>Long County Arrest Records Online

Long County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Long County, Georgia?

Arrest records in Long County, Georgia are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to inspect, extract, and copy all public records maintained by government agencies, including those pertaining to arrests. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the fundamental principle that government transparency serves the public interest by enabling citizens to monitor the activities of their government officials and agencies.

The Long County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Georgia law. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel and constitute an essential component of the criminal justice system's documentation. Public access to these records serves multiple civic purposes, including:

Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
Providing information necessary for public safety awareness
Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
Facilitating background checks for employment and housing

Requesters seeking arrest records may obtain them through established procedures at the relevant county offices, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Long County?

Long County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Long County Board of Commissioners has implemented digital record management systems that facilitate public access to various county records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings. These online resources represent the county's commitment to modernizing public record access in accordance with Georgia's transparency laws.

The primary online resources for accessing Long County arrest records include:

The Long County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal
The Georgia Department of Corrections offender database
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's criminal history record information system
The Georgia Courts electronic access portal

Users of these online systems should note that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain fees may apply for comprehensive criminal history information. Additionally, while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete case files may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. The online systems are regularly updated but may not reflect real-time information due to processing delays between arrest, booking, and digital record creation.

How to Look Up Long County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Long County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels established for this purpose. The county has implemented standardized procedures in compliance with Georgia's Open Records Act to facilitate public access to these documents.

The primary methods for obtaining arrest records in Long County include:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Long County Sheriff's Office located at 3076 GA Highway 57, Ludowici, GA 31316. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters should complete the standard record request form and provide proper identification.
Online Access: The Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database accessible through their official website. Users may search by name, booking date, or case number. This service operates 24 hours per day, subject to occasional maintenance periods.
Clerk of Superior Court: The Long County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records related to arrests at 459 South McDonald Street, Ludowici, GA 31316. Phone: (912) 545-2131. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the Records Division, Long County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 238, Ludowici, GA 31316. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. The current fee schedule includes a $5.00 administrative fee plus $0.25 per page for photocopies. Certified copies incur an additional $2.50 fee per document. Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, and credit cards for in-person requests.

Contents of a Long County Arrest Record

Long County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia law and the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) protocols. These documents serve as the official record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest event. The comprehensive nature of these records ensures proper documentation for legal proceedings and public information purposes.

A standard Long County arrest record typically contains the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Criminal Charges: Complete list of charges filed, including Georgia Code citations and charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, fingerprint identification number
Physical Identifiers: Mugshot photographs (typically front and profile views), distinguishing physical characteristics including tattoos, scars, or other identifying marks
Detention Status: Information regarding bail or bond amount, release conditions, or continued detention
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court dates, hearing outcomes, and final disposition if available

The Long County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, which establishes requirements for criminal justice agencies regarding the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information. The records are subject to retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives and Records Management Division.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Long County

The State of Georgia provides legal mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement and now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Long County follows these state provisions, allowing eligible individuals to petition for the restriction of arrest records under specific circumstances.

Record restriction in Long County may be available in the following situations:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges (nolle prosequi)
Cases resulting in dismissal of charges
Acquittals by judge or jury
Certain first-offender and conditional discharge completions
Successful completion of pre-trial diversion or drug court programs
Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)

The record restriction process requires petitioners to:

Obtain a certified copy of their criminal history from the Georgia Crime Information Center
Complete the appropriate petition form available from the Long County Clerk of Superior Court
Submit the petition to the prosecuting attorney's office that handled the original case
Pay applicable filing fees (currently $50, with fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the petition

Upon approval, restricted records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and certain employers in sensitive positions as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i)(2). The Long County Clerk of Superior Court processes these petitions at 459 South McDonald Street, Ludowici, GA 31316. Phone: (912) 545-2131.

Individuals seeking record restriction should note that the process typically takes 90-120 days from submission to final determination. Legal assistance is recommended but not required for this procedure.