Colquitt Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Colquitt, Georgia?
Arrest records in Colquitt, 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 and criminal proceedings. The Georgia Open Records Act serves as the legal framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials.
The Colquitt County Sheriff's Office and the Colquitt Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public records under Georgia law. Members of the public may request access to these documents through established procedures, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances.
How to Look Up Colquitt Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple avenues exist for accessing arrest records in Colquitt County. The county maintains several systems through which members of the public may obtain information regarding arrests and related criminal proceedings. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following resources:
- Colquitt County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours.
Colquitt County Sheriff's Office
200 Veterans Parkway N.
PO Box 188
Moultrie, GA 31788
Phone: 229-616-7430
Colquitt County Sheriff's Department
- Colquitt County Clerk of Superior Court: The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to criminal cases, including arrest information. Records may be requested in person, by mail, or through electronic systems where available.
Colquitt County Clerk of Superior Court
Colquitt County Courthouse
9 South Main St, 2nd Floor, Room 214
Moultrie, GA 31768
Phone: 229-616-7420
Colquitt County Clerk of Court
Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC): Operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the GCIC maintains a statewide database of criminal history information, including arrest records. Requests require proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
Online Court Records Portal: The Georgia Judicial Branch provides electronic access to court records through its e-access system. Users must create an account to search for case information.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. These fees must reflect the actual cost of providing the requested information and cannot be used as a barrier to public access.
Contents of a Colquitt Arrest Record
Arrest records in Colquitt County contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records serve both administrative and legal purposes within the criminal justice system. A typical Colquitt County arrest record includes the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical description including height, weight, identifying marks, and photographs
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific charges filed, including applicable Georgia Code sections
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Arresting agency information
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records and unique identification numbers
- Custody status information
- Case disposition if available
- Bond information, including amount and conditions
The Georgia Criminal Code (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34) governs the dissemination of criminal history record information. While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or comply with other legal requirements. Social security numbers, medical information, and certain personal identifiers are typically removed before records are released to the public.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Colquitt
Georgia law provides mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process, formerly known as expungement, is now referred to as "record restriction" under Georgia law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest records when:
- The case was dismissed or nolle prossed
- The individual was found not guilty by a judge or jury
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion or first offender program successfully
- The arrest occurred before July 1, 2013, and no charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- The individual was convicted of certain misdemeanors while under the age of 21
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards the request to the Georgia Crime Information Center for processing. For arrests occurring in Colquitt County, the application must be filed with the agency that made the arrest.
Individuals seeking record restriction must submit:
- A completed Record Restriction Application form
- Certified copies of court dispositions
- Proof of identity
- Payment of applicable fees
It is important to note that record restriction does not physically destroy arrest records but rather limits their disclosure to the public. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may still access restricted records for official purposes as permitted by law.
Under Georgia's First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60), eligible defendants who successfully complete their sentence without any violations may have their record protected from public disclosure. This provision applies only to individuals with no prior felony convictions who have been granted First Offender status by the court at sentencing.
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