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Forsyth Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Forsyth, Georgia?

Arrest records in Forsyth, 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 access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the principle that government transparency is essential to a functioning democracy, allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings.

The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes:

Ensures transparency in the criminal justice system
Allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Provides journalists with information necessary for accurate reporting
Enables background checks for employment and housing purposes
Facilitates research on crime patterns and law enforcement practices

Individuals seeking arrest records should note that while these documents are public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, including social security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to victims of certain crimes.

How to Look Up Forsyth Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Forsyth, Georgia. The following methods are available pursuant to local ordinances and state law:

In-Person Requests

The Forsyth Police Department maintains physical records that may be accessed during regular business hours:

Forsyth Police Department
123 West Johnston Street
Forsyth, GA 31029
Phone: (478) 994-7010
Official Forsyth Police Department Website

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Requestors must complete a standard records request form and present valid government-issued identification. Processing fees may apply in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c).

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

For arrests made in Forsyth by county authorities:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office
145 L. Cary Bittick Drive
Forsyth, GA 31029
Phone: (478) 994-7048
Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Online Access

The Forsyth Municipal Court provides digital access to certain arrest records through its online portal:

Visit the Forsyth Municipal Court Records Portal
Create an account or log in as a guest
Enter the required search parameters (name, date of arrest, or case number)
Pay applicable online processing fees ($5.00 per record as of January 2025)

Records obtained online contain the same information as those obtained in person, though document quality may vary.

Contents of a Forsyth Arrest Record

Standard arrest records in Forsyth contain specific information as mandated by Georgia Code § 35-3-33. These documents serve as official records of law enforcement actions and typically include:

Biographical Information

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Any known aliases or previous names
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity (as categorized by arresting officer)
Residential address at time of arrest

Arrest Details

Date and time of arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest
Booking number and facility
Method of arrest (warrant, probable cause, etc.)

Criminal Charges

Complete list of charges filed
Georgia Criminal Code citations for each charge
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Case numbers assigned by the court

Processing Information

Fingerprint identification data
Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
Property inventory taken at booking
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Court appearance dates

Pursuant to Georgia law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Forsyth

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 process removes eligible arrest records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may qualify for record restriction in Forsyth under the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
First offender probation successfully completed under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60
Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenders under 21 years of age
Pardoned offenses (excluding serious violent felonies)

Application Process

The record restriction process in Forsyth requires:

Submission of a Record Restriction Application to the arresting agency (Forsyth Police Department or Monroe County Sheriff's Office)
Payment of the application fee ($25 as of January 2025)
Fingerprinting for verification purposes
Review by the prosecuting attorney's office
Final determination by the Georgia Crime Information Center

Forsyth Municipal Court
City Hall, 100 West Johnston Street
Forsyth, GA 31029
Phone: (478) 994-5627
Forsyth Municipal Court Information