Johnson County, Georgia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Johnson County, Georgia?
Arrest records in Johnson County, Georgia are classified as public documents pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests and criminal proceedings. Members of the public maintain the legal right to inspect, examine, and obtain copies of these records, subject to certain statutory exemptions and limitations.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of arrest records generated within its jurisdiction. These documents serve multiple public interest functions, including:
- Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enabling community awareness of criminal activity
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
- Ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system
Pursuant to Georgia law, certain information contained within arrest records may be redacted or withheld, particularly when disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights protected by statute, or potentially endanger individuals. Social security numbers, dates of birth, and driver's license numbers are routinely redacted from publicly accessible versions of these documents in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Johnson County?
Johnson County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Georgia's commitment to governmental transparency. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database that provides limited information regarding recent arrests and current inmate populations. This resource is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information provided.
Online accessibility of arrest records is governed by the following provisions:
- Records are made available pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which establishes the presumption of openness for public records
- Electronic access may be subject to reasonable fees as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71
- Certain information may be redacted from online versions to protect privacy interests as specified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld from online platforms
The Georgia Department of Corrections also maintains a statewide offender database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following conviction. This resource supplements county-level records by providing information about post-conviction status and incarceration.
Users of online arrest record systems should note that electronic databases may not contain comprehensive historical records, as digitization efforts remain ongoing. Records predating electronic systems may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
How to Look Up Johnson County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methodologies exist for accessing Johnson County arrest records in 2025. Interested parties may utilize the following procedures to obtain this information:
Johnson County Sheriff's Office 2965 Highway 15 South Wrightsville, GA 31096 Phone: (478) 864-4003 Johnson County Sheriff's Office
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking arrest records may submit requests in person during regular business hours. The following documentation is required:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Completed records request form (available on-site)
- Payment of applicable fees ($5.00 per record as of January 2025)
Johnson County Clerk of Superior Court 2400 N. Main Street Wrightsville, GA 31096 Phone: (478) 864-3388 Johnson County Clerk of Court
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to criminal proceedings, which may include arrest information. Requestors must:
- Complete the standardized records request form
- Provide specific identifying information about the case or individual
- Pay statutory fees for document reproduction ($1.00 per page)
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for official criminal history information. This process requires:
- Submission of fingerprints
- Payment of the statutory fee ($25.00 as of 2025)
- Notarized consent from the subject of the inquiry (for non-law enforcement requests)
Contents of a Johnson County Arrest Record
Johnson County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia law and departmental policies. These documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical data of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Arrest specifics:
- Date, time, and location of apprehension
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
Processing information:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification data
- Assigned identification numbers
- Detention status and bail determination
Procedural documentation:
- Miranda warning acknowledgment
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results (non-diagnostic information only)
- Initial appearance scheduling
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain sensitive information is routinely redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records, including social security numbers, driver's license information, and medical details beyond basic screening results. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700 et seq., with limited exceptions for serious offenses as defined by statute.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Johnson County
The State of Georgia provides statutory mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. This process, formerly referred to as expungement, is now governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for record restriction in Johnson County under the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases resulting in dismissal or nolle prosequi
- Acquittals following trial proceedings
- Completion of pre-trial diversion or first offender programs
- Pardoned offenses (excluding serious violent felonies)
The restriction process requires submission of the following:
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Record Restriction Unit P.O. Box 370808 Decatur, GA 30037-0808 Phone: (404) 244-2600
- Completed GBI Record Restriction Application Form
- Certified disposition documentation from the Johnson County Clerk of Court
- Processing fee of $50.00 (subject to change)
- Photocopy of government-issued identification
Upon approval, restricted records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities but are shielded from public disclosure. The restriction process does not physically destroy records but rather limits their dissemination in accordance with statutory provisions.
Individuals with complex restriction cases may benefit from legal consultation, as the statutory framework contains numerous exceptions and special provisions based on offense classification and disposition specifics.
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