Coffee County, Georgia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Coffee County, Georgia?
Arrest records in Coffee County, Georgia are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This comprehensive legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public. The statute serves as a mechanism for governmental transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Coffee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting criminal activity and law enforcement operations. Under Georgia law, these records must be produced within three business days of a request unless there are specific legal exemptions that apply. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as specified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
Citizens seeking access to arrest records may submit an Open Records Request through the designated channels established by Coffee County. The county has appointed an Official Custodian of Records to facilitate this process in compliance with state transparency laws.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Coffee County?
Coffee County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party. The digital availability of these records represents the county's commitment to public information accessibility in accordance with Georgia's Open Records Act.
The Coffee County government website provides a portal through which citizens may access certain public records. Additionally, the Georgia Courts E-Access system offers electronic access to court records, which often include information related to arrests that have proceeded to court proceedings. Users should note that this system requires registration and may charge nominal fees for certain searches or document retrievals.
Statistical data compiled by Georgia Court Records indicates that between 2013 and 2021, approximately 10,543 arrests were documented in Coffee County, with 72% classified as non-violent, low-level offenses. This information demonstrates the scope and nature of arrest records maintained by county authorities.
Online access to these records is subject to the same legal protections and exemptions that govern physical records. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain sensitive information may be restricted from public view, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
How to Look Up Coffee County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Coffee County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining appropriate security protocols:
- Visit the Coffee County Sheriff's Office in person to submit a formal request for arrest records. Staff will assist with the proper completion of necessary forms.
Coffee County Sheriff's Office
825 E. Ward Street
Douglas, GA 31533
(912) 384-4227
www.coffeesheriffga.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Submit an electronic request through the county's Open Records Request portal. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, the county may assess reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
Contact the Coffee County Clerk of Courts office, which maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to prosecution.
Coffee County Clerk of Courts
101 S. Peterson Avenue, Suite 211
Douglas, GA 31533
(912) 384-4799
www.coffeecounty-ga.gov/departments/clerk_of_courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Utilize the E911/Criminal History department for background check services, which include arrest record information.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information such as the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate efficient record retrieval. Government-issued identification may be required when requesting records in person.
Contents of a Coffee County Arrest Record
Coffee County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Georgia law and departmental policies. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense(s), including applicable Georgia Code sections
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking information, including mugshot photographs, fingerprint records, and assigned identification numbers
- Custody status, including bail or bond amounts if applicable
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
- Case disposition information if available
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly in cases involving protected categories of individuals or sensitive investigations. The Coffee County Sheriff's Office follows strict protocols regarding the maintenance and dissemination of these records to ensure compliance with state and federal privacy laws while fulfilling public information obligations.
Law enforcement agencies utilize these records for investigative purposes, while courts reference them during judicial proceedings. Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, research, or personal information needs.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Coffee County
The State of Georgia provides a legal mechanism for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement, now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. In Coffee County, individuals may petition for the restriction of their arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by state law.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Coffee County include:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction outcomes (dismissals, nolle prosequi, acquittals)
- First-offender dispositions after successful completion of sentence requirements
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenses committed by individuals under 21 years of age
- Cases where the individual has been officially pardoned for the offense
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, typically the Coffee County Sheriff's Office. The application must include supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under the relevant statutory provisions. Upon verification of eligibility, the arresting agency forwards the request to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for processing.
It should be noted that certain serious offenses, including violent felonies and sexual crimes, are statutorily excluded from eligibility for record restriction regardless of case outcome. Additionally, restricted records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers in sensitive positions as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i)(2).
Individuals seeking record restriction may benefit from legal consultation to navigate the procedural requirements effectively. The Coffee County Clerk of Courts can provide the necessary forms and procedural guidance for initiating this process.
Search Arrest Records in Coffee County
