Arrest records are public documents in Butts 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 documentation, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. The statute specifically designates law enforcement records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters of public safety.
The Georgia Open Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency without providing identification or stating the purpose for which the information is sought. Custodians of public records in Butts County are required by law to respond to requests within three business days.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and other statutorily protected data. The custodial agency must cite the specific legal authority for any redactions or denials of access.
Arrest records for Butts County are accessible through various online platforms maintained by local law enforcement and judicial agencies. The Butts County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information that is updated regularly. This electronic repository allows members of the public to search for arrest records using specific identifiers such as name, date of birth, or booking number.
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, also maintains electronic records that include arrest data from Butts County. Access to this comprehensive database may require payment of statutory fees as established in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34.
Additionally, the Butts County Clerk of Superior Court maintains electronic court records that often contain information related to arrests and subsequent case proceedings. These records are accessible through the Georgia Courts Automated Information System, which provides a centralized platform for accessing judicial records throughout the state.
Butts County Sheriff's Office
835 Ernest Biles Drive
Jackson, GA 30233
Phone: (770) 775-8216
Official Website
Butts County Clerk of Superior Court
25 Third Street
Jackson, GA 30233
Phone: (770) 775-8201
Official Website
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Butts County may utilize several methods established by local governmental agencies. Each method requires specific information and may involve different processing times and fees as prescribed by Georgia law.
Online database searches provide the most expedient method for accessing Butts County arrest records. The following procedures apply:
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM):
Butts County Sheriff's Office Records Division
835 Ernest Biles Drive
Jackson, GA 30233
Phone: (770) 775-8216
Butts County Courthouse
25 Third Street
Jackson, GA 30233
Phone: (770) 775-8200
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to either agency listed above. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, written requests must include:
Requests submitted by mail typically require 7-10 business days for processing. All fees must be paid by money order or certified check made payable to the appropriate agency.
Arrest records maintained by Butts County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Georgia law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system and typically include the following elements:
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, all arrest fingerprints and identifying data are transmitted to the Georgia Crime Information Center within 24 hours of booking. This information becomes part of the individual's criminal history record and is maintained in accordance with state retention schedules.
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process are considered public records under Georgia law and may be included in arrest record requests. However, commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal are regulated under O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5, which provides certain protections for individuals whose charges were dismissed or who were acquitted.
The State of Georgia provides a legal mechanism for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement and now referred to as record restriction. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest records under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Butts County include:
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards eligible requests to the Georgia Crime Information Center. For arrests occurring in Butts County, applications must be submitted to:
Butts County Sheriff's Office Records Division
835 Ernest Biles Drive
Jackson, GA 30233
Phone: (770) 775-8216
The application fee for record restriction is $25.00 per request, payable by money order or certified check. Processing typically requires 90-120 days from receipt of a complete application. Upon approval, the arrest record is restricted from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(d).
For cases requiring judicial review, petitions must be filed with the Butts County Superior Court. The court maintains jurisdiction over record restriction matters and may order the sealing of records when statutory requirements are met.
Butts County Superior Court
25 Third Street
Jackson, GA 30233
Phone: (770) 775-8215
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM