKalb County Courts (Local Custodians)

GBI’s Computerized Criminal History file stores the combined Georgia criminal history record, drawing from every county’s submissions. DeKalb County Superior Court, State Court, and Magistrate Court each maintain their own case indexes, dockets, and physical files. Court clerks issue copies of individual case records, while GBI issues the combined state-level summary.

Which Records Are Searchable Through Each Channel

• GBI online portal: statewide arrest history, conviction records, active criminal cases, and disposition codes for every Georgia county
• DeKalb Superior Court Clerk: felony indictments, capital case files, sentence orders, and post-conviction relief filings
• DeKalb State Court: misdemeanor criminal cases, county ordinance violations, and probation revocations
• DeKalb Magistrate Court: arrest warrants, preliminary hearings, criminal case search, and bond orders
• DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: inmate rosters, booking records, and recent arrest log entries

How the Georgia Criminal History System Works: GBI, GCIC & DeKalb County

The Georgia criminal history system works through a chain of reporting that begins when an officer makes an arrest and ends when a court issues a final disposition. GBI and GCIC manage the technology that links DeKalb County law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities into a single searchable database.

The Data Flow: From Arrest to Permanent Record

Each arrest in DeKalb County passes through four stages before becoming a permanent entry in the criminal history database. The four stages ensure that the record shows the arrest, the charge, the court outcome, and the final sentence.

Arrest & Booking

When a law enforcement officer arrests a person in DeKalb County, the subject is transported to the DeKalb County Jail for booking. The booking officer collects biographical data, photographs the arrestee, takes fingerprints, and assigns a booking number. The arresting agency then completes an arrest report that names the charges and the arrest location.

Fingerprint Submission to GCIC

The booking officer submits the arrestee’s fingerprints to GCIC through the LiveScan network, which transmits the prints electronically along with the arrest data. GCIC matches the fingerprints against the existing criminal history database and assigns a State Identification Number (SID) if the subject has no prior record. The new arrest event attaches to the SID and forms the basis of the criminal history record.

Court Disposition Reporting 

The prosecutor files formal charges, and the case proceeds through arraignment, plea negotiations, or trial in the appropriate DeKalb County court. After the case concludes, the court clerk transmits the final disposition (guilty verdict, dismissal, nolo contendere plea, or acquittal) back to GCIC through the court reporting system. Without this step, the arrest would remain “pending” in the criminal history file.

Permanent Storage in the State Criminal History Repository

GCIC stores the completed arrest and disposition in the Computerized Criminal History file, where it stays accessible for background checks and law enforcement queries. The record remains in the database permanently, even after probation ends or the sentence is served, unless a court orders the record sealed or expunged.

Identifying Information Required for a Search

The GBI portal lets you search criminal history records using four main identifiers. Each identifier produces a different result set, and combining them improves accuracy.

Criminal History by Name

A name-based criminal search uses the subject’s last name, first name, and middle name to pull matching records from the CCH file. This method works well for common searches but can return duplicate records when more than one person shares the name. Adding the date of birth reduces false matches.

Criminal History by Date of Birth

Searching by date of birth narrows the result set to records tied to that specific birth date, which is helpful when the subject has a common name. The GBI portal accepts month, day, and year formats for DOB lookups.

Criminal History by Case Number

If you know the DeKalb County case number, the case number lookup returns the exact criminal case record, including the court file, charge list, and disposition. This method bypasses name confusion and returns the most accurate result.

Criminal History by Location / Jurisdiction Filter

Filtering by jurisdiction (DeKalb County, Fulton County, etc.) lets you see only the arrests and cases that occurred in a specific location. The GBI portal supports a location filter for statewide criminal history searches and a county filter for restricted regional queries.

Portal Capabilities and Limitations

The portal shows arrest events, charge descriptions, court jurisdictions, dispositions, and sentence data drawn directly from GCIC. It does not show sealed records, expunged records, juvenile records, or out-of-state arrests that Georgia never received. For federal criminal history checks, you must use an FBI channeler or LiveScan submission to the FBI.

When You Need a Certified Copy vs. an Informal Search

An informal search through the GBI portal returns a printable report suitable for personal review or preliminary screening. A certified criminal record is required for immigration applications, professional licensing, firearm purchases, and federal employment. You request certified copies by mail or in person at the GBI office.

Types of DeKalb County Criminal History Records 

DeKalb County criminal history records fall into four major categories: arrest records, including probate court records, charge records, disposition records, and sentencing records. Each category pulls from a specific stage of the criminal case and serves a specific purpose for background screening.

Arrest Records & Booking Information

Arrest records are the earliest entries in a criminal history and capture the moment law enforcement took the subject into custody. Booking records document the intake process at the DeKalb County Jail, including fingerprints, photographs, and personal property inventory.

Arrest Date, Arresting Agency, and Arrest Location

Each arrest entry shows the date and time of the arrest, the name of the arresting agency (DeKalb County Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, or another municipal agency), and the physical arrest location (street address, ZIP code, or patrol zone). These three fields are required for every arrest record and form the foundation of the criminal history timeline.

Booking Records and Detention Logs

Booking records list the booking number, the arresting officer’s identification, the charges at the time of arrest, and the detention status. Detention logs show cell assignments, release dates, and transfers between facilities. These records are searchable through the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office online inmate roster.

Pending vs. Cleared Arrest Records

Pending arrest records show that the case is still active in the court system and no final disposition has been entered. Cleared arrest records show that the case ended in a conviction, dismissal, acquittal, or nolo contendere plea. Pending records stay on the criminal history until the court reports the final outcome.

Charge Records & Court Filings

Charge records describe the criminal charges filed by the prosecutor after the arrest. Court filings are the formal documents that open the criminal case in DeKalb County Superior Court, State Court, or Magistrate Court.

Criminal Charges 

Georgia classifies criminal charges as felonies (punishable by more than one year in prison) or misdemeanors (punishable by up to one year in jail). DeKalb County Superior Court handles felony charges and serious misdemeanor appeals, while State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases originating in unincorporated DeKalb County.

Criminal Case Records by Court Level

Criminal case records differ by court level. Superior Court records cover felonies, capital cases, and appeals from inferior courts. State Court records cover misdemeanors, county ordinance violations, and probation matters. Magistrate Court records cover arrest warrants, preliminary hearings, and search warrants.

Case Filing History and Active Case Status

Each criminal case in DeKalb County begins with a case filing that lists the defendant, the charges, and the assigned judge. The case status field shows whether the case is active, pending, dismissed, or closed. You can view the case filing history through the DeKalb County court online case search.

Disposition Records: Convictions, Dismissals & Acquittals

Disposition records are the most important fields on a criminal history because they determine whether the case ended in a conviction or another outcome. Employers and licensing boards rely on disposition codes to assess the seriousness of the record.

Conviction Records 

A conviction record shows that the defendant was found guilty (by plea or verdict) of a felony or misdemeanor charge. Felony convictions appear on the criminal history with the sentence imposed and any post-release supervision. Misdemeanor convictions appear with the fine, jail time, or probation ordered.

Dismissed Criminal Cases

Dismissed criminal cases show that the prosecutor or court ended the case without a conviction. Dismissals can result from dropped charges, successful motion practice, completion of a diversion program, or the First Offender Act. Dismissed cases still appear on the criminal history unless the record is restricted through expungement.

Acquittal Records and Not-Guilty Verdicts

An acquittal record shows that the defendant was found not guilty at trial. Not-guilty verdicts close the case but remain on the criminal history as a matter of public record. The acquittal does not erase the arrest, only the conviction outcome.

Nolo Contendere Dispositions

A nolo contendere plea (“no contest”) functions like a guilty plea for sentencing purposes but cannot be used against the defendant in a related civil case. Georgia courts accept nolo contendere pleas in misdemeanor and certain felony matters, and the disposition appears on the criminal history as a conviction-equivalent entry.

Sentencing Records & Court Orders

Sentencing data completes the criminal history record by showing the court’s response to a conviction. Court orders formalize the sentence and any post-conviction restrictions.

Sentencing Records 

Sentencing records list the prison term, probation period, fine amount, restitution order, and any treatment or counseling requirements. DeKalb County courts transmit sentencing orders to GCIC within thirty days of the hearing, so the criminal history reflects the sentence quickly after conviction.

Court Judgments and Court Orders

Court judgments and court orders include sentencing orders, probation revocations, restitution judgments, and orders sealing or expunging the record. These documents are filed in the original case file and indexed by the DeKalb County court clerk.

Criminal Court Proceedings

A criminal court proceedings summary is a written overview of the court events in the case, from arraignment through sentencing. This summary is often requested by attorneys, probation officers, and background screeners who need a chronological view of the case.

Criminal History vs. Other Record Types

Criminal history is one of several record types used in background screening, and each type covers a different scope. Knowing which record to request saves time and prevents gaps in the background check.

Criminal History vs. Arrest Records vs. Court Records

Criminal history combines arrest, court, and disposition data into a single report. Arrest records show only the booking event, and court records show only the case filings, motions, and orders filed in a specific court.

When Each Record Type Is the Right Resource

Use the GBI criminal history report when you need an official state-level summary for employment, licensing, or immigration. Use arrest records when you need to verify recent activity, check for active warrants, or confirm a specific arrest date. Use court case records when you need the full court file, including motions, briefs, and exhibits filed in a specific case.

GBI Records vs. Third-Party Background Check Services

Third-party background check services compile data from courthouses, commercial databases, and online sources to produce a report. Official GBI records come directly from the GCIC Computerized Criminal History file.

Accuracy, Cost, and Certification Comparison

Official GBI records are the most accurate source for Georgia criminal history because the data is updated directly by the arresting agency and the court. Third-party reports may be faster and cheaper, but the data can lag behind official sources and contain errors. For decisions that require FCRA-compliant reporting, employers must use a consumer reporting agency that follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

FCRA-Compliant vs. Non-FCRA Background Checks

FCRA-compliant background checks follow the accuracy, purpose, and disclosure rules in 15 U.S.C. § 1681. Non-FCRA checks (often called “informational” or “personal use” searches) are not regulated the same way and may not meet employer standards. The GBI criminal history report can serve both purposes, but only FCRA-compliant providers may supply employer-grade reports.

Statewide Criminal History vs. County-Level Court Records

The statewide criminal history covers every arrest and conviction reported to GCIC, while county-level court records stay within the originating county. Combining both layers produces a complete picture of a person’s criminal background.

Coverage Differences and Overlap

Statewide records cover every county in Georgia that reports to GCIC. County-level records cover only the cases filed in DeKalb County, including pre-conviction motions, sentencing orders, and post-conviction relief filings that may not be reported to GCIC in full detail. The two systems overlap on the core arrest and disposition data, but county records often have richer court-specific content.

Why a Complete Search Requires Both Layers

Many background check programs combine the statewide criminal history with a county-level court search to confirm the data and capture court-specific records. This two-layer approach is standard practice for legal and regulatory background screening, and it reduces the risk of missing a sealed, expunged, or restricted record.

Accuracy, Privacy, Sealed & Expunged Records

Georgia law places limits on which criminal history records can be disclosed, who can see them, and how errors can be corrected. These rules protect privacy rights and still support public safety screening.

Understanding Restricted Records in DeKalb County

Restricted records are criminal history records that the court has ordered shielded from public view. Restricted records do not appear on standard GBI criminal history reports.

Sealed Criminal Records

Sealed criminal records remain in the GCIC database but are removed from public search results. Only the subject of the record, the prosecutor, law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes, and certain licensing agencies can view sealed records. The court that issued the sealing order keeps the original file and can unseal the record for cause.

Expunged Criminal Records

Expunged criminal records are physically removed from public access under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 when the subject meets specific eligibility criteria. Eligibility covers arrests that did not result in charges, charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed, certain misdemeanor convictions, and First sex offenders Act cases that were successfully completed. Once expunged, the record does not appear on a standard GBI criminal history report.

Juvenile Criminal Records 

Juvenile criminal records are kept separately from adult records and are restricted under Georgia’s juvenile justice code. Only the juvenile court, law enforcement agencies, and certain school authorities can view juvenile criminal history records. Adult criminal history reports do not show juvenile adjudications.

Archived and Historical Criminal Records

Archived criminal records are older paper records that GCIC has scanned and stored offline. Historical criminal records are still searchable but may require a manual retrieval request. The GBI Records Unit can pull archived records for an additional fee and processing time.

Criminal Record Accuracy & Problems

Criminal history accuracy depends on the quality of the data submitted by arresting agencies and courts. Errors do occur, and knowing the common problems helps you identify when to request a correction.

Duplicate Criminal Records from Names

Common names (John Smith, Maria Garcia, James Brown) often produce duplicate records when one person’s arrest is filed under a similar name. The GCIC system uses fingerprints to merge duplicate records, but the merge process can lag behind new arrests. A name-based criminal search may show extra entries that belong to a different person.

Outdated Criminal Data and Delayed Record Updates

Delayed criminal record updates occur when a court does not report a disposition to GCIC within the standard timeline. This delay leaves the criminal history showing “pending” for weeks or months after the case closed. You can request a manual update through the GBI Record Challenge Unit.

Missing Criminal Records 

Missing criminal records happen when an arrest was not fingerprinted, when the court sealed or expunged the record, or when a data entry error removed the entry. The most common cause is an arrest that bypassed the LiveScan network and was never forwarded to GCIC.

Criminal History Privacy and Public Access Laws

Criminal history privacy in Georgia is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-30 et seq., which restricts access to non-public records. Public criminal history is available to anyone, but restricted records require a court order, a law enforcement purpose, or a qualifying licensing request.

Challenging or Correcting a Criminal History Record

You have the right to challenge a criminal history record that shows inaccurate content. The challenge process lets you submit evidence and request a correction.

GBI Record Challenge Procedure

The GBI Record Challenge Unit accepts written challenges to criminal history content. You submit the challenge form, copies of supporting documents (court orders, dismissal orders, identity documents), and a written explanation of the error. GBI investigates and corrects the record if the challenge is valid.

Identity Verification Requirements

Identity verification is required for every record challenge and certified record request. You must submit a government-issued photo ID, a fingerprint card (for fingerprint-based requests), or a notarized identity verification form. Identity verification prevents unauthorized changes to your criminal history record.

Verification of Criminal Record Content 

The self-check process lets you review your own criminal history before a background screening. You order your GBI criminal history report through the official portal, review the entries, and submit a challenge for any incorrect data. Many employers recommend that job applicants run a self-check before applying.

Fees, Processing Times & Request Forms

Fees, processing times, and request forms vary by the type of search you need. Knowing the requirements ahead of time avoids delays and unexpected charges.

Criminal History Fees

The GBI charges separate fees for online searches, certified copies, and fingerprint-based requests. The fee schedule is published on the GBI criminal history portal and updated periodically.

Online Search Fees

Online search fees cover a single name-based criminal search and a digital report. The fee is non-refundable, even if the search returns “no criminal history found.”

Certified Copy Fees

Certified copy fees cover the cost of producing a paper record with the GBI seal and an authorized signature. Certified copies are accepted by immigration courts, licensing boards, and federal agencies.

Fingerprint-Based Search Fees

Fingerprint-based search fees cover the cost of capturing fingerprints, transmitting them to GCIC, and producing a verified report. LiveScan locations add their own service fee on top of the GBI charge.

Criminal History Processing Time

Criminal history processing time depends on the request method, the court’s reporting speed, and any manual research required. Standard windows are listed below.

Standard Processing Windows

• Online name-based search: immediate electronic delivery
• Certified mail-in request: 5 – 15 business days after receipt
• Fingerprint-based search: 5 – 10 business days after LiveScan submission
• Archived record retrieval: 10 – 20 business days

Rush Request Options

Rush request options are limited and depend on the GBI’s current workload. In-person requests at the GBI office may be processed the same day for simple name-based searches. Certified copies mailed in are processed in the order received.

Factors That Delay Record Updates

Court backlogs, missing disposition reports, fingerprint quality issues, and pending lab results can delay criminal record updates. The GBI cannot update a record until the originating court or agency submits the new data.

Criminal Record Request Forms & Identification

You must submit a request form and proof of identity to receive a certified criminal history record. The form is available on the GBI criminal history portal.

Acceptable Forms of ID for Self-Requests

• Georgia driver’s license or state ID card
• Valid U.S. passport or passport card
• Active military ID (with photo)
• Certified birth certificate combined with a photo ID
• Naturalization certificate combined with a photo ID

Authorized Third-Party Request Procedures

Authorized third-party requesters (employers, licensing agencies, attorneys) must submit a notarized release form signed by the subject of the record. The release form grants the third party permission to receive the criminal history report. Some third parties must also register with GBI and obtain a requester ID number.

Sources, Authority & Official Resources

The content in this article comes from official Georgia state and DeKalb County government sources. Each source is a primary, verifiable record of criminal history data, and you can use them to confirm the details of any criminal history search.

Primary Government Sources

• Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) — Official Criminal History Portal: https://gbi.georgia.gov/criminal-history
• Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) — State criminal records repository and CJIS oversight
• DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk — Felony cases, capital cases, and post-conviction filings
• DeKalb County State Court — Misdemeanor criminal cases and probation matters
• DeKalb County Magistrate Court — Arrest warrants, bond hearings, and preliminary hearings
• DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office — Booking records, inmate roster, and recent arrest log
• DeKalb County Police Department — Local arrest records and incident reports

Legal References

• Georgia O.C.G.A. § 35-3-30 et seq. — Criminal Records and Criminal History collection, storage, and release
• Georgia O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 — Expungement of criminal records (eligibility, procedure, effect)
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) — 15 U.S.C. § 1681, governing employer background checks
• Georgia First Offender Act — O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 et seq., restricting access to certain first-offense records

Contact Information 

You can reach the Georgia Bureau of Investigation criminal history department using the contact details below. Phone service is available during office hours, and the official portal accepts requests 24 hours a day.

• Contact Number: (404) 244-2639
• Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about accessing criminal history information for DeKalb County, including search steps, content of records, costs, and timing.

How to search DeKalb County criminal history?

Start at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation portal. Choose the criminal history search option, then enter the person’s name, date of birth, or case number. The system pulls data from the Georgia Crime Information Center, showing arrests, convictions, and court dispositions from DeKalb County Superior and State Courts. Review the results and note any case numbers for deeper follow‑up. If needed, you can request official copies through the same portal or by contacting the county clerk’s office.

What info appears in a DeKalb criminal record?

A DeKalb criminal record lists each arrest, the charging agency, and the date of the incident. It also shows the final disposition—such as conviction, dismissal, or acquittal—and any sentencing details. For felonies and misdemeanors, the record includes the charge description, case number, and court where the case was heard. If a record has been sealed or expunged, it will not appear in the public search results.

Can I get a criminal history report online?

Yes. The GBI’s online portal lets anyone request a certified criminal history report for DeKalb County. After creating an account, fill out the applicant information, pay the required fee, and submit the request. The system processes the request within a few business days, then emails a secure link to download the PDF report. The report contains all searchable arrest and conviction data held by the state’s crime information center.

Are there fees for DeKalb criminal record lookup?

There is a small charge for each official report you request through the GBI portal. The fee covers the cost of compiling and certifying the record. If you only view summary data on the website, no charge applies. Payment is accepted by credit card or electronic check at the time of request. Contact the GBI office at (404) 244‑2639 for the current fee schedule.

How long does a criminal record request take?

Standard requests processed online usually finish within three to five business days after payment. Requests that require manual verification, such as those involving sealed or juvenile records, may take up to two weeks. You will receive an email notification when the report is ready to download. For urgent needs, the GBI offers an expedited service for an additional fee, which can reduce the turnaround to 24‑48 hours.