>Clarke County Arrest Records Online

Clarke County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clarke County, Georgia?

Arrest records are public in Clarke 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 public records maintained by government agencies, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement entities within Clarke County. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the principle that public access to governmental proceedings and records is essential for effective citizen oversight of governmental activities.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the circumstances of arrests, the individuals involved, and subsequent processing information. Under Georgia law, these records are presumed to be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

Members of the public seeking arrest records may obtain them through various authorized channels, including in-person requests at the appropriate agency, written correspondence, or through designated online portals where available. Requestors should note that while the records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as provided by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clarke County?

Clarke County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by governmental entities. The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government provides digital access to arrest information through its official website. This service allows members of the public to search for arrest records using various identifiers such as name, date of birth, or case number.

The Clarke County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate inquiry system that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. This database is updated regularly to reflect current detention status and basic arrest information. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Corrections offers a statewide offender search function that includes individuals who have been processed through the Clarke County criminal justice system and subsequently entered state custody.

Online access to these records is provided in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which stipulates that public records shall be made available for inspection and copying. However, users should be aware that online records may not always contain complete information, and certain details may be omitted or redacted pursuant to privacy protections under state law.

How to Look Up Clarke County Arrest Records in 2025

In 2025, individuals seeking Clarke County arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches:

Athens-Clarke County Police Department Records Division 375 Lexington Road Athens, GA 30605 Phone: (706) 613-3330 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clarke County Sheriff's Office 325 E. Washington Street Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 613-3250 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Superior Court Athens-Clarke County Courthouse 325 E. Washington Street, Room 450 Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 613-3190 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors may submit formal records requests in person at these locations. Written requests may be submitted via postal mail or, where available, through electronic submission forms on the respective agency websites. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. Fee schedules are typically posted at each agency location and on their official websites.

For expedited service, requestors are advised to provide as much specific information as possible, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if known. Government-issued identification may be required when requesting records in person.

Contents of a Clarke County Arrest Record

Clarke County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia law and local protocols. These official documents typically include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Offense Information: Criminal charges filed, including Georgia Code citations; classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony); brief narrative of alleged criminal activity
Processing Data: Booking number, fingerprint identification, booking photograph ("mugshot"), personal property inventory
Case Disposition: Court assignment, scheduled appearance dates, bail or bond amount, release conditions if applicable
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions within Clarke County jurisdiction

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4), which exempts certain law enforcement records from disclosure requirements.

Arrest records are distinct from court records, though they may be referenced in court proceedings. The Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Superior Court maintains separate documentation regarding court appearances, plea entries, trial proceedings, and case dispositions related to arrests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clarke County

Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain arrest records in Clarke County may be eligible for restriction and sealing, commonly referred to as expungement. The process allows for limiting public access to arrest records under specific circumstances:

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, particularly those committed before age 21

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) oversees the record restriction process in coordination with local law enforcement agencies and courts. Individuals seeking expungement must submit an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards eligible requests to the prosecuting attorney's office for review.

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

The expungement process typically requires payment of administrative fees, which may be waived upon demonstration of financial hardship. Applicants should note that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including serious violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against minors or elderly persons as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(j).

Even when records are restricted, they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, judicial officials, and certain licensing boards. Restricted records may still be considered for sentencing purposes in subsequent criminal proceedings under Georgia's recidivist statutes.

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