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Crawford County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Crawford County, Georgia?

Arrest records in Crawford 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 legislation establishes that records generated, received, or maintained by public agencies during the course of their official duties shall be available for inspection by members of the public. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. The public nature of these documents serves multiple governmental interests, including:

  • Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Ensuring accountability of public officials
  • Facilitating informed civic participation
  • Supporting public safety through information dissemination

Certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under Georgia state law. Individuals seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while the records are public, specific procedures must be followed to obtain them.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Crawford County?

Crawford County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Georgia's commitment to digital government services. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that provides limited public access to booking information and current inmate status. Additionally, the Georgia Courts E-Access system offers electronic access to court records, including those related to Crawford Superior Court cases that originate from arrests.

Online accessibility is subject to the following conditions:

  • Records may not be immediately available following an arrest
  • Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
  • Complete records may require in-person requests
  • Technical limitations may affect the comprehensiveness of online records

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) also maintains electronic databases that include arrest information from Crawford County and other jurisdictions throughout the state. These systems are designed to comply with both public access requirements and privacy protections established under Georgia law.

How to Look Up Crawford County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Crawford 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 record integrity:

Crawford County Sheriff's Office
35 Taylor Street
Knoxville, GA 31050
Phone: (478) 836-3116
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest records and provides in-person access to these documents. Requestors must:

  • Complete a records request form
  • Provide identification
  • Pay applicable copying fees ($0.10 per page as of 2025)
  • Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Crawford County Clerk of Superior Court
100 Georgia Highway 341 North
Roberta, GA 31078
Phone: (478) 836-3330
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions. These records may be accessed through:

  • In-person visits to the courthouse
  • The county's online court records portal
  • Written requests submitted by mail with appropriate fees

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

The GBI provides statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Crawford County, through their Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). Access requires:

  • Submission of fingerprints
  • Payment of statutory fees
  • Compliance with state identification protocols

Contents of a Crawford County Arrest Record

Crawford County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Georgia law and the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Subject identification information:

    • Full legal name and any documented aliases
    • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
    • Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
    • Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
    • Georgia identification number or other identifier
  • Arrest details:

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting agency and officer identification
    • Statutory charges with Georgia Code references
    • Incident report number and booking reference
    • Weapon involvement (if applicable)
  • Case processing information:

    • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
    • Fingerprint classification
    • Bond/bail amount and status
    • Court appearance dates
    • Detention facility assignment
  • Disposition information (when available):

    • Court of jurisdiction
    • Case number
    • Judicial outcomes
    • Sentencing details

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain information may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would compromise public safety or individual privacy beyond statutory allowances.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Crawford 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 and now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. In Crawford County, individuals may petition for record restriction under specific circumstances prescribed by state law.

Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Crawford County include:

  • Arrests that did not result in formal charges
  • Cases dismissed by the prosecuting attorney
  • Acquittals by judge or jury
  • Certain first-offender dispositions after successful completion of sentence
  • Certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and a waiting period

The record restriction process requires:

  1. Submission of a Record Restriction Application to the Crawford County Sheriff's Office
  2. Payment of the statutory application fee ($25 as of 2025)
  3. Fingerprinting for positive identification
  4. Review by the prosecuting attorney's office
  5. Final determination by the Georgia Crime Information Center

Crawford County District Attorney's Office
100 Georgia Highway 341 North
Roberta, GA 31078
Phone: (478) 836-7361
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Individuals should note that record restriction under Georgia law does not completely destroy arrest records but rather limits their disclosure to the general public. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and judicial authorities, may still access restricted records for official purposes as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).

Legal Uses of Crawford County Arrest Records

Crawford County arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and broader society. The Georgia Legislature has recognized several authorized uses for these public documents, including:

  • Criminal justice administration:

    • Prosecution of criminal cases
    • Sentencing determinations
    • Probation and parole supervision
    • Law enforcement investigations
  • Public safety functions:

    • Background checks for sensitive employment positions
    • Screening for professional licensure
    • Firearm purchase eligibility verification
    • Sex offender registry management
  • Civil proceedings:

    • Child custody and visitation determinations
    • Civil litigation involving character evidence
    • Protective order proceedings
    • Tenant screening in certain circumstances

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Unauthorized uses of arrest record information, particularly for discriminatory purposes prohibited under federal and state law, may subject violators to civil liability and penalties.

Limitations on Arrest Record Access in Crawford County

While arrest records in Crawford County are generally public, Georgia law establishes specific limitations on access to protect individual rights and public interests. These restrictions include:

  • Sealed and restricted records:

    • Records subject to court-ordered sealing
    • Records restricted under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37
    • Records pertaining to pardoned offenses
    • First Offender Act cases with successful completion
  • Protected categories:

    • Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
    • Records involving victims of certain offenses
    • Mental health commitment information
    • Records where disclosure would compromise active investigations
  • Procedural limitations:

    • Requirement for proper identification of requestors
    • Payment of statutory fees
    • Compliance with formal request procedures
    • Restrictions on bulk data requests

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court are required to review record requests to ensure compliance with these limitations before disclosure. Individuals who believe their records are subject to restriction may file a petition with the Crawford County Superior Court for appropriate relief.

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