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Lumpkin County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lumpkin County, Georgia?

Arrest records are public documents in Lumpkin County, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all public records maintained by government agencies, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the general public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the principle that government transparency is essential for an informed citizenry and effective democratic governance. Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lumpkin County may request these documents without providing identification or stating a purpose for their request, though certain identifying information about the subject of the records may be required to facilitate the search.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lumpkin County?

Lumpkin County arrest records are available through various online platforms as part of the county's commitment to public accessibility and technological advancement. The Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of arrests and bookings that may be accessed through their official website. Additionally, the Lumpkin County Clerk of Superior Court provides online access to court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and reproduction of electronic records, though viewing records online may be offered at no cost in some instances.

How to Look Up Lumpkin County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Lumpkin County. Interested parties may pursue any of the following methods:

  • Submit a Criminal History Request directly to the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office. Fees are $10.00 for Lumpkin County residents with proof of residency, employment, or current school enrollment, and $25.00 for all others.

  • Visit the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest records:

    Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office
    385 East Main Street
    Dahlonega, GA 30533
    Phone: (706) 864-0414
    Official Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Submit an Open Records Act Request to the appropriate county department. The county provides standardized forms for such requests, though these are not for Sheriff's Office records, which must be requested directly from that agency.

  • Access the Lumpkin County Clerk of Superior Court for court records related to arrests:

    Lumpkin County Clerk of Superior Court
    325 Riley Road
    Dahlonega, GA 30533
    Phone: (706) 864-3736
    Official Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Utilize the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for statewide criminal history information:

    Georgia Bureau of Investigation
    3121 Panthersville Road
    Decatur, GA 30034
    Phone: (404) 244-2600
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the GCIC may provide criminal history record information to private individuals and businesses under certain circumstances and for specified purposes.

Contents of a Lumpkin County Arrest Record

Lumpkin County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard elements included in these records are:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Georgia Code sections
  • Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Booking information, including the unique booking number assigned to the case
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Agency responsible for the arrest (e.g., Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office, Dahlonega Police Department)
  • Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
  • Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking
  • Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions of release
  • Detention status indicating whether the individual was released or remains in custody
  • Court appearance dates and locations, if scheduled at the time of record creation

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lumpkin County

Georgia law provides mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement, now referred to as record restriction. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition for record restriction in Lumpkin County under specific circumstances:

  • Cases resulting in non-conviction outcomes, including dismissals, nolle prosequi, or acquittals
  • Arrests for which no formal charges were filed within the applicable statute of limitations
  • Successful completion of pretrial diversion or first offender programs
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenses committed by individuals under 21 years of age
  • Pardoned offenses that did not involve serious violent felonies or sexual offenses

The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards eligible requests to the Georgia Crime Information Center. For court-ordered restrictions, petitioners must file with the Lumpkin County Superior Court:

Lumpkin County Superior Court
325 Riley Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-3736
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

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(j). The record restriction process does not apply to federal arrests or convictions, which are governed by federal law.

Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access in Lumpkin County

While arrest records are generally public in Lumpkin County, Georgia law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to public access. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, certain information may be withheld or redacted from public disclosure:

  • Records pertaining to pending investigations by law enforcement agencies
  • Information that would reveal the identity of a confidential source or undercover officer
  • Records that would disclose confidential investigative techniques or procedures
  • Juvenile arrest records, which are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700
  • Records that have been sealed or restricted pursuant to court order or statutory provision
  • Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver's license numbers
  • Medical information contained within arrest records, protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws

Government agencies in Lumpkin County must balance the public's right to access information with privacy protections and law enforcement needs. Individuals seeking arrest records may be required to submit written requests specifying the records sought with sufficient particularity to enable location of the records. Agencies must respond to such requests within three business days, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1).

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