Murray County, Georgia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Murray County, Georgia?
Arrest records in Murray County, Georgia are classified as public records pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. The statute specifically designates law enforcement records as public documents, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, and cases involving protected victim categories as defined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
Members of the public may request and obtain arrest records from the Murray County Sheriff's Office or the Murray County Clerk of Superior Court. These records serve multiple public interest functions, including:
- Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enabling community awareness of criminal activity
- Supporting accountability in the criminal justice system
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
The custodian of these records must respond to requests within three business days as mandated by state law, though certain redactions may be applied to protect sensitive information in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Murray County?
Murray County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Murray County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests that is updated regularly in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 35-1-9, which addresses the dissemination of arrest information. This online accessibility represents the county's implementation of digital government initiatives aimed at increasing public access to official records.
The following online resources provide access to Murray County arrest records:
- The Murray County Sheriff's Office inmate inquiry system
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) criminal history database
- Murray County Clerk of Superior Court case management system
- Georgia Department of Corrections offender database for post-conviction records
Users of these systems should note that online records may not always reflect the most current case status, as there may be processing delays between an arrest event and its appearance in digital systems. Additionally, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain records may require formal requests and identity verification for complete access.
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operating under the authority of the GBI, serves as the central repository for criminal history information and provides standardized access protocols for arrest records throughout the state, including Murray County.
How to Look Up Murray County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking Murray County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple channels established under Georgia's public records framework. The county maintains several access points in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which governs the procedures for requesting public records. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records:
- Submit a formal request to the Murray County Sheriff's Office located at 800 GA-225 S, Chatsworth, GA 30705. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (706) 695-4592.
- Visit the Murray County Clerk of Superior Court at 121 N 3rd Ave, Chatsworth, GA 30705. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (706) 695-2932.
- Access the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's online records portal at 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034. Phone: (404) 244-2600.
- Submit requests through the Murray County Justice Center at 121 N 3rd Ave, Chatsworth, GA 30705. Phone: (706) 695-2932.
When requesting records, individuals must provide specific identifying information as required by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-35, including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Government-issued identification of the requestor
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c) and typically include a $5.00 base fee plus $0.25 per page for printed documents. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive search requirements.
Contents of a Murray County Arrest Record
Murray County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia Criminal Justice Information System regulations and O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including Georgia Code citations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Case disposition information, if available
- Bond amount and status
- Court appearance dates
- Detention facility information
These records are maintained in accordance with Georgia records retention schedules as established by the Georgia Archives and Records Management Division. The standardized format ensures consistency across jurisdictions and facilitates information sharing between law enforcement agencies throughout the state criminal justice network.
Arrest records may also contain supplementary information regarding property seized, vehicle information, and witness identifications, though access to these details may be restricted during active investigations pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Murray County
The process for expungement (officially termed "record restriction" in Georgia) of arrest records in Murray County is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This statute provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the restriction of arrest information from public access. Record restriction does not physically destroy records but limits their disclosure to law enforcement agencies.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Murray County include:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction outcomes (dismissals, nolle prosequi, acquittals)
- First offender act completions pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60
- Conditional discharge completions under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (for youthful offenders)
- Cases where the individual was arrested but not formally charged within the statutory timeframe
The application process requires submission of a Record Restriction Application to the Murray County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency, accompanied by a $25 processing fee as established by state guidelines. The prosecuting attorney's office must review and approve applications for cases involving dismissals or similar dispositions.
Individuals seeking record restriction must file their petition with the Murray County Clerk of Superior Court. The court then schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility under the statutory criteria. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to restrict access to the specified records.
Certain serious offenses, including violent felonies as defined in O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1, are generally ineligible for record restriction regardless of case outcome.
Search Arrest Records in Murray County.
