Georgia

This guide provides essential information on how to locate arrest records, where they’re stored, and the most efficient methods to request them.

In addition to accessing arrest records, the following topics will be covered:

• How to reach inmates and post bail in Georgia.
• Searching court records for criminal, marriage, divorce, and arrest warrant data.
• Navigating the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole for probation and parole records.
• Steps to seal or expunge arrest records.
• Finding both state and federal prisoners in Georgia.
• Conducting background checks for personal or professional purposes.
• Understanding Georgia’s public records laws to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Georgia’s Arrest Records Accessibility

Georgia law, specifically Statute 50-18-70 (the Open Records Act), categorizes most arrest and criminal records as public records. This means anyone can access adult arrest or conviction records unless they have been sealed or expunged.

However, certain restrictions apply, including:

• Police reports (except the record of arrest and charges) are inaccessible until the case concludes.
• Juvenile records remain sealed.
• Mugshots cannot be published, as outlined in Georgia Statute 35-1-50-18-72, and no public arrest mugshot databases exist.
• Sealed or expunged records cannot be disclosed.
• Information such as victims’ names or witness data may be redacted.

Knowing how to navigate Georgia’s arrest records system is crucial for anyone conducting background checks or seeking personal data.

Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

While both arrest and criminal records provide details about someone’s interactions with law enforcement, they differ in scope.

Arrest records include:

• Date and location of the arrest.
• Charges against the individual.
• Physical description (age, race, gender, identifying marks).

Criminal records, however, include all arrest data and additional details such as:

• Case outcomes (dismissals, acquittals, or convictions).
• Sentencing information.
• The court’s jurisdiction and prosecutor involved in the case.

It’s important to note that arrest records only indicate an accusation, not guilt. For that reason, they typically aren’t used in hiring decisions or other official purposes.

Searching for Recent Arrests in Georgia

For individuals wondering how to check if someone has been arrested, the first step is to search the local law enforcement databases. Most sheriff’s offices maintain a jail roster where arrest records are available. These rosters may be accessible via the sheriff’s office website.

Sheriff offices provide details such as:

• Inmate rosters (listing all current detainees).
• Name-based search tools for specific individuals.

Georgia law enforcement agencies are prohibited from publishing mugshots unless the individual has been convicted. Arrest records will still contain a description of the individual taken into custody but without the visual representation of a mugshot.

County Arrest Records in Georgia

To find arrest records at the county level, begin with the local sheriff’s office website. Each site typically has an “inmate roster” or “inmate search” section. Here, users can search for current arrestees or browse a list of all detainees.

Keep in mind that while arrest records are public, mugshots are not. Arrest records may detail the nature of the arrest and the charges, but no photos of the arrestee will be available.

City Jail Arrest Records

City jails function similarly to county jails, holding individuals until trial or for short-term periods. Contact the city police department for information on recent arrests.

For example:

• City of Atlanta, Department of Corrections: (404) 865-8001.
• Kennesaw City Jail: (770) 427-5151.

Another option for accessing jail records is hiring a bail bondsman. Bondsmen often have access to arrest records and can help locate individuals in custody and assist with their release.

Statewide Arrest Records Lookup

For statewide arrest record searches, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is the go-to resource. Their Georgia Crime Information Center provides comprehensive arrest records, including arresting agencies, charges, and other related details. Requests typically involve a fee and require fingerprinting.

Posting Bail and Contacting Inmates

Once you’ve identified that someone has been arrested, the next step might be posting bail. Sheriff’s offices and jail administrators provide visitation and bail information on their websites. Alternatively, contacting a bail bondsman can facilitate the bail process.

A bondsman can assist with:

• Navigating the bond system.
• Contacting inmates.
• Securing legal representation.

Viewing Criminal Records in Georgia

To obtain official criminal records, individuals must contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) or the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). These agencies handle background checks for employment and licensing purposes. Individuals seeking their personal criminal history can request it through local law enforcement.

The fees for background checks vary depending on the scope of the search. For example:

• Statewide check for employment/licensure: $30.
• Nationwide check: $43.25.
• Volunteer checks: $28 (statewide), $39.25 (nationwide).

Most requests are handled via the GCIC’s Georgia Applicant Processing Services website. Some sheriff’s offices also offer in-person record requests.

Steps for Criminal Record Searches

If you’re seeking criminal court records, follow these steps:

• Visit the Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts website.
• Click the “E-Access to Court Records” section.
• Select the county where the case was heard.
• Register for PeachCourt (Georgia’s public records platform).
• Search by case number, county, or defendant name.

PeachCourt provides comprehensive criminal history details for a fee, which varies by record type.

Complete Statewide Criminal Records Search

For fingerprint-based statewide and national criminal history searches, the Georgia Applicant Processing System (GAPS) is the primary tool. To conduct a name-based search, individuals must visit their local law enforcement agency and pay the applicable fees.

For businesses or agencies conducting criminal record searches, GAPS requires users to:

• Obtain a GAPS account.
• Log into the account and schedule fingerprinting at a LiveScan location.
• Review criminal records once available.

Searching Georgia Felony Records

Felony records are maintained by the Georgia Technology Authority’s Felon Search portal. To search for felony convictions:

• Visit the Georgia Felon Search portal.
• Enter the offender’s personal details (name, date of birth, etc.).
• Complete the payment process ($15 per search).
• Results will be emailed shortly after.

This portal allows individuals to search for Georgia felony convictions quickly and easily.

Obtaining Arrest Records in Georgia

In Georgia, obtaining a copy of arrest records can be done through various law enforcement agencies. Local departments handle name-based searches, while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) provides fingerprint-based records.

To request arrest records:

• Visit your local law enforcement office or check their website for instructions.
• Each agency has its own process and fees for obtaining records.

For example:

• Atlanta Police Department: Submit a notarized request form, ID, and $10 fee via mail.
• Cobb County Sheriff’s Office: In-person requests only; bring ID and pay 25 cents per page or $20 per sheet. Extra fees for transactions apply.

Online services, such as GAPS (Georgia Applicant Processing Services), offer fingerprint-based checks with varying costs depending on the type of check (state or federal). Here’s a fee breakdown for online checks:

• State-only (electronic): $38.25
• State and federal (paper): $59.50

Records include adult criminal matters that haven’t been expunged, including arrests.

Searching for Probation or Parole Records in Georgia

Probation and parole records in Georgia are also accessible to the public. These records show whether an individual was released under supervision after serving part of their sentence.

For probation records:

• Visit the local courthouse or sheriff’s department to request records.
• Use PeachCourts E-Access for a name-based search to check if someone is on supervised or unsupervised probation.

For parole records:

• Go to the Georgia State Board of Pardons & Paroles website and search their parolee database.
• The search results will provide details such as the parolee’s name, release date, parole officer information, and charges.

How To Seal or Expunge Arrest Records in Georgia

Sealing or expunging records in Georgia is governed by Georgia Statute 35-3-37. If eligible, individuals can petition the court to have their arrest records sealed from public view.

Steps to seal a record:

• Obtain a copy of the record from the local sheriff’s office.
• File a petition with the court if charges meet the criteria (e.g., non-conviction, acquittal, or completion of sentence).
• For records before 2013, submit a Request to Restrict Arrest Record form to the arresting agency.
• The prosecutor reviews the request and decides whether the record should be restricted.

Fees for processing the request may apply, but the total cannot exceed $50. Once approved, the arrest records will no longer be visible to the public.

Finding State and Federal Inmates in Georgia

Both state and federal inmate records in Georgia are public and accessible online.

To search for federal inmates:

• Go to the Bureau of Prisons website.
• Use the Find an Inmate feature and search by name.

For state inmates:

• Visit the Georgia Department of Corrections website.
• Use their offender search tool to locate information such as charges and the inmate’s current location.

How To Conduct a Georgia Warrant Search

To check if someone has an active warrant in Georgia:

• Contact the local sheriff’s department or police station for procedures.
• Some counties publish warrant lists online, while others require individuals to call the office for information.

For instance, the Appling County Sheriff’s Office provides an online list, while the Atlanta Police Department does not.

Georgia’s Sex Offender Registry

Georgia’s sex offender registry is maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and is publicly accessible online.

To search:

• Go to the Sex Offender Registry website.
• Input the individual’s name to see a list of registered offenders.

Searches can also be conducted through the National Sex Offender Registry, allowing for a nationwide search of sex offenders by name or location.

Overview of Georgia Arrest Record Laws

Under Georgia Statute 50-18-70, arrest records are public, but some records, such as juvenile records or those restricted by court order, are not accessible. If an arrest record is restricted, it will not show up on employment or licensure background checks.

Local court records may still retain restricted information, and mugshots cannot be published until after a conviction, per Georgia Statute 35-3-37.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Georgia arrest records, you’re in the right place. Our FAQ section aims to address common inquiries related to accessing, understanding, and managing arrest records in Georgia.

What Are Georgia Arrest Records?

Georgia arrest records are official documents detailing the arrest history of individuals within the state. They typically include the individual’s personal information, the charges filed, arresting agency, and the arrest date. These records can be used by employers, landlords, or others to conduct background checks. They provide a clear picture of an individual’s legal encounters with law enforcement.

How Can I Access Georgia Arrest Records?

To access Georgia arrest records, you can contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) or the local police department where the arrest occurred. Online databases and third-party websites also offer access to arrest records, but it’s important to use reputable sources. Some records might require a formal request or application process, and there may be associated fees.

Are Georgia Arrest Records Public?

Yes, Georgia arrest records are generally considered public information. However, access may be restricted or redacted in certain cases, such as ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information. Individuals seeking these records should check the specific policies of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or local law enforcement agencies for access guidelines.

Can I Remove an Arrest Record from Georgia Databases?

Removing an arrest record from Georgia databases typically involves sealing or expunging the record. This process requires a court petition and is generally available if the case was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal. Consulting with a legal professional can help determine eligibility and guide you through the necessary steps for record removal.

What Information Is Included in a Georgia Arrest Record?

A Georgia arrest record usually includes the individual’s full name, date of birth, physical description, details of the arrest, charges filed, and arresting agency. It may also contain information about the outcome of the arrest, such as court dates or convictions. These records are used to provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s arrest history.