Patterson Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Patterson, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Patterson, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal boundaries. The statute specifically designates law enforcement records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters of public safety. Members of the public may inspect these records to maintain transparency in local governance and law enforcement operations.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over Patterson, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Records are typically available through the Pierce County Sheriff's Office located in Blackshear, which serves the Patterson community. Pursuant to Georgia law, requestors need not state a purpose when seeking public records, though identification may be required for processing certain requests.
How to Look Up Patterson Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Patterson, Georgia. The Pierce County criminal justice system maintains these records through several departments, each with specific procedures for public access:
Pierce County Sheriff's Office: The primary repository for arrest records in Patterson is the Sheriff's Office. Individuals may submit requests in person during regular business hours.
Pierce County Sheriff's Office
312 Nichols Street
Blackshear, GA 31516
Phone: (912) 449-2011
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMPierce County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests, including indictments and case dispositions, are maintained by this office.
Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court
Pierce County Courthouse
PO Box 410
Blackshear, GA 31516
Phone: (912) 449-2022
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PMState Court of Pierce County: For misdemeanor cases and traffic violations occurring in Patterson.
State Court of Pierce County
PO Box 369
Blackshear, GA 31516
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMOnline Access: The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) provides limited online access to criminal history information. Requestors must register and pay applicable fees as established by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34.
Pursuant to Georgia law, a processing fee may apply to record requests. The standard fee structure includes $0.10 per page for photocopies and administrative costs for extensive searches as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71.
Contents of a Patterson Arrest Record
Official arrest records maintained by Patterson law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Georgia Bureau of Investigation protocols. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Statutory citation of alleged offense(s) and corresponding violation codes
- Name, badge number, and department of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information including:
- Unique booking identification number
- Fingerprint classification data
- Mugshot photographs (frontal and profile views)
- Personal property inventory
- Detention status and bail determination
- Case disposition information, if available
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
In accordance with Georgia law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations as specified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Patterson
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. Individuals with Patterson arrest records may qualify for restriction under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction (dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal)
- First offender act dispositions after successful completion of probation
- Conditional discharge completions for certain offenses
- Arrests for misdemeanors committed while the individual was under 21 years of age (subject to specific conditions)
- Certain felony offenses after completion of accountability court programs
The restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which in Patterson's case would be the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. The application must include:
- Certified copies of final dispositions from the Pierce County Clerk of Court
- Proper identification documentation
- Payment of applicable processing fees
Upon approval, restricted records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified by statute. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains final authority over record restriction determinations in accordance with state law.
Individuals seeking record restriction are advised that the process involves multiple government agencies and typically requires 90-180 days for completion. Legal assistance is not required but may be beneficial for navigating the procedural requirements.
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