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.
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.
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:
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
The City of Newnan provides limited online access to certain public records through its official portal. For arrest records specifically, users may:
Online searches may not provide complete arrest record information and are primarily designed for case status verification rather than comprehensive record retrieval.
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:
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:
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.
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.
Record restriction may be available to individuals whose arrests in Newnan meet the following conditions:
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.
The record restriction process in Newnan requires:
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.