Trenton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Trenton, Georgia?
Arrest records in Trenton, 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 the fundamental right of Georgia residents to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Dade County Sheriff's Office, which serves Trenton as the county seat, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations.
The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records should be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. This transparency framework serves multiple public interests:
- Promotes governmental accountability to citizens
- Enables informed participation in civic affairs
- Provides necessary information for public safety awareness
- Ensures equitable administration of justice through visibility
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, which protects sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to ongoing investigations. Juveniles' records receive additional protections under Georgia law and may not be fully accessible to the public.
How to Look Up Trenton Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Trenton have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The Dade County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for incidents occurring within Trenton city limits and throughout Dade County. Requestors may utilize the following official channels:
- In-person requests at the Dade County Sheriff's Office located at 75 Case Avenue, Trenton, GA 30752. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Written requests submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Dade County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 920, Trenton, GA 30752.
- Electronic requests through the Dade County Sheriff's Office official website, which provides forms and instructions for records requests.
- Telephone inquiries at 706-657-3233 for preliminary information about the records request process.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. The current fee schedule established by the Dade County Sheriff's Office includes:
- Administrative search and retrieval fee: $15.00 per hour (first quarter hour free)
- Standard document copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: $3.00 per document
- Electronic records: Variable fees based on storage media required
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Government-issued photo identification is required for in-person requests.
Contents of a Trenton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Dade County Sheriff's Office and the Dade County Magistrate Court typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Standard components of these records include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical description, residence address)
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Enumeration of all criminal charges filed, including Georgia Code citations
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking information, including unique identification numbers and detention facility
- Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process
- Biometric data, including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
- Narrative reports detailing the circumstances leading to the arrest
- Documentation of property seized during the arrest
- Initial appearance information, including bail determination
- Disposition information tracking the case through the judicial system
The Dade County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with Georgia Bureau of Investigation standards and the Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq.), which establishes retention schedules for various categories of public records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Trenton
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. Individuals seeking to restrict access to their arrest records in Trenton must file a petition with the Dade County Magistrate Court, located at 255 West Crabtree Street, Trenton, GA 30752.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Georgia include:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction (dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal)
- First-offender dispositions after successful completion of probation
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenders under 21 years of age
- Pardoned offenses (excluding serious violent felonies)
- Cases where the individual was arrested but not formally charged within the statutory timeframe
The record restriction process requires submission of the following:
- Completed Application for Record Restriction (available from the Dade County Magistrate Court)
- Certified copies of final disposition documents
- Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) criminal history report
- Filing fee of $50 (may be waived upon demonstration of indigence)
- Supporting documentation relevant to the case
Upon approval of a record restriction petition, the Dade County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, will restrict public access to the specified arrest records. However, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i), certain governmental agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may retain access to restricted records for official purposes.
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