About Lithonia — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The De Kalb County Jail, commonly referred to as the De Kalb County Detention Center, operates in Decatur and is the primary holding facility for anyone arrested in De Kalb County. When individuals are booked into the facility, they undergo fingerprinting and photographing while staff collect personal information for processing. The public can search for current detainees through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides an online inmate lookup tool. Visitation at this facility requires advance appointments and strict adherence to specific guidelines set by jail administration.
Arrest Records
The De Kalb County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting the details of each arrest along with charges and booking data. Residents and attorneys seeking these records must submit formal requests through the Sheriff's Office, which typically involves processing fees. Each record contains the arrest date, specific charges filed, and identifies which agency made the arrest. Access to these documents falls under the Georgia Open Records Act, which establishes the framework for transparency and ensures the public can obtain arrest information through proper channels.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Dekalb County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which provides a statewide criminal history database. This service allows individuals to access criminal records for employment, licensing, and personal purposes.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lithonia, Georgia, are managed by the Georgia Department of Public Health (https://dph.georgia.gov/vital records). This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. Residents can request these records online or by mail, and the department provides detailed instructions on their website.
Business & Licensing Records
The Lithonia Chamber of Commerce (https://www.lithoniaga.org/) is the primary resource for business information in the community. The chamber's website features a directory of local businesses, details on economic development initiatives, and a calendar of upcoming events and community programs. Those researching business registration and licensing records can access the Georgia Secretary of State's website (https://sos.ga.gov/corporations-and-charities), which maintains corporate and charity filings for entities operating throughout the state.
Economy & Demographics
Lithonia, Georgia, has a diverse economy with a mix of small businesses, retail establishments, and light industrial operations. The city's largest employers include the DeKalb County School District, Lithonia Lighting, and several healthcare providers. The Lithonia Chamber of Commerce (https://www.lithoniaga.org/) and the DeKalb County Economic Development Department (https://www.selectdekalb.com/) offer resources and support for local businesses and economic development initiatives.
Elections & Voter Records
Election services for Lithonia residents run through the De Kalb County Registration and Elections Office, located at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032, phone (404) 298-4020, website www.dekalbvotes.com. This office manages voter registration, early voting operations, absentee ballot requests, and overall election administration for the city. Georgia residents can register online at the Secretary of State website, https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov, or submit paper applications available at libraries, DMV offices, and the De Kalb County elections office.
Registration must be completed at least 29 days before any election, with applicants providing either a valid Georgia driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. The city operates under a mayor-council structure with four council members, and those interested in qualifying as candidates can contact Lithonia City Hall at (770) 482-8136. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by visiting the Georgia My Voter Page at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov, where entering an address reveals polling location, sample ballot, elected officials, and registration status. Under Georgia law (§ 21-2-225), voter registration lists qualify as public records available for purchase from the De Kalb County elections office for legitimate election related purposes. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable through the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission at https://ethics.ga.gov/campaign-finance/. Election results by precinct appear on the De Kalb County elections website following certification. All 236 Georgia General Assembly seats (56 State Senate, 180 State House) will be contested, including legislative districts covering the community. The county will hold elections for various county offices potentially including Tax Commissioner, Clerk of Superior Court, Sheriff, and District Attorney, depending on term schedules. State judicial positions including Court of Appeals and Superior Court judges may also appear on ballots. City elections are held in odd years (2025, 2027), so no municipal races will appear on Georgia voters can request absentee ballots online through the Secretary of State's absentee ballot portal at https://ballotrequest.sos.ga.gov, by submitting a written application to the De Kalb County Elections Office, or in person. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Friday before Election Day (11 days before the election). Georgia requires photo ID for in-person voting and provides specific ID options for absentee voting. Early voting is available at multiple county locations beginning approximately three weeks before Election Day.
Public Records Resources for Lithonia, Georgia
Official government websites for Lithonia, Georgia and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Georgia Bureau of InvestigationObtain criminal history record information.
- Search Georgia Criminal RecordsSearch results of fingerprint background check.
- Georgia Felon SearchConduct a search of persons with felonies in Georgia.
- Georgia InmatesFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Georgia Dept. of Corrections.
- Georgia Sex OffendersSearch the GA Bureau of Investigation database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Georgia Department of Public SafetyCapitol police, records, reports and more.
- Georgia Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts.
- Georgia Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Georgia Secretary of State.
- Professional Licensing BoardFree license verification open to the public with access to Georgia Secretary of State.
- Georgia Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the GA Dept. of Revenue.
- Georgia Death RowYearly reports about inmates under death sentence (UDS) at the beginning of each calendar year since 2000.
- Georgia Court FormsCourt Forms and Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Lithonia, Georgia?
To register to vote in Lithonia, Georgia, residents can register online through the Georgia Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Dekalb County elections office. Georgia requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Georgia Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Lithonia, contact the Dekalb County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Lithonia, Georgia?
Property records for Lithonia, Georgia are maintained by the Dekalb County Tax Assessor's Office and the Dekalb County Clerk of Superior Court. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Dekalb County, including parcels in Lithonia. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Dekalb County Clerk of Superior Court maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Georgia counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Dekalb County Tax Commissioner handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Lithonia, Georgia?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Lithonia, Georgia residents are available through both county and state offices. The Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records, located in Atlanta, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Georgia. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Dekalb County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Dekalb County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.