Stephens County was formed in 1905 and named after Georgia's 53rd Governor, Alexander Stephens. It covers a total land area of about 179 square miles in the northeastern part of Georgia. Stephens County is home to more than 26,000 residents, and its county seat is the City of Toccoa.

Courts in Stephens County

The Stephens County Superior Court has original jurisdiction over all criminal proceedings and civil lawsuits beyond other lower courts in the county. Legal proceedings involving felonies, land ownership disputes, equity, and divorce are exclusive to the Superior Court. The apex trial court can handle both non-jury and jury trials. Other cases resolved at the court include domestic relations, child support, paternity cases, and child abuse.

Stephens County has a State Court responsible for handling traffic offenses and misdemeanors. The State Court generally hears all civil lawsuits not within the Superior Court’s exclusive jurisdiction. Legal matters related to underaged persons and minors are brought before Stephens County’s Juvenile Court. Juvenile traffic violations, juvenile delinquency, and cases related to mentally-retarded minors are examples of legal matters resolved at the Juvenile Court. Meanwhile, the Probate Court in Stephens presides over probate of wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and administration of estates.

The Magistrate Court in Stephens County is tasked with resolving civil claims in which the financial dispute is not more than $15,000. Other civil cases that take place at this court include landlord-tenant dispossessory claims, personal injury lawsuits, and foreclosures. The Magistrate Court also presides over criminal cases involving shoplifting, warrant applications, and felony pretrials. Stephens County also has a Recorder’s Court in the City of Toccoa. City ordinance violations, traffic crimes, and other lesser offenses are tried at this court.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Stephens County

Public court records in Stephens County are created and maintained by the Clerk of the Superior Court. Court dockets and calendars are available with the Superior Court Clerk. Interested persons may also access case filings showing briefs, motions, petitions, complaints, and involved parties/entities. To obtain these records, requesters can send emails, make phone requests to (706) 886-3598, or visit the clerk’s office. Public court records are also accessible online via Georgia’s E-Access to Court Records Portal. Note that case filings, dockets, and transcripts from the Recorder’s Court are not available online or through the Clerk of Superior Court. Requesters must visit the Recorder’s Court to obtain court documents for cases filed there.

Types of Public Court Records in Stephens County

Court clerks in Stephens County are tasked with maintaining the following court records:

• Civil records
• Criminal court records
• Real estate records
• Probate case files
• Traffic citations and records
• Small claims records

Confidential Court Records in Stephens County

Confidential court records in Stephens County are case files exempted from the Georgia Open Records Act. These records contain sensitive information that violates individuals’ privacy. Individuals whose names are on the restricted court records or their legal representatives may obtain them by visiting local courts where cases were filed. Examples of confidential records include the following:

• Medical records
• Personal identifying information
• Mental health evaluations
• Records of ongoing investigations
• Confidential informant records
• Juvenile records
• Trade secrets
• Sealed records

Juvenile Delinquency in Stephens, GA

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Stephens County, juvenile delinquency issues are on the rise. There are many reasons for the rise in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Georgia often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of crimes, and other family matters.

A lot of counties, including, Stephens County, are focusing on family therapy and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Stephens County juvenile delinquency numbers will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Stephens County, GA

https://georgia.gov/

County Seat:	Toccoa
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Home Rule
Year Organized:	1905
Total Square Miles:	184
2019 Population:	25,890
Persons/Square Mile:	0.01
County Contact:	PO BOX 386 County Courthouse Toccoa , GA 30577-1406 http://www.stephenscountyga.com/

Stephens County, GA Courts