>Burke County Arrest Records Online

Burke County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Burke County, Georgia?

Arrest records are public documents in Burke County, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all public records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection and copying by any member of the public. The Georgia Open Records Act serves to promote transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system by ensuring citizens have access to these records. Exceptions to public disclosure exist only when specifically exempted by state or federal law, such as in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or when disclosure would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest.

The Burke County Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests in accordance with established county procedures, which typically require basic identifying information about the subject of the record.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Burke County?

Burke County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Georgia Courts E-Access system provides a centralized portal for accessing court records, including those related to arrests in Burke County. Additionally, the Burke County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes current inmate information and recent arrest data.

To access these online records, requesters must typically provide specific information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, or case number. Some online systems may require the creation of a user account or payment of nominal fees for record retrieval. The availability of complete arrest record information may vary depending on the specific online platform utilized and the age of the records being sought.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain restrictions apply to the dissemination of criminal history record information, particularly for commercial purposes. Users of online arrest record systems should be aware of these legal limitations when accessing and utilizing such information.

How to Look Up Burke County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining Burke County arrest records in 2025. Members of the public may utilize any of the following official channels:

Visit the Burke County Sheriff's Office in person to submit a formal request for arrest records. The office is located at:

Burke County Sheriff's Office
225 Highway 24 South
Waynesboro, GA 30830
(706) 554-2133
Burke County Sheriff's Office

Submit requests to the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court, which maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings:

Burke County Clerk of Superior Court
200 East 6th Street
PO Box 80
Waynesboro, GA 30830
(706) 554-2279
Burke County Clerk of Superior Court

Access the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for statewide criminal history information, which includes Burke County arrests.
Utilize the Burke County Court Records online portal, which aggregates public record information from multiple county agencies.
Submit a written request via certified mail to the Records Division of the Burke County Sheriff's Office, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.

Requesters should note that processing times may vary depending on the method chosen and the volume of requests being processed. Fees may apply in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of public records.

Contents of a Burke County Arrest Record

Burke County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia law and local record-keeping protocols. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes the following elements:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known nicknames
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of all charges filed
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information (e.g., Burke County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol)
Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
Unique booking identification number assigned to the case
Custody status information, including bond amounts if applicable
Preliminary court appearance dates and outcomes
Disposition information if the case has concluded

The State Court of Burke County maintains records of misdemeanor cases, while the Superior Court for the Augusta Judicial Circuit, which includes Burke County, maintains records for felony cases. These courts may provide additional documentation regarding case progression beyond the initial arrest.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain information may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Burke County

Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition for restriction and sealing of arrest records in Burke County under certain qualifying circumstances. The process, formerly known as expungement, is now referred to as "record restriction" in Georgia's legal framework. Record restriction may be available in the following situations:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges being filed
Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
First offender or conditional discharge cases successfully completed
Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders

To initiate the record restriction process, eligible individuals must:

Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court
Submit the completed petition along with required supporting documentation
Pay applicable filing fees as established by county ordinance
Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the petition

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) reviews all applications for record restriction in coordination with the prosecuting attorney's office. If approved, the arrest record will be sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(j).

Individuals seeking record restriction should be aware that the process does not apply to certain serious offenses as enumerated in state law, and that private databases may continue to display information even after official records have been restricted.