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Clayton County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clayton County, Georgia?

Arrest records are public documents in Clayton County, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This comprehensive legislation establishes that arrest records, as components of public records maintained by government agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public for inspection and copying. The Georgia Open Records Act specifically mandates that all public records must remain available for public scrutiny unless explicitly exempted by statutory provision. This legal framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability to citizens while balancing privacy considerations as prescribed by law.

Individuals seeking arrest records in Clayton County may submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency. The Clayton County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest documentation and booking information for the county. Records requests may be submitted during regular business hours in accordance with established departmental procedures.

Clayton County Sheriff's Office
9157 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-4400
Clayton County Sheriff's Office

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clayton County?

Clayton County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Clayton County Sheriff's Office provides an inmate search database that allows public access to information regarding individuals currently detained or recently processed through the county detention facilities. This searchable database includes booking information, charges, and custody status of inmates processed within specified timeframes.

Additionally, the Clayton County Court System maintains a Court Case Inquiry system through which members of the public may access criminal case information, including records related to arrests that have proceeded to court processing. This system permits searches by defendant name or case number in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-6-50, which governs public access to court records.

Online access to these records is provided as a public service and in fulfillment of statutory obligations regarding government transparency. Users should note that certain records may be subject to redaction or restriction pursuant to applicable privacy laws or court orders.

How to Look Up Clayton County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Clayton County:

  • Sheriff's Office Records Division: The Clayton County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) at the Records Division located at 9157 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro, GA 30236. Requestors must complete the standard records request form and provide proper identification.

  • Online Inmate Database: The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online database of current and recent inmates. This resource allows searches for individuals booked within the past 48 hours, 14 days, or 31 days. The database is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website.

  • Court Records System: The Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records of cases that have proceeded to court processing. These records may be accessed through the Court Case Inquiry system or by visiting the Clerk's Office at 9151 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro, GA 30236.

  • Municipal Police Departments: Local police departments within Clayton County maintain records of arrests conducted by their officers. Requests may be submitted to the records division of the appropriate municipal agency.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may assess reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of requested records. Fee schedules are established by each agency in accordance with statutory guidelines.

Contents of a Clayton County Arrest Record

Clayton County arrest records typically contain the following categories of information as prescribed by Georgia law and county record-keeping protocols:

  • Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases or alternative names, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and other identifying physical characteristics.

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and circumstances leading to the arrest.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Georgia Code references and charge descriptions. Both misdemeanor and felony charges are documented with appropriate classification.

  • Booking Information: Unique booking number assigned to the arrest event, date and time of booking processing, and fingerprint identification number.

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

  • Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release on bond, or other custody arrangements. If applicable, bond amount and conditions are documented.

  • Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including court dates, preliminary hearing outcomes, and final disposition if resolved.

Certain information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy laws and judicial orders, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clayton County

Under Georgia law, specifically the Record Restriction and Sealing statute (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37), eligible individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest records in Clayton County. The process, formerly known as expungement, allows for the limitation of public access to arrest records under specific qualifying circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Clayton County include:

  • Arrests that did not result in formal charges
  • Cases dismissed by prosecutorial discretion or court order
  • Acquittals following trial proceedings
  • Completion of pre-trial diversion or first offender programs
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders

The record restriction process requires submission of a formal petition to the arresting agency, typically the Clayton County Sheriff's Office or municipal police department. If the arrest resulted in court proceedings, the petition must be filed with the Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reviews all restriction requests in coordination with local agencies.

Successful record restriction does not physically destroy arrest documentation but limits public access to such records. Law enforcement agencies retain access to restricted records for official purposes. Applicants should note that certain offenses, including serious violent felonies and sexual offenses, are statutorily ineligible for restriction under Georgia law.

Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court
9151 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 477-3432
Clayton County Courts

Search Arrest Records in Clayton County