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Eatonton Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Eatonton, Georgia?

Arrest records are public documents in Eatonton, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records created, maintained, or received by a public agency in Georgia are available for public inspection. The statute specifically includes arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies as public information, ensuring transparency in governmental operations and accountability in the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records regardless of citizenship status or purpose of the request, with certain statutory exceptions for privacy and ongoing investigations.

How to Look Up Eatonton Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Eatonton, Georgia. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

Eatonton Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the police headquarters located at 214 West Marion Street, Eatonton, GA 31024. The department maintains booking information and arrest reports for incidents within city limits. Contact the Records Division at (706) 485-3551 during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Putnam County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county deputies, individuals may submit requests to the Sheriff's Office at 112 Ridley Drive, Eatonton, GA 31024. The office processes public records requests during regular business hours and may require completion of a standard form.
Putnam County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained at 100 S. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024. The Clerk's office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (706) 485-4501.
Putnam County Public Records Portal: In accordance with modernization efforts, Putnam County launched an online portal for public records requests. This system allows for electronic submission of requests and digital delivery of non-sensitive documents.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The disclosure of arrest records in Eatonton is governed by specific legal provisions. Understanding these regulations is essential for proper access:

Georgia Open Records Act: O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including arrest information. The statute mandates that public agencies respond to records requests within three business days.
Federal Privacy Protections: Despite Georgia's open records provisions, certain federal laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a), may restrict the disclosure of specific information contained within arrest records.
Juvenile Records Exception: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-703, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements and may not be publicly accessible without a court order.
Pending Investigation Exemption: Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4), records related to pending investigations or prosecutions may be temporarily withheld from public disclosure if release would compromise law enforcement proceedings.

Contents of an Eatonton Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Eatonton law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event. These records generally include:

Full legal name and demographic information of the arrested individual
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
Fingerprint records and other biometric identifiers
Narrative description of the alleged criminal activity
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Initial appearance information and bail determination
Detention facility assignment if applicable

The level of detail may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the alleged offense. Records maintained by the Eatonton Police Department adhere to standardized documentation protocols established by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Eatonton

Under Georgia law, certain individuals may be eligible to have arrest records restricted from public view through a process formerly known as expungement, now termed "record restriction." The following provisions apply:

Eligibility Criteria: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, record restriction may be available when: charges were dismissed, no formal charges were filed within the statute of limitations, charges resulted in acquittal, or the case was resolved through certain diversion programs.
Application Process: Eligible individuals must submit a Record Restriction Application to the arresting agency, which in Eatonton would be either the Eatonton Police Department or Putnam County Sheriff's Office. The application requires specific documentation regarding case disposition.
Judicial Review: For cases not automatically qualifying for restriction, individuals may petition the Eatonton Municipal Court or Putnam County Superior Court for judicial review. The court is located at 100 S. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024.
Effect of Restriction: When granted, record restriction removes the arrest information from public access but maintains it in confidential law enforcement databases for official use only.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records from Eatonton agencies are frequently utilized for background verification purposes. The following guidelines apply to such usage:

Employment Screening: Under Georgia law, employers may access and consider arrest records when making hiring decisions, though the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides guidance limiting adverse actions based solely on arrest records without convictions.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records as part of tenant screening processes, subject to Fair Housing Act restrictions against discriminatory practices.
Professional Licensing: State licensing boards for regulated professions may require disclosure of arrest records regardless of disposition as part of character and fitness evaluations.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial background check companies frequently compile arrest data from Eatonton public records. These entities must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when providing such information for employment or housing purposes.

Fees and Processing Times for Record Requests

Accessing arrest records in Eatonton involves standardized fee structures established by local ordinance and state law:

Standard Copy Fees: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), agencies may charge up to $0.10 per page for standard document reproduction.
Search and Retrieval Costs: For requests requiring extensive research or retrieval, agencies may assess reasonable administrative fees not exceeding the prorated hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task.
Electronic Records: When records are maintained electronically, the Putnam County Records Portal may provide digital copies at reduced or no cost.
Processing Timeframes: While Georgia law requires initial response within three business days, complex requests may take longer to fulfill. The Eatonton Police Department typically processes straightforward arrest record requests within 5-7 business days.