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Newnan Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Newnan, Georgia?

Arrest records in Newnan, 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 legislation establishes that records created, received, or maintained by public agencies during the course of official business are available for public inspection. The City of Newnan, as a governmental entity, complies with this transparency requirement by making arrest records accessible through designated channels.

The Georgia Open Records Act specifically mandates that public agencies must provide reasonable access to records within three business days of receiving a request. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a written description of the records and a timeline for their availability. Certain exemptions exist to protect sensitive information, including ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers.

Citizens seeking arrest records in Newnan should be aware that while these documents are public, the Open Records Request process may require completion of specific forms and payment of reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71.

How to Look Up Newnan Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Newnan, Georgia. Each method varies in processing time, associated fees, and convenience factors. Individuals may select the option that best suits their specific needs and circumstances.

In-Person Requests

The Newnan Police Department
25 Jefferson Street
Newnan, GA 30263
Phone: (770) 254-2355
Newnan Police Department Official Website

Records Division Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Individuals requesting arrest records in person must:

  • Complete an Open Records Request form
  • Provide valid government-issued photo identification
  • Pay applicable fees ($0.10 per page for standard copies)
  • Allow up to three business days for processing as stipulated by state law

The Coweta County Clerk of Superior Court
72 Greenville Street
Newnan, GA 30263
Phone: (770) 254-2650

Court Records Division Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Online Access Options

The City of Newnan provides limited online access to certain public records through its official portal. For arrest records specifically, users may:

  • Visit the Newnan Municipal Court website
  • Navigate to the public records search function
  • Enter the required search parameters (name, date range, case number)
  • Review available records that meet search criteria

Online searches may not provide complete arrest record information and are primarily designed for case status verification rather than comprehensive record retrieval.

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail or email to:

Records Custodian
Newnan Police Department
25 Jefferson Street
Newnan, GA 30263
Email: records@newnanga.gov

All written requests must include:

  • Requestor's full name and contact information
  • Specific description of records being requested
  • Date range for the search
  • Signature and date
  • Payment arrangement for associated fees

Contents of a Newnan Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Newnan law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Georgia state law. These documents serve as official accounts of interactions between individuals and law enforcement resulting in arrest or detention.

Standard information contained in Newnan arrest records includes:

  • Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
  • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Date, time, and location of arrest
  • Specific charges filed, including Georgia Code references
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Booking photographs ("mugshots")
  • Fingerprint records
  • Case disposition information (if available)
  • Bond information, including amount and status

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, records pertaining to victims of certain crimes may have identifying information removed in accordance with privacy protections established under Georgia law.

The Newnan Municipal Court maintains records related to cases within its jurisdiction, which includes ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and certain misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records may contain additional information regarding case proceedings, judgments, and sentencing not included in the initial arrest record.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Newnan

Georgia law provides mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records, a process formerly known as expungement and now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This procedure allows for the limitation of public access to arrest records under specific qualifying circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

Record restriction may be available to individuals whose arrests in Newnan meet the following conditions:

  • Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
  • No accusation or indictment was filed within the statute of limitations
  • The individual was acquitted of all charges by a judge or jury
  • The case was resolved through certain pretrial diversion programs
  • The arrest was for certain misdemeanors committed before the individual's 21st birthday
  • The conviction was subsequently pardoned

Individuals with felony convictions or multiple arrests may face additional restrictions on eligibility. The Newnan Municipal Court can provide guidance regarding specific cases within its jurisdiction.

Application Process

The record restriction process in Newnan requires:

  1. Submission of a Record Restriction Application to the arresting agency (Newnan Police Department)
  2. Payment of applicable processing fees
  3. Fingerprinting for verification purposes
  4. Review by the prosecuting attorney's office
  5. Final determination by the Georgia Crime Information Center

Processing times typically range from 90-180 days from submission of a complete application. If approved, the restricted records will no longer appear in public background checks, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).

The City of Newnan adheres to all provisions of the City of Newnan Code of Ordinances and Georgia state law regarding the maintenance, accessibility, and restriction of arrest records. Individuals seeking record restriction should consult with a qualified attorney to determine eligibility and navigate the application process effectively.

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