Criminal records in Cobb County, Georgia, can be accessed through several channels. CobbCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Beyond that, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office each offer ways to look up case details, check charges, or obtain certified documents. Whether you need to verify a case status, pull court results, or request formal copies, the sections below walk through each step.
How to Search Criminal Records in Cobb
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Cobb County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and what type of record you need.
Online Search Options
- CobbCourt.us — Search publicly available court record information by name or case number.
- Cobb County State Court Record Search — The county's own portal for State Court criminal and traffic cases. Note that the official court record at the clerk's office takes precedence over online results.
- Georgia Courts E-Access — The statewide portal lets you search Superior Court records. You will need to create an account to access case data.
- Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query — Look up individuals currently or formerly in state custody, on probation, or on parole.
- Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) — For a formal criminal history report, you can request one through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Fingerprint-based background checks are available for a fee.
In Person
- Visit the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office or the Cobb State Court Clerk's Office in Marietta. Public access terminals may be available for searching case records on-site.
- Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can help locate records by defendant name, case number, or date of birth.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court or the Cobb State Court Clerk's Office. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if available), and a return address.
- For a statewide criminal history, submit a request to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's GCIC division. Fingerprint cards and applicable fees must be included.
What You Need to Begin
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required)
- Case number (if known)
- Court type — Superior Court handles felonies; State Court handles misdemeanors and some traffic offenses
Search Cobb Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. In Georgia, criminal case numbers typically follow a format that includes:
- A two-digit year — indicates when the case was filed (e.g., "24" for 2024)
- A court-type prefix or code — identifies the court division (Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court)
- A sequential number — assigned in the order the case was filed
For example, a Superior Court case filed in 2024 might appear as something like "24-1-12345-XX." The exact format can vary slightly between Superior Court and State Court. When entering a case number into an online search tool, type it exactly as it appears on any documents you have — dashes and spacing matter.
If you are unsure which court handled the case, try both the State Court and Superior Court search systems. Felony cases are prosecuted in Superior Court, while misdemeanors generally go through State Court.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Cobb
Criminal case records in Cobb County contain several categories of information. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) section the defendant is charged under |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be modified through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
| Count number | Each separate offense is listed as a distinct count |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting further proceedings
- Active — Court proceedings are underway
- Disposed — A final decision has been reached (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
- Closed — All obligations fulfilled; the case is complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant hears the charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss evidence, motions, and potential resolutions
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — The judge imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up to check compliance with probation or court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecution chose not to pursue the case |
| Dead docketed | Case set aside indefinitely, though it may be reopened |
| First Offender | Sentenced under Georgia's First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60); no formal conviction if terms are completed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Cobb
Certified copies carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, employment verification, and licensing applications. In Cobb County, the office that handles your request depends on the court that managed the case.
Superior Court Records
Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court
- In person: Visit the clerk's office with a valid photo ID. Request certified copies at the records counter.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the case number, defendant name, the specific documents needed, and a check or money order for fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
State Court Records
Cobb County State Court Clerk's Office
- The same process applies — visit in person or submit a written request by mail.
- Bring or include the case number whenever possible to speed up processing.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive Georgia criminal history report, contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's GCIC. Fingerprint-based checks require submission of a fingerprint card and the applicable fee. Requests can be initiated through local law enforcement agencies, including the Cobb County Sheriff's Office (770-499-4700), which can direct you to fingerprinting services.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Cobb
Fees in Cobb County are set by Georgia statute and local fee schedules. The table below reflects standard costs; confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 | Standard photocopy rate per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77(f) |
| Certified copy | $2.50 for first page, $0.50 each additional page | Includes court seal and clerk certification per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77(f) |
| Court record search fee | Varies | Contact the clerk's office for current search fees |
| GCIC criminal history (name-based) | $20.00 | Submitted through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation |
| GCIC criminal history (fingerprint-based) | $24.25 | Includes GBI and FBI processing |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within one to two business days
- Mail requests: Typically 5–10 business days after receipt, depending on volume
- GCIC background checks: Name-based results may take 5–10 business days; fingerprint-based checks can take several weeks
Payment methods accepted at the clerk's offices generally include cash, check, and money order. Call ahead to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted. For mail requests, do not send cash — use a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk's office.