>Rabun County Arrest Records Online

Rabun County, Georgia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rabun County, Georgia?

Arrest records in Rabun County, Georgia are classified as public documents pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). These records are generated and maintained by government agencies during the execution of their official duties within the criminal justice system. The Georgia Open Records Act establishes that public records, including arrest documentation, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of the state at a reasonable time and place.

The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental and societal functions. Transparency in arrest documentation maintains public trust in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system. Citizens of Georgia have the legal right to request and review these documents, with certain statutory exceptions that may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as defined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.

The Rabun County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. Records may be requested in person during regular business hours at the Sheriff's Office.

Rabun County Sheriff's Office
25 Courthouse Square
Clayton, GA 30525
(706) 782-3612
Rabun County Sheriff's Office

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Rabun County?

Digital access to Rabun County arrest records is available through several official and third-party platforms. The Rabun County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate population database that provides current information on individuals currently detained at the county detention center. This resource is updated regularly and represents the county's commitment to digital transparency in accordance with Georgia's public records statutes.

The Mountain Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Rabun County, provides limited online access to court records related to arrests through its case management system. Users should note that while basic case information may be available online, comprehensive arrest documentation often requires additional requests or in-person visits to the appropriate agencies.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains a statewide database of criminal history information that includes arrest records. While not all records are available to the general public without proper authorization, certain information may be accessed through official channels with appropriate identification and payment of statutory fees.

Digital access to these records is subject to the same statutory exemptions and privacy protections that govern physical records under Georgia law. Members of the public seeking comprehensive arrest information are advised that online resources may provide only partial information, with complete records available through formal requests to the maintaining agencies.

How to Look Up Rabun County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining Rabun County arrest records in 2025, each with specific procedures and requirements pursuant to Georgia's Open Records Act. The following options are available to members of the public:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Rabun County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a formal request for arrest records. Requestors must present valid identification and may be required to complete a request form specifying the records sought. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
Online County Resources: The Rabun County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate population database that provides information on individuals currently detained. This resource is updated daily and includes basic arrest information.
Georgia Courts E-Access Portal: The Georgia Courts E-Access system provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings in Rabun County. Users must create an account to access these records.
Georgia Crime Information Center: For official criminal history information, individuals may submit requests to the Georgia Crime Information Center. Requests require proper identification and payment of statutory fees as established in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from various sources, including Rabun County arrest records. These services may offer convenience but do not always provide complete or current information. Users should verify information obtained through these channels with official sources.

Requests for arrest records must comply with Georgia law regarding exempt information. Certain records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, including ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the scope of public interest.

Contents of a Rabun County Arrest Record

Rabun County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Georgia law and maintained in accordance with Georgia Bureau of Investigation standards. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors including height, weight, and identifying marks or features.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the arresting agency, names and badge numbers of arresting officers, and the legal authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Georgia Code references and degree of offense (misdemeanor or felony), along with a brief narrative description of the alleged criminal activity.
Booking Information: Time and date of booking, assigned identification numbers, fingerprint classification data, and the detention facility where the individual was processed.
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, typically including front and profile views in accordance with law enforcement standards.
Judicial Processing: Initial appearance information, bail or bond amounts if applicable, court dates, and case numbers assigned by the Mountain Judicial Circuit Court.
Disposition Information: Current status of the case, including pre-trial release conditions, if applicable.

These records are maintained in both physical and electronic formats by the Rabun County Sheriff's Office and may be shared with other law enforcement agencies through the Georgia Crime Information Center network as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Rabun County

The process of restricting or expunging arrest records in Rabun County is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which provides specific criteria and procedures for the restriction of criminal history records. Under Georgia law, "expungement" is referred to as "record restriction," which limits public access to arrest records under qualifying circumstances.

Individuals may petition for record restriction in Rabun County if their case meets one of the following criteria:

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 12 months
The individual successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program and the charges were dismissed
The individual was convicted of certain misdemeanors while under the age of 21
The conviction was for certain misdemeanors and four years have passed since completion of the sentence with no new arrests

The petition process requires submission of appropriate documentation to the Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court, located at:

Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court
25 Courthouse Square
Clayton, GA 30525
(706) 782-3615
Mountain Judicial Circuit

Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms as prescribed by the Georgia Crime Information Center and pay applicable filing fees. The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility under the statutory criteria. If approved, the court will issue an order directing the Rabun County Sheriff's Office and other relevant agencies to restrict access to the specified records.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(m), certain entities will retain access to restricted records, including criminal justice agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers in sensitive positions such as those working with vulnerable populations.