Webster County, Georgia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Webster County, Georgia?
Arrest records are public documents in Webster County, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within county jurisdiction. The statute operates under the presumption that all government records should be accessible to citizens unless specifically exempted by law. Webster County adheres to these transparency requirements by maintaining arrest records as public information, thereby enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and promoting accountability in the criminal justice system.
Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain limitations. Records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases (governed by O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700), and records sealed by court order are typically exempt from public disclosure. Additionally, certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests while still maintaining the public nature of the arrest documentation.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Webster County?
Webster County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Georgia's commitment to digital government transparency. The county maintains digital repositories that allow members of the public to search for arrest information without physically visiting government offices. This online accessibility complies with Georgia's Electronic Access to Public Information statute (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71), which encourages government agencies to make public records available in electronic format when feasible.
Online access to Webster County arrest records is provided through:
• The Webster County Sheriff's Office records management system • The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) portal for authorized users • The Georgia Judicial Gateway for court-related arrest documentation
Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require additional requests or fees. All electronic access is subject to the same exemptions and redactions that apply to physical records under Georgia law.
How to Look Up Webster County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Webster County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which governs the request and production of public records:
• Submit a formal records request to the Webster County Sheriff's Office located at 40 South Webster Street, Preston, GA 31824. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact: (229) 828-3525.
• Access the Webster County Clerk of Superior Court at 43 South Webster Street, Preston, GA 31824. Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (229) 828-5775.
• Utilize the Georgia Courts online portal, which provides access to court records including arrest documentation through the Georgia Judicial Gateway.
• Submit written requests via certified mail to the Records Custodian, Webster County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 337, Preston, GA 31824.
Requestors should provide specific information including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)(1), agencies may assess reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and reproduction of records.
Contents of a Webster County Arrest Record
Webster County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Georgia Bureau of Investigation protocols and O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:
• Biographical data of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical descriptors, and address) • Arrest date, time, and location • Statutory charges filed, including Georgia Code citations • Arresting agency information and badge numbers of arresting officers • Booking photographs ("mugshots") • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers • Detention facility information • Bond amount and conditions as determined at initial appearance • Case disposition information if available • Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
These records are maintained in the Georgia Crime Information Center database and local records management systems. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain information may be restricted from public view if the case resulted in non-conviction or if the record has been sealed or expunged through proper legal channels.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Webster County
Webster County follows Georgia's record restriction procedures as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which provides mechanisms for the restriction of certain arrest records from public access. The statute permits individuals to petition for record restriction under specific circumstances:
• Cases resulting in non-conviction (dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal) • First offender dispositions after successful completion of probation • Conditional discharge completions for certain offenses • Arrests for misdemeanors committed by individuals under 21 years of age (subject to waiting periods)
The restriction process requires submission of a Record Restriction Application to the Webster County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Applications must include certified court dispositions and identification verification. Upon approval, records are restricted from public disclosure but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as permitted by statute.
Individuals seeking record restriction may obtain application forms and guidance from:
Webster County Probate Court
43 South Webster Street
Preston, GA 31824
(229) 828-5755
Georgia Courts
Applicants should note that certain serious offenses, including violent felonies and sexual crimes, are statutorily ineligible for restriction regardless of case outcome. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation makes final determinations on restriction eligibility pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(j)(1).
Fees for Accessing Webster County Arrest Records
Webster County assesses standardized fees for arrest record searches and reproduction in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), which authorizes reasonable charges for record production. The current fee schedule includes:
• Basic criminal history search: $15.00 per name • Certified copies of arrest records: $5.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page • Booking photographs: $3.00 per image • Complete case files: $25.00 plus $0.10 per page exceeding 100 pages • Expedited processing (same-day service): Additional $10.00 per request
Payment must be remitted by cash, money order, or certified check payable to "Webster County Sheriff's Office" or "Webster County Clerk of Court" depending on the requesting agency. Personal checks are not accepted for records requests. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of an affidavit of indigency pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(d).
All fees collected are deposited into the Webster County general fund as required by county ordinance and state law. Receipts are provided for all transactions.
Legal Uses of Webster County Arrest Records
Webster County arrest records may be lawfully utilized for specific purposes as prescribed by Georgia statutes and regulations. Authorized uses include:
• Pre-employment background screening for positions involving public safety, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations (subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements) • Tenant screening by property owners and management companies • Professional licensing determinations by state regulatory boards • Immigration proceedings and visa applications • Personal research regarding potential business associates or litigation parties • Academic and statistical research (typically using anonymized data)
Users of arrest record information must comply with applicable federal and state laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) when records are used for employment purposes. Improper use of criminal history information may result in civil liability under Georgia law.
O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38 specifically prohibits the use of criminal history record information to intimidate, harass, or discriminate against any individual. Violations may constitute a misdemeanor offense punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
Search Arrest Records in Webster County
