>Charlton County Arrest Records Online

Charlton County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Charlton County, Georgia?

Arrest records are public documents in Charlton County, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the principle that public access to such information promotes transparency in the criminal justice system and governmental accountability.

Members of the public may access these records with certain statutory limitations. Records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases (governed by O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700), and those sealed by court order remain exempt from public disclosure. Additionally, certain personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver's license numbers may be redacted from public versions of these documents in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.

The Charlton County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within the county and maintains these documents in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Charlton County?

Charlton County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms, reflecting the county's commitment to digital government services. The Charlton County official website provides a portal through which certain public records can be accessed electronically. This digital availability aligns with Georgia's efforts to modernize record-keeping systems while maintaining compliance with the Open Records Act.

The online accessibility of arrest records is subject to the following provisions:

Records available online typically include basic arrest information such as the arrestee's name, charges filed, and arrest date
Complete arrest records, including detailed reports, may require in-person requests
Electronic access may be limited for records that have been sealed, expunged, or are subject to privacy restrictions under Georgia law
Some records may require payment of statutory fees for access or reproduction

Users should note that the Clerk of Superior, State & Juvenile Courts maintains court records related to arrests, which may be accessed through separate electronic systems. The Georgia Department of Corrections also maintains an Offender Query database for individuals who have entered the state correctional system.

How to Look Up Charlton County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Charlton County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple authorized channels to obtain this information. The county has established several methods to facilitate public access to these records in accordance with Georgia's Open Records Act.

To obtain arrest records, requestors may:

Submit a formal records request to the Charlton County Sheriff's Office located at 4 Courthouse Street, Folkston, GA 31537. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Phone: (912) 496-7321
Access the Charlton County Courts electronic records system for cases that have proceeded to court proceedings
Utilize the public access terminals available at the Charlton County Courthouse, 68 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, GA 31537
Submit requests through the Georgia Courts E-Access portal for court records related to arrests
Contact the Charlton County Clerk of Superior Court at 68 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, GA 31537. Phone: (912) 496-2058

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record retrieval, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.

Contents of a Charlton County Arrest Record

Charlton County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia law and maintained by the Charlton County Sheriff's Office. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's encounter with law enforcement resulting in arrest.

A comprehensive arrest record typically contains:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest with corresponding Georgia Code sections
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Booking number and facility information
Disposition information if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bond information including amount and status

These records are maintained in accordance with the Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq.) which establishes retention schedules for law enforcement records. The Probate & Magistrate Court may maintain additional records related to initial appearances and preliminary hearings following arrests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Charlton County

The State of Georgia provides legal mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement and now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. In Charlton County, eligible individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest records that did not result in conviction or that meet other statutory criteria.

Record restriction eligibility generally applies to:

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 cases successfully completed under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60
Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)
Pardoned offenses (excluding serious violent felonies)

The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, typically the Charlton County Sheriff's Office. If approved at the agency level, the restriction request is forwarded to the Georgia Crime Information Center for implementation at the state level. For cases requiring judicial review, petitions must be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court at 68 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, GA 31537.

Successful record restriction prevents the dissemination of arrest information to private individuals and entities, though certain government agencies retain access to restricted records for specific purposes as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Charlton County

Arrest records in Charlton County serve multiple legitimate functions within the criminal justice system and broader society, subject to regulations under Georgia law. These records constitute official documentation of law enforcement actions and are utilized by various stakeholders for authorized purposes.

Permissible uses of arrest records include:

Criminal justice operations including prosecution, sentencing, and corrections administration
Background screening for employment in positions involving public safety, education, healthcare, and financial services as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-35
Tenant screening by property owners and managers in accordance with Fair Housing regulations
Professional licensing determinations by state regulatory boards
Immigration proceedings and determinations by federal authorities
Statistical analysis and research by criminal justice agencies and academic institutions (with personally identifying information typically removed)
Public safety notifications in specific circumstances as authorized by law

Users of arrest record information must comply with applicable federal and state laws including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) when such records are used for employment or housing decisions. The Charlton County Courts system maintains records of subsequent judicial proceedings that may provide context to arrest information.