Montgomery County, Georgia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Montgomery County, Georgia?
Arrest records in Montgomery County, Georgia are classified as public documents in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all public records, including those documenting arrests, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public. The statute serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and accountability within law enforcement agencies operating in Montgomery County.
Pursuant to Georgia law, these records remain accessible unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. Exemptions may apply to records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. The custodian of such records must provide reasonable access during regular business hours and may charge nominal fees for reproduction costs as permitted under § 50-18-71.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County arrest records are accessible through various digital platforms in compliance with Georgia's public information laws. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information regarding recent arrests and inmate status. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Corrections offers a searchable database for offender information through their official portal.
Digital access to these records is subject to the following conditions:
• Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest • Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions • Complete records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency • Online systems may experience periodic maintenance or downtime
Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records including detailed arrest reports and case dispositions may necessitate formal requests through the appropriate county offices.
How to Look Up Montgomery County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Montgomery County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points in compliance with Georgia's Open Records Act.
In-Person Requests
Individuals may visit the following locations to submit requests in person:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office 400 Railroad Avenue Mount Vernon, GA 30445 Phone: (912) 583-2521 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Montgomery County Clerk of Superior Court Montgomery County Courthouse 401 Railroad Avenue Mount Vernon, GA 30445 Phone: (912) 583-2240 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mail Requests
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to either of the above addresses. Requests should include:
• Full name of the subject • Date of birth (if known) • Approximate date of arrest • Case number (if known) • Requestor's contact information • Required fee payment (typically $5-15 per record)
Online Access
Digital access to arrest records is available through:
• The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office website • The Georgia Department of Corrections offender database • Georgia Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain restrictions apply to the dissemination of criminal history record information. Requestors seeking complete criminal history information may be required to submit fingerprints and pay additional fees as prescribed by state regulations.
Contents of a Montgomery County Arrest Record
Montgomery County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Georgia law and local record-keeping protocols. These documents typically include comprehensive identifying and procedural information related to an individual's arrest and subsequent processing.
Standard components of an arrest record include:
• Subject's full legal name and any known aliases • Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race) • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks) • Residential address at time of arrest • Date, time, and location of arrest • Arresting agency and officer identification • Booking photograph (mugshot) • Fingerprint impressions • Enumeration of charges with corresponding Georgia Code sections • Case disposition information (if available) • Bond information and custody status
In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, arrest records must be maintained with accuracy and completeness. Individuals identified in such records have the right to review their own records and may petition for correction of any factual inaccuracies through procedures established by the Georgia Crime Information Center.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Montgomery County
The State of Georgia provides legal mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances through a process formerly known as expungement and now officially termed "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Montgomery County residents may petition for record restriction when their circumstances align with statutory eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Record restriction may be available in the following situations:
• Arrests that did not result in formal charges • Cases resulting in dismissal or nolle prosequi • Cases resolved through pretrial diversion or first offender programs • Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenders under 21 years of age • Pardoned offenses (excluding serious violent felonies)
Application Process
The record restriction process in Montgomery County requires:
- Submission of a Record Restriction Application to the arresting agency
- Payment of applicable processing fees
- Fingerprint submission for identity verification
- Court petition filing if the case proceeded to court
Montgomery County Probate Court Montgomery County Courthouse 401 Railroad Avenue Mount Vernon, GA 30445 Phone: (912) 583-2240 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Applicants should be aware that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(j)(1), certain entities retain access to restricted records, including criminal justice agencies, licensing bodies, and certain employers in sensitive positions. The restriction process does not eliminate all traces of an arrest but limits public access to such information.
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