Arrest records in Monroe, Georgia are public documents 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 governmental records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings. The State of Georgia maintains this transparency to ensure accountability within the criminal justice system and to uphold the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may access these records through designated governmental agencies, including the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the Monroe Police Department. The accessibility of these records serves multiple purposes, including public safety awareness, background verification, and journalistic reporting. However, certain restrictions may apply to records involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where court orders have sealed specific information.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the statewide criminal history database, which incorporates arrest data from local jurisdictions including Monroe. This centralized system facilitates the dissemination of accurate criminal history information while adhering to state regulations regarding public disclosure.
The retrieval of arrest records in Monroe, Georgia may be accomplished through several official channels. Individuals seeking such information must follow established protocols and may be required to pay applicable fees as stipulated by Georgia law.
The primary methods for obtaining arrest records include:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies
The Walton County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for Monroe and surrounding areas within the county jurisdiction.
Walton County Sheriff's Office
1425 S Madison Ave.
Monroe, GA 30655
Phone: 770-267-6557
Walton County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Required Documentation: Government-issued photo identification
Monroe Police Department
116 S Broad St.
Monroe, GA 30655
Phone: 770-267-7576
Monroe Police Department
Online Resources
The Walton County Jail Roster provides regularly updated information regarding current incarcerations. This resource is updated multiple times daily to ensure accuracy of detention status.
Walton County Clerk of Superior Court
303 S Hammond Dr.
Monroe, GA 30655
Phone: 770-267-1307
Walton County Clerk of Court
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. The standard fee structure includes:
Requestors should note that response times typically range from 3-5 business days for standard requests, though complex searches may require additional processing time.
Arrest records maintained by Monroe law enforcement agencies and the Walton County judicial system contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia law. These documents serve as official accounts of interactions between individuals and law enforcement resulting in custodial arrest.
Standard arrest records include the following components:
Biographical Information
Arrest Details
Criminal Charges
Case Processing Information
Supplementary Documentation
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains standardized formatting requirements for all arrest records generated within the state, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions including Monroe. These records are subject to retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's Records Management Division.
The State of Georgia refers to the process of removing arrest records from public access as "record restriction" rather than expungement. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain arrest records may be restricted from public disclosure under specific circumstances.
The Walton County Administration Services oversees the record restriction process for arrests occurring within Monroe and other locations in Walton County. Eligibility criteria for record restriction include:
Automatic Restriction Eligibility
Petition-Based Restriction Eligibility
The record restriction process requires:
Applicants should note that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for restriction, including serious violent felonies, sexual offenses, and crimes against minors or elderly persons. Additionally, restricted records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies, certain employers in sensitive positions, and licensing boards as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i).
The Walton County Magistrate Court handles preliminary matters related to criminal cases, including certain aspects of the record restriction process. As of January 1, 2013, all criminal warrants in Walton County are issued using the EZ Warrant system, which maintains electronic records of criminal proceedings.