Norcross Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Norcross, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Norcross, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Georgia Open Records Act serves to promote government transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction of Norcross.
The Gwinnett County Police Department and the Norcross Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public information under state law. While certain portions of arrest records may be redacted to protect sensitive information, such as ongoing investigations or juvenile records, the general arrest information remains accessible to the public.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are public, accessing them may require following specific procedures and potentially paying nominal fees as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
How to Look Up Norcross Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Norcross, Georgia. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
Norcross Police Department
65 Lawrenceville Street
Norcross, GA 30071
Phone: (770) 448-2111
Norcross Police Department Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals may visit the Records Division in person to request arrest records. The department requires proper identification and completion of a records request form. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and departmental workload.
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
2900 University Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Phone: (770) 822-3140
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of county-wide arrests, including those occurring in Norcross. Requestors must complete an official records request form and may be required to pay applicable fees as established by county ordinance.
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: (770) 822-8100
Gwinnett County Courts
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61, the Clerk is responsible for maintaining these records and making them available for public inspection.
Online Access Options
The Gwinnett County government portal provides digital access to certain public records. Users may search for arrest information through the county's online case management system. Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains a statewide database that includes arrest records from Norcross and other municipalities throughout Georgia.
Contents of a Norcross Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Norcross law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Georgia law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; circumstances leading to the arrest; and whether force was used during apprehension.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Georgia state law or Norcross municipal ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation of relevant statutes or code sections.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and mugshot photographs taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if applicable and relevant to the current case.
Case Disposition: Ultimate resolution of the case, including dismissal, conviction, sentencing, or other judicial outcomes.
It should be noted that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles are subject to special confidentiality provisions under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Norcross
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. This statute establishes the criteria and procedures by which individuals may petition to have their arrest records restricted from public access.
Eligibility for record restriction in Norcross is limited to specific circumstances, including:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
- First-offender dispositions after successful completion of sentence
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, typically the Norcross Police Department or Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. The application must include:
- Certified copies of final dispositions from the Gwinnett County Clerk of Court
- Proper identification of the applicant
- Payment of applicable processing fees
Upon receipt of a complete application, the law enforcement agency forwards the request to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for review and processing. If approved, the arrest record is restricted from public disclosure, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and for certain employment purposes as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).
Individuals seeking record restriction may benefit from legal counsel, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and potential administrative hearings if an application is initially denied. The Gwinnett County Public Defender's Office or private attorneys specializing in criminal record matters can provide guidance on navigating this process.
Georgia Crime Information Center
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Search Arrest Records in Norcross
