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Georgia Arrest Records

Is Georgia an Open Arrest Records State?

Georgia is an open arrest records state pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This statutory framework establishes that arrest records are classified as public documents accessible to all citizens. The State of Georgia maintains this policy of transparency to ensure governmental accountability and public oversight of law enforcement activities. Public access to arrest records serves multiple functions within the state's judicial system, including:

  • Supporting the constitutional right to public trials and proceedings
  • Enabling background verification for employment and housing purposes
  • Facilitating journalistic investigation and reporting on matters of public interest
  • Allowing individuals to monitor case progression through the criminal justice system
  • Providing researchers with data for analysis of law enforcement practices

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in the state. While certain records may be subject to restriction under specific circumstances as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, the presumption under Georgia law favors disclosure rather than confidentiality.

How to Look Up Georgia Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Georgia arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains the state's central criminal history database. Individuals may obtain arrest records through the following official channels:

  • In-person requests at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation headquarters

    Georgia Bureau of Investigation
    3121 Panthersville Road
    Decatur, GA 30034
    404-244-2600
    Georgia Bureau of Investigation
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • County Sheriff's Offices maintain local arrest records for their jurisdictions

    Fulton County Sheriff's Office
    185 Central Avenue SW
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    404-612-5100
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Online access through the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query for individuals currently in state custody

  • Court clerk offices in the county where the arrest occurred

    Clerk of Superior Court - DeKalb County
    556 N. McDonough Street, Room 200
    Decatur, GA 30030
    404-371-2836
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors must provide specific identifying information to facilitate accurate record retrieval, including:

  • Full legal name of the subject
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number (if available)
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • County of arrest (if known)

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain fees may apply for record retrieval services. The standard fee for a criminal history record is $20.00 per name search, payable by credit card, money order, or certified check.

Contents of a Georgia Arrest Record

Georgia arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by the Georgia Criminal Justice Information System. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes the following components:

  • Biographical Information

    • Full legal name (including aliases)
    • Date of birth
    • Race and gender
    • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
    • Residential address at time of arrest
    • Fingerprint classification

  • Arrest Details

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting agency and officer identification
    • Booking number and facility
    • Arrest circumstances and probable cause statement
    • Weapons or contraband seized

  • Charge Information

    • Specific statutory violations cited (O.C.G.A. references)
    • Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
    • Case numbers assigned
    • Court of jurisdiction

  • Judicial Processing

    • Bail or bond determination
    • Court appearance dates
    • Plea information
    • Case disposition (if resolved)
    • Sentencing details (if applicable)

  • Custody Status

    • Current detention location
    • Projected release date (if sentenced)
    • Parole eligibility (if applicable)

The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains these records in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, which establishes standards for criminal history record information collection, storage, and dissemination.

Understanding the Georgia Open Records Act

The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) establishes the legal framework governing public access to governmental records, including arrest documentation. This statute codifies the presumption that public records shall be open for inspection by any citizen of the state at a reasonable time and place.

Key provisions of the Act include:

  • Response Timeline: Government agencies must respond to record requests within three business days, either by providing the records or citing a specific exemption that prevents disclosure.

  • Reasonable Fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records, not to exceed $0.10 per page for standard document reproduction.

  • Electronic Records: When records are maintained electronically, agencies must provide the records in electronic format when requested and technically feasible.

  • Exemptions: Certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure, including:

    • Records specifically required by federal statute or regulation to be kept confidential
    • Medical records and personal information
    • Records that would compromise ongoing investigations
    • Records that would reveal confidential informants

The Office of the Attorney General of Georgia oversees compliance with the Open Records Act. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $1,000 for the first violation and up to $2,500 for each additional violation within a 12-month period, as stipulated in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-74.

Office of the Attorney General
40 Capitol Square SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-3300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Expungement of Arrest Records in Georgia

Georgia law provides a mechanism for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement, now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This statute allows for the limitation of public access to arrest records under specific circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for record restriction include:

  • Arrests that did not result in formal charges
  • Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
  • Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
  • First offender dispositions after successful completion of sentence
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)

The record restriction process requires:

  1. Submission of an application to the arresting agency
  2. Payment of applicable processing fees ($25-$50)
  3. Fingerprint submission for identity verification
  4. Review by the prosecuting attorney's office
  5. Final determination by the Georgia Crime Information Center

Even when records are restricted from public view, they remain accessible to:

  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Judicial officials
  • Certain licensing boards
  • Employers in sensitive positions (education, childcare, etc.)

Georgia Crime Information Center
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
404-244-2639
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals with complex cases may require legal assistance to navigate the record restriction process. The Georgia Justice Project offers guidance on record restriction eligibility and procedures.

Georgia Justice Project
438 Edgewood Avenue SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-827-0027
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Find Local Arrests in Georgia

Members of the public seeking information about recent local arrests in Georgia may utilize several official resources. County and municipal law enforcement agencies maintain current arrest data that is typically more immediately accessible than centralized state repositories.

Local arrest information can be obtained through:

Counties
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