Stonecrest Bench Warrants
Stonecrest bench warrants are processed by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. Stonecrest is a city in DeKalb County on the east side of metro Atlanta with about 61,000 residents. When a judge issues a bench warrant for a missed court date on a Stonecrest case, the DeKalb County Sheriff handles processing and service. Unlike most Georgia counties, DeKalb has an online warrant search tool. You can look up active warrants through the DeKalb County website without having to go in person. The DeKalb County Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Stonecrest since the city does not have its own police force.
Stonecrest Quick Facts
DeKalb County Handles Stonecrest Warrants
Sheriff Melody Maddox leads the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. Her office processes all bench warrants for Stonecrest and every other city in DeKalb County. The Warrant Unit can be reached at 404-298-8200. When a bench warrant comes in from a court, staff log it into the county system, check the person's background, and enter the warrant into the Georgia Crime Information Center database. From there it goes into the NCIC system so law enforcement across the country can see it. An active Stonecrest bench warrant shows up during any routine traffic stop or police check.
The sheriff's main office number is 404-298-8100. You can call for general info about how the warrant process works. Staff may not share details about a specific warrant over the phone, but DeKalb County does have an advantage over most Georgia counties. There is an online search tool that lets you check for active warrants from your computer.
| Sheriff | Melody Maddox |
|---|---|
| Warrant Unit | Phone: 404-298-8200 |
| Sheriff Office | 4415 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032 Phone: 404-298-8100 |
| DeKalb Police | Phone: 770-724-7600 |
Online Warrant Search for Stonecrest
DeKalb County is one of the few counties in Georgia that provides an online warrant search tool. This is a big deal. Most Georgia counties force you to drive to the courthouse and check in person. With the DeKalb system, Stonecrest residents can search for active warrants from home. The tool is on the DeKalb County website and lets you search by name.
The online search shows warrants that are currently active in the DeKalb County system. It includes bench warrants issued by Superior Court, Magistrate Court, and State Court. If a bench warrant comes up for your name, the results will show the charge, the case number, and the issuing court. Keep in mind that the online tool may not be updated in real time. There can be a short delay between when a judge issues a bench warrant and when it appears in the online system. For the most current information, you can still call the Warrant Unit at 404-298-8200 or go in person to the sheriff's office in Decatur.
Note: The DeKalb County online warrant search is free and open to the public.
How to Check Bench Warrants in Stonecrest
Start with the online search. Visit the DeKalb County warrant lookup page and enter the person's name. That is the fastest way to check. If you prefer to go in person, head to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 4415 Memorial Drive in Decatur. Bring a government photo ID. Staff at the Warrant Unit will look up your name and date of birth. If a bench warrant exists, they share the charge, the court, and the case number.
The Georgia.gov warrant search guide explains the statewide process that applies in every Georgia county. It covers what to bring and what to expect. The DeKalb County Jail also handles warrant inquiries if you go in person. Stonecrest is about 15 miles east of downtown Decatur where the sheriff's office is located. If you want to avoid the drive, the online tool is your best bet.
Hiring a lawyer is another option. An attorney can check the system, file a motion to recall the warrant, and handle the court appearance on your behalf. This keeps you from being taken into custody during the inquiry, which is a real risk when you walk into a sheriff's office with an active bench warrant.
Stonecrest Bench Warrant Penalties
Missing a court date in Stonecrest leads to a bench warrant and additional charges. Under O.C.G.A. 16-10-51, bail jumping on a misdemeanor case carries up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. For felonies, the penalty is one to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. These penalties are on top of the original Stonecrest charge. The bench warrant itself is a new offense under Georgia law.
Traffic bench warrants follow separate rules. Under O.C.G.A. 40-13-63, failing to show up for a traffic court date can lead to a $200 fine and up to three days in jail. The court may also contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to suspend your license under O.C.G.A. 40-5-56. Getting the license reinstated costs $100 in person or $125 by mail at DDS. That is a separate fee from any fines owed on the Stonecrest case.
Georgia law allows a 30-day grace period for some bench warrants. Under O.C.G.A. 17-6-11, the court clerk must send a letter and wait 30 days before the warrant takes full effect in traffic cases. Responding within that window may prevent the warrant from being issued. After the deadline, the Stonecrest bench warrant goes active and does not expire.
Stonecrest Legal Resources
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation operates the statewide criminal database. Every Stonecrest bench warrant entered by the DeKalb County Sheriff ends up in the GBI's GCIC system. Under Georgia's Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. 50-18-70, you have the right to request court records from government offices. Bench warrant files are generally public records. The DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court handles these requests.
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association directory lists the DeKalb County Sheriff and every other sheriff in the state with full contact info. This is a good starting point if you need to reach the right office about a bench warrant in Stonecrest or any nearby area.
The Georgia Courts website lists every county sheriff in Georgia, including the DeKalb County office that handles all Stonecrest bench warrants.
DeKalb County Bench Warrants
Stonecrest is in DeKalb County. All bench warrants from DeKalb County courts go through the sheriff's office in Decatur. For the full county warrant process, online search links, and more resources, visit the DeKalb County page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Stonecrest in the east metro Atlanta area. Each one has a page with local bench warrant contacts and search details.