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Woodstock Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Woodstock, Georgia?

Arrest records are public documents in Woodstock, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the state, including those maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including promoting transparency in law enforcement operations, enabling community oversight of the criminal justice system, and facilitating informed civic participation.

The Woodstock Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records become public information once they are created and filed, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and specific privacy interests as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.

Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to:

Woodstock Police Department Records Division
12453 Highway 92
Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: 770-592-6012
Official Website

Records Division Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on weekends and holidays

How to Look Up Woodstock Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Woodstock provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to Georgia's Open Records Act, these records must be produced within three business days of receipt of a request, unless subject to specific exemptions under state law.

Individuals seeking arrest records in Woodstock may utilize the following methods:

  • In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Woodstock Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth when available.

  • Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Woodstock Police Department. All requests should include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and the preferred format for receiving the records.

  • Online Access: The City of Woodstock maintains certain public records online through its municipal portal. Basic arrest information may be available through this system, though comprehensive records typically require a formal request.

  • Municipal Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Woodstock Municipal Court maintains records that may be accessed by the public. The court is located at:

Woodstock Municipal Court
12453 Highway 92
Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: 770-592-6030
Official Website

Court Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on weekends and holidays

Fees for copies of arrest records are established pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71 and local ordinance. Standard fees include $0.10 per page for letter or legal-sized documents and may include additional reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and other administrative costs for extensive requests.

Contents of a Woodstock Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Woodstock Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Georgia law and departmental policy. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and residential address at the time of arrest.

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Georgia Code references and charge descriptions. This section may include both the initial charges at arrest and any subsequent modifications.

  • Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification data, and processing details from the Cherokee County detention facility.

  • Physical Description: Height, weight, identifying marks such as tattoos or scars, and other distinguishing physical characteristics.

  • Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, typically including front and profile views.

  • Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.

  • Case Disposition: For closed cases, the outcome of the criminal proceedings, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial verdicts, or diversion program participation.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Woodstock

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 officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This process limits public access to arrest records under specific circumstances, though the records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified by statute.

Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Woodstock include:

  • Cases resulting in non-conviction outcomes, including dismissals, nolle prosequi filings, or acquittals
  • Arrests for which no formal charges were filed within the applicable statute of limitations
  • Certain first-offender dispositions after successful completion of sentence requirements
  • Specific misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense) after a waiting period of 4 years with no subsequent arrests

The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which in Woodstock is typically the Woodstock Police Department. Applications must include:

  • Certified copies of relevant court dispositions
  • Proper identification of the applicant
  • Payment of applicable processing fees

Upon receipt of a completed application, the Woodstock Police Department forwards the request to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for processing. If approved, the restricted records will no longer appear in standard background checks conducted by the general public or most private employers.

Individuals seeking record restriction may obtain application materials from:

Woodstock Police Department Records Division
12453 Highway 92
Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: 770-592-6012
Official Website

For complex cases or those involving multiple jurisdictions, applicants may benefit from consulting with legal counsel familiar with Georgia's record restriction statutes.

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