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Dallas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dallas, Georgia?

Arrest records in Dallas, 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 mandates transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities. The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including:

Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
Allowing citizens to monitor the effectiveness and fairness of law enforcement
Supporting public safety through awareness of criminal activity

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which serves as the central repository for criminal history record information. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, members of the public may request criminal history records for specific purposes, though certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.

How to Look Up Dallas Arrest Records in 2025

Dallas, Georgia residents seeking arrest records have multiple official channels through which to obtain this information. The following methods represent the authorized means of accessing arrest records in compliance with Georgia state law:

In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may visit the Dallas Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records.

Dallas Police Department
203 Main Street
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-8100
Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paulding County Sheriff's Office: As Dallas is located within Paulding County, arrest records may also be obtained through the county sheriff's office.

Paulding County Sheriff's Office
247 Industrial Way N
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-3010
Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Public Records Request: The Paulding County government provides an online portal for requesting public records, including arrest records. Requestors must provide specific information about the record being sought.
Municipal Court Services: The Dallas Municipal Court maintains records of cases within its jurisdiction, which may include arrest information for cases adjudicated by the court.

Dallas Municipal Court
129 E. Memorial Drive
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-8110
Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter.

Contents of a Dallas Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Dallas law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Georgia state law. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including applicable Georgia Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photograph (commonly known as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint records when collected
Case disposition information, if available
Bail or bond information
Court appearance dates

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest data for the county, including arrests made within the Dallas city limits. These records are maintained in accordance with Georgia Records Retention Schedules as established by the Georgia Archives.

It should be noted that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(a), certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Dallas

Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may be eligible to restrict access to or expunge certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process, formally known as record restriction, applies to the following situations:

Arrests that did not result in a formal charge or indictment
Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
First-offender dispositions after successful completion of sentence
Conditional discharge for certain offenses after completion of probation

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 arrests occurring in Dallas, Georgia, the process typically begins with:

Submission of a Record Restriction Application to the arresting agency (Dallas Police Department or Paulding County Sheriff's Office)
Payment of any applicable processing fees
Review by the prosecuting attorney's office
Final determination by the Georgia Crime Information Center

Certain serious offenses, including violent felonies, sex crimes, and DUI, are generally not eligible for record restriction under Georgia law. The Dallas Municipal Court can provide guidance on eligibility for cases within its jurisdiction.

It should be noted that record restriction under Georgia law does not physically destroy records but rather limits their disclosure to the general public. Law enforcement agencies and certain employers may still have access to restricted records for specific purposes as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Dallas

The maintenance and accessibility of arrest records in Dallas, Georgia is governed by multiple legal authorities:

Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.): Establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest records, with certain exceptions.
Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq.): Mandates the preservation of public records and establishes retention schedules.
Criminal Justice Information System Regulations: Federal and state regulations governing the handling of criminal justice information, including arrest records.
Dallas City Code of Ordinances: Local regulations that may impact the handling of municipal arrest records.

Law enforcement agencies in Dallas must balance the public's right to access information with privacy protections and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation provides oversight and technical assistance to local agencies regarding proper records management.

Individuals seeking arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally public, certain information may be withheld or redacted in accordance with applicable exemptions under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, particularly when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or infringe upon protected privacy interests.