Stone Mountain Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Stone Mountain, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Stone Mountain, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all public records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public unless specifically exempted by statutory provision. The Georgia Open Records Act serves as a fundamental mechanism for ensuring governmental transparency and accountability to the citizenry.
The City of Stone Mountain, located within DeKalb County, adheres to state regulations regarding the accessibility of arrest records. Law enforcement agencies operating within Stone Mountain jurisdiction maintain these records as part of their official documentation. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit formal requests to the appropriate agencies in accordance with established protocols.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information contained within these documents may be redacted to protect sensitive personal data or ongoing investigations as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. Such exemptions are narrowly construed to maintain the presumption of openness that characterizes Georgia's public records law.
How to Look Up Stone Mountain Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records pertaining to incidents occurring within Stone Mountain, Georgia. The following methods represent the primary means of obtaining such documentation:
In-person requests may be submitted at the DeKalb County Police Department Central Records Unit, located at 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to present valid identification and complete the requisite forms.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide. Requests for arrest records may be submitted to:
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2600
Official Website
Electronic access to certain arrest record information is available through the DeKalb County online portal. Users must register for an account and may be subject to processing fees in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and reproduction of records.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the DeKalb County Police Department with specific information regarding the requested records, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, requestors seeking arrest records for employment or licensing purposes must follow specific protocols, including obtaining fingerprint-based background checks through authorized agencies.
Contents of a Stone Mountain Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies serving Stone Mountain typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia state law and departmental policies. The following elements are commonly included in official arrest documentation:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
Unique identifiers such as booking numbers, case numbers, and fingerprint classification codes assigned by the arresting agency
Temporal and geographic data specifying the date, time, and precise location where the arrest was executed
Detailed enumeration of all criminal charges filed, including citation of applicable Georgia Code sections allegedly violated
Identity of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency under whose authority the arrest was conducted
Photographic documentation of the arrested individual, commonly referred to as a "mugshot," taken during the booking process
Disposition information regarding bail or bond determinations, including monetary amounts established and conditions imposed by judicial authority
Preliminary hearing schedules and initial court appearance information when applicable
It should be noted that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain arrest record information may be subject to restriction under specific circumstances, such as cases resulting in non-conviction or participation in pretrial diversion programs.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Stone Mountain
The State of Georgia employs the term "record restriction" rather than "expungement" to describe the process by which arrest records may be limited from public disclosure. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest records under specific qualifying circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Stone Mountain include:
Cases resulting in non-conviction outcomes, including dismissals, nolle prosequi determinations, or acquittals by judicial or jury verdict
Arrests for which no formal charges were filed within the statutory limitations period
Successful completion of pretrial diversion or first offender programs as authorized under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60
Certain misdemeanor convictions obtained prior to the individual's 21st birthday, subject to specific limitations and waiting periods
The procedural requirements for obtaining record restriction involve:
Submission of a formal petition to the DeKalb County Superior Court, accompanied by the prescribed filing fee
Provision of certified documentation verifying eligibility for restriction
Notification to the prosecuting attorney's office, which maintains statutory right to contest the petition
Judicial review and determination regarding the merits of the petition
DeKalb County Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2836
Official Website
It is important to note that record restriction does not result in the physical destruction of arrest records but rather limits their disclosure to the general public. Law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities retain access to restricted records for official purposes pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).
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