Chatsworth Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chatsworth, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Chatsworth, Georgia, 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, to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Chatsworth Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Murray County. These records typically contain information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement officers on suspicion of criminal activity. However, certain records may be restricted from public access in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, which outlines specific exemptions for records that may compromise ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or records sealed by court order.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in the state. Access to these records is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 and § 35-3-35, which establish procedures for obtaining criminal history information for both criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes.
How to Look Up Chatsworth Arrest Records in 2025
The process for obtaining arrest records in Chatsworth involves several official channels, each providing different levels of access and information. Pursuant to Georgia law, these records are maintained by various government entities and are available through the following methods:
- Chatsworth Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the police department headquarters. The department maintains records of arrests made within city limits.
Chatsworth Police Department
422 West Chestnut Street
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-8269
Official Website
- Murray County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made in unincorporated areas of Murray County, records may be requested from the Sheriff's Office.
Murray County Sheriff's Office
800 GA-52 Alt
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-4592
- Murray County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests, including indictments and case dispositions, are maintained by the Clerk's office.
Murray County Clerk of Superior Court
121 North 3rd Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may submit requests to the GBI's Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2600
- Online Access: The Whitfield County Superior Court, which serves the Conasauga Judicial Circuit including Murray County, provides limited online access to court records through their case management system.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for record searches vary by agency and are established in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of public records.
Contents of a Chatsworth Arrest Record
Arrest records in Chatsworth, Georgia typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are standardized in accordance with Georgia law and generally include the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, and physical description of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency responsible for the arrest
- Offense Information: Description of the alleged criminal offense(s); applicable Georgia Code section(s); classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Booking Data: Booking number; fingerprints; mugshot photographs; personal property inventory
- Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release on bond, or transfer to another facility
- Court Information: Initial appearance date; assigned court; case number if applicable
- Bond/Bail Information: Amount set; conditions of release; whether bond was posted
- Prior Criminal History: May include references to previous arrests or convictions if relevant to the current case
The Chatsworth Municipal Court processes cases for violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanors, while more serious offenses are handled by the Superior Court of Murray County. Records from both courts may contain additional information about case progression, hearings, and final disposition.
It should be noted that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34(a)(1)(A), certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information is typically redacted from public arrest records to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public's right to access government records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Chatsworth
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 statute establishes the criteria and procedures for limiting public access to arrest records under specific circumstances.
Individuals may be eligible for record restriction in Chatsworth if their case meets one of the following conditions:
- The case was dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
- The individual was found not guilty by a judge or jury
- The arrest occurred before July 1, 2013, and the case has not been referred for prosecution within two years
- The individual successfully completed a pre-trial diversion or first offender program
- The conviction was for certain misdemeanor offenses and the individual has maintained a clean record for a specified period
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, typically the Chatsworth Police Department for arrests within city limits. The application must include proper identification and documentation supporting eligibility. Upon approval by the arresting agency, the request is forwarded to the Georgia Crime Information Center for processing.
It is important to note that record restriction under Georgia law does not physically destroy arrest records but rather limits their disclosure to the general public. Certain entities, including criminal justice agencies, may still access restricted records for specific purposes as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).
For arrests related to serious violent felonies, sexual offenses, or crimes against minors, record restriction is generally not available regardless of case outcome. Additionally, individuals seeking employment in certain fields, including education, healthcare, and law enforcement, may be required to disclose restricted arrests when specifically authorized by law.
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