Arrest records are public documents in Dodge County, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to members of the public. The Georgia Open Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Citizens and interested parties may request and review these documents for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information gathering.
The public nature of these records is consistent with Georgia's commitment to governmental transparency. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as specified under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. Law enforcement agencies in Dodge County maintain these records in accordance with state regulations and retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.
Dodge County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Georgia's digital records accessibility initiatives. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information regarding current inmate populations and recent arrests. This digital resource is updated regularly to ensure accuracy of the information presented to the public.
Additionally, the Georgia Courts system offers electronic access to certain court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive and might require supplementation through in-person requests for complete documentation.
The digital availability of these records is subject to the provisions outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which governs the methods of accessing public records. Electronic access may be limited for certain categories of records or during specific timeframes as determined by state law and local administrative policies.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Dodge County as of 2025. Interested parties may utilize the following procedures to access this information:
In-person requests at the Sheriff's Office: Individuals may visit the Dodge County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to submit a records request.
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
85 Industrial Boulevard
Eastman, GA 31023
(478) 559-1130
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dodge County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be obtained from the Clerk's office.
Dodge County Clerk of Superior Court
5016 Courthouse Square, Suite 100
Eastman, GA 31023
(478) 374-2871
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Online access through E-Access Court Records: The Georgia Courts system provides electronic access to certain court records that may contain arrest information. Users must create an account and may be subject to access fees as established by the Judicial Council of Georgia.
Written requests: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(A), citizens may submit written requests for records to the custodial agency. These requests must specify the records sought with reasonable particularity.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Fees for record retrieval and copying may apply in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c).
Arrest records maintained by Dodge County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Georgia Bureau of Investigation protocols. These records generally include:
The comprehensiveness of these records may vary based on the nature of the arrest and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4).
Law enforcement agencies in Dodge County maintain these records in accordance with the Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq.) and retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives, a division of the Secretary of State's Office.
Under Georgia law, certain arrest records in Dodge County may be eligible for restriction and sealing through a process formerly known as expungement and now referred to as record restriction. The Georgia Criminal Record Restriction Law (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37) establishes the criteria and procedures for this process.
Eligibility for record restriction in Dodge County typically applies in the following circumstances:
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards eligible requests to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). For arrests occurring after July 1, 2013, certain eligible records may be automatically restricted without application.
Individuals seeking record restriction should contact:
Dodge County Probation Office
5016 Courthouse Square, Suite 203
Eastman, GA 31023
(478) 374-7709
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
It should be noted that record restriction does not completely erase all documentation of an arrest. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(m), restricted records remain available to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and certain licensing boards under specific circumstances.