Court records in Cherokee County, Georgia can be found through several channels. CherokeeCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through official court resources such as the Cherokee County Clerk of Courts, the statewide Georgia Courts portal, and in person at the clerk's office or public terminals at the Cherokee County Justice Center in Canton.
Cherokee Court System & Jurisdictions
Cherokee County operates several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is the first step to finding the right docket.
- Superior Court — The court of general jurisdiction in Georgia. Cherokee County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases without a dollar limit, divorce and family law matters, equity cases, appeals from lower courts, and cases involving title to land. It also has exclusive jurisdiction over capital felonies.
- State Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil actions regardless of the amount in controversy (except cases requiring equity). The Solicitor-General's Office prosecutes misdemeanor criminal offenses in State Court.
- Magistrate Court — A court of limited jurisdiction that handles civil claims of $15,000 or less (including small claims), county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and the issuance of search and arrest warrants. Cherokee County Magistrate Court also conducts initial appearances for individuals arrested outside normal business hours at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
- Probate Court — Manages wills, estates, guardianships and conservatorships, involuntary commitments, marriage licenses, firearms licenses, and birth and death certificate amendments.
- Juvenile Court — Hears cases involving delinquent or unruly children, children alleged to be deprived, and related custody matters. Juvenile records are generally not open to the public.
Cherokee Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Daily criminal calendars and scheduled court sessions can be viewed in several ways:
- Superior Court calendars — Daily criminal calendars are available through each Superior Court judge's office. You can also view scheduled open court sessions in person at the Cherokee County Justice Center.
- Clerk of Courts website — The Clerk of Courts page provides access to court calendars, including links to upcoming hearing schedules for Superior and State Court.
- In person — Current-day and upcoming calendars are typically posted at the Cherokee County Justice Center. You can call the Clerk's office or the specific court division to confirm a hearing date or time.
For statewide court information, the Georgia Courts website offers directories and e-access tools. Magistrate Court hearings are generally scheduled directly through that court's office.
How to Get a Copy of a Cherokee Court Document
The Cherokee County Clerk of Courts is the custodian of Superior Court and State Court records, including case filings, orders, judgments, and deeds. Here is how to obtain copies:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — Standard photocopies of court documents for personal reference. These do not carry the clerk's seal and are not accepted for official or legal use.
- Certified copies — Include the clerk's certification and seal. Required for most legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
How to Request
- Online — The Clerk of Courts offers a deeds and records search on their website. Some documents may be viewable online; certified copies typically require an in-person or mail request.
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Courts at the Cherokee County Justice Center. Bring the case number, party names, or other identifying details to help staff locate the record.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the document needed, case number (if known), and party names, along with a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Clerk of Courts — Mailing Address:
Restricted Records
Adoption records, juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain mental health proceedings are not available to the general public. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk before submitting a request.
For Sheriff's Office records such as incident reports, contact the Sheriff's Records Unit at 678-493-4140 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Criminal record expungement requests are handled separately under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
Cherokee Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and certifications in Georgia are set by statute (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77 and related provisions). The table below reflects standard Clerk of Superior Court fees. Contact the Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard photocopy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification (per document) | $2.50 |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | Varies — contact clerk |
| Deed recording (first page) | $10.00 |
| Deed recording (each additional page) | $2.00 |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $5.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person — Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Ask the clerk about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies may vary by department.
- By mail — Check or money order payable to "Cherokee County Clerk of Courts."
- Online — Some e-filing and record services may accept electronic payment. Check the Clerk's e-filing page for details.
Open records requests to the Sheriff's Office or the Solicitor-General's Office may involve separate fees calculated based on the time and materials needed to fulfill the request, consistent with the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71).