Hampton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hampton, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Hampton, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection. The statute ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with access to information that may be necessary for legal proceedings, background checks, or personal knowledge.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the appropriate custodial agency without providing identification or stating a purpose for their request. However, certain portions of arrest records may be redacted if they contain information specifically exempted under Georgia law, such as ongoing investigation details, juvenile records, or personal identifying information that could compromise an individual's privacy or safety.
The Hampton Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits and processes requests for these documents in accordance with state regulations. Records may be requested in person, by mail, or through the department's online portal as established by municipal procedures.
How to Look Up Hampton Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Hampton provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records as of 2025. Pursuant to Georgia's Open Records Act, these records must be produced within three business days of a proper request unless specifically exempted by statute.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Hampton may utilize the following methods:
Submit an Open Records Request through the Hampton Police Department located at 4 McDonough Street, Hampton, GA 30228. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
File a request with the Hampton Municipal Court for cases processed through their system. The court is located at 4 McDonough Street, Hampton, GA 30228 and maintains records of arrests resulting in municipal court proceedings.
Access the Open Records Request portal on the official City of Hampton website, which allows for electronic submission of records requests.
Visit the Henry County Clerk of Superior Court at 1 Judicial Center, McDonough, GA 30253 for arrest records that have resulted in superior court cases.
Utilize public access terminals available at the Hampton Public Library located at 61 McDonough Street, Hampton, GA 30228.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for document retrieval and reproduction in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees not to exceed the actual cost of producing the requested records.
Contents of a Hampton Arrest Record
Hampton arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Georgia Bureau of Investigation protocols and local record-keeping requirements. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement interactions with individuals taken into custody.
A comprehensive Hampton arrest record typically includes:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency case number and booking identification
- Fingerprint classification data collected during processing
- Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during booking
- Property inventory listing items in the arrestee's possession at time of arrest
- Initial appearance information, including bail determination if applicable
- Detention facility assignment if the individual was incarcerated
These records are maintained in both physical and digital formats by the Hampton Police Department Records Division. The information contained within arrest records is subject to verification procedures to ensure accuracy before being made available to the public or other governmental agencies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hampton
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 view.
Eligibility for record restriction in Hampton is determined by specific statutory conditions:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction outcomes, including dismissals, nolle prosequi filings, or acquittals
- Arrests for which no formal charges were filed within the applicable statute of limitations
- Completed first offender or conditional discharge sentences pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 or § 16-13-2
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenses committed by individuals under 21 years of age
- Pardoned offenses as granted by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which in Hampton would be the Hampton Police Department. Upon verification of eligibility, the department forwards the request to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for processing. If approved, the record becomes restricted from public disclosure, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and for certain employment positions as specified by statute.
Individuals seeking record restriction must submit the appropriate forms and may be required to pay administrative fees as established by state law. The Hampton Municipal Court can provide guidance on the specific procedures applicable to cases processed through their jurisdiction.
Search Arrest Records in Hampton
