Sandy Springs Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sandy Springs, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Sandy Springs, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A § 50-18-70 et seq). This legislation mandates that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, remain accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law or court order. The Georgia Open Records Act serves as the legal framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. Citizens, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties may request and obtain copies of arrest records maintained by the Sandy Springs Police Department and other relevant governmental entities.
The public nature of these records facilitates community awareness regarding law enforcement activities and provides citizens with information concerning public safety matters within Sandy Springs. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from these records in accordance with privacy protections established under Georgia law, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or investigative integrity.
How to Look Up Sandy Springs Arrest Records in 2025
The Sandy Springs Police Department maintains comprehensive arrest records that are available to the public through several official channels. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following methods:
- Submit an Open Records Request through the official Sandy Springs Police Department online portal
- Visit the Sandy Springs Police Department headquarters in person during regular business hours
- Send a written request via certified mail to the Records Division
- Access the City of Sandy Springs records portal for general public records
Requestors must provide specific information to facilitate record retrieval, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to O.C.G.A § 50-18-71, agencies may assess reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. The standard fee structure includes $0.10 per page for photocopies and administrative costs for records requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time to process.
Sandy Springs Police Department
620 Morgan Falls Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
770-551-6900
Sandy Springs Police Department
Requests are typically processed within three business days as required by state law, though complex requests may require additional time. The department will provide written notification if extended processing time is necessary.
Contents of a Sandy Springs Arrest Record
Sandy Springs arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Subject's complete legal name and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information including fingerprint classification data
- Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing
- Custody status and bail/bond information if applicable
- Case disposition information if available
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
The Sandy Springs Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Georgia Records Retention Schedules as established by the Georgia Secretary of State. Arrest records are categorized as permanent records when associated with felony cases and are retained for seven years for misdemeanor offenses. The department utilizes a secure digital records management system that complies with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security protocols.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A § 35-3-34, certain information contained within arrest records may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile offenders. The Records Division reviews all requests to ensure compliance with applicable privacy statutes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Sandy Springs
The State of Georgia provides legal mechanisms 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 may petition for record restriction in Sandy Springs under specific circumstances:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction (dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal)
- First offender or conditional discharge after successful completion of probation
- Certain misdemeanor convictions committed before the age of 21
- Pardoned offenses (excluding serious violent felonies)
- Cases of mistaken identity or wrongful arrest
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the Sandy Springs Police Department Records Division, which conducts an initial review before forwarding eligible petitions to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office for approval. Upon authorization, restricted records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as permitted by Georgia law.
Applicants must submit the following documentation:
- Completed Record Restriction Application (available from the Sandy Springs Police Department)
- Certified copy of the final disposition from the court of jurisdiction
- Government-issued photo identification
- Processing fee of $25 (subject to change)
Sandy Springs Municipal Court
1 Galambos Way
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
770-206-2035
Sandy Springs Municipal Court
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains ultimate authority over record restriction determinations. Processing times typically range from 90-120 days from submission of a complete application package. Individuals whose petitions are denied may appeal through the Superior Court of Fulton County within 30 days of receiving notification of denial.
Search Arrest Records in Sandy Springs
