Calhoun Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Calhoun, Georgia?
Arrest records in Calhoun, Georgia are considered public documents under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Calhoun city limits and Gordon County. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains that such transparency serves multiple public interests:
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides community awareness regarding criminal activity
- Supports public safety through informed citizenry
- Upholds constitutional principles of governmental transparency
Pursuant to Georgia law, certain exceptions may apply to the release of arrest information, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure might compromise public safety. The Gordon County Sheriff's Office and Calhoun Police Department adhere to state guidelines when processing public record requests for arrest documentation.
How to Look Up Calhoun Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Calhoun have multiple avenues through which to obtain this information. The Gordon County Sheriff's Office processes requests for arrest records according to established protocols under Georgia state law. Interested parties may utilize the following methods:
- Submit a written request to the Gordon County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 2700 Highway 41 South, Calhoun, GA 30701
- Visit the Calhoun Police Department at 200 North Wall Street, Calhoun, GA 30701 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Access the Gordon County Jail inmate search portal through the Sheriff's Office website
- Contact the Gordon County Clerk of Superior Court at 100 South Wall Street, Calhoun, GA 30701 for court records related to arrests
- Submit requests through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for statewide criminal history information
Requestors should note that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may assess reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency location and typically range from $5-25 depending on the complexity of the request.
Contents of a Calhoun Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Calhoun law enforcement agencies contain specific information as mandated by Georgia Bureau of Investigation protocols. These records typically include:
- Subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges filed (including Georgia Code references)
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification data
- Case/incident number for reference
- Custody status information
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Court appearance dates
The Gordon County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with Georgia Records Retention Schedules as established by the Georgia Archives. Arrest records are generally retained permanently, though the public accessibility of older records may require additional processing time.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Calhoun
Georgia law provides 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 seeking to restrict arrest records in Calhoun must adhere to specific statutory requirements.
Record restriction may be available in the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Matters resolved through pretrial diversion or first offender programs
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (particularly for youthful offenders)
The application process requires submission of the following:
- Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Application for Record Restriction
- Certified copies of final court dispositions
- Processing fee of $25 (subject to change)
- Government-issued photo identification
Applications must be submitted to the Gordon County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 2700 Highway 41 South, Calhoun, GA 30701. Processing typically requires 90-120 days for completion. Applicants should note that record restriction does not eliminate all traces of an arrest, as certain governmental agencies retain access to restricted records pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).
The Gordon County District Attorney's Office, located at 100 South Wall Street, Calhoun, GA 30701, reviews all record restriction applications and makes determinations based on statutory eligibility criteria. Denials may be appealed through Gordon County Superior Court.
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