Arrest records are public in Wilkes County, Georgia, pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes that official records maintained by government agencies, including those documenting arrests, are accessible to members of the public. The statute serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings within the county.
The Georgia Open Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public documents, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and records sealed by court order. Individuals seeking arrest information may submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency, which must respond within three business days as mandated by state law. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71.
Arrest records for Wilkes County are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Wilkes County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that includes current inmate information and recent arrest data. This online accessibility is consistent with Georgia's commitment to public information access as codified in state statutes.
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including arrests occurring in Wilkes County. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain criminal history records may be accessed online by authorized entities and, in some cases, by members of the general public.
Digital access to these records is subject to specific protocols established to protect sensitive information while maintaining public accessibility. Users should note that online records may not always reflect the most current status of cases, as there may be delays in updating digital systems following court proceedings or case dispositions.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Wilkes County. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
Submit a records request directly to the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office located at 225 Andrew Drive, Washington, GA 30673. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (706) 678-2224.
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court of Wilkes County at the Wilkes County Courthouse, 23 Court Street, Room 209, Washington, GA 30673. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (706) 678-2812.
Access the Georgia Department of Corrections offender database for information on individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision.
Utilize the Georgia Courts electronic access system to search for court cases related to arrests.
Submit a request to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for a statewide criminal history record. The GBI headquarters is located at 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034. Telephone: (404) 244-2600.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and, if available, the approximate date of arrest. Fees for record retrieval vary by agency and are established in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c).
Arrest records maintained by Wilkes County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. Pursuant to Georgia law and departmental policies, these records generally include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Detailed account of the arrest, including date, time, location, and the specific law enforcement agency that executed the arrest.
Enumeration of all criminal charges filed, with reference to the applicable Georgia Code sections allegedly violated.
Identity of the arresting officer(s) and booking personnel.
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot") taken during processing.
Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking procedure.
Documentation of personal property collected during intake.
Record of bail or bond determination, including amount set and conditions imposed.
Detention facility assignment information if the individual was remanded to custody.
Case disposition information, when available, indicating the outcome of proceedings related to the arrest.
The comprehensiveness of information contained in arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process at which the record is accessed.
Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain individuals may petition for restriction and sealing of arrest records in Wilkes County. The process, formerly known as expungement, is now officially termed "record restriction" in Georgia. This procedure limits public access to arrest records under qualifying circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Wilkes County include:
The record restriction process requires submission of an application to the arresting agency, which then forwards eligible requests to the Georgia Crime Information Center. For arrests occurring in Wilkes County, applications must be submitted to the law enforcement agency that executed the arrest. If the arrest was made by the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office, applications should be directed to:
Wilkes County Sheriff's Office
225 Andrew Drive
Washington, GA 30673
(706) 678-2224
Wilkes County Sheriff's Office
Applicants should note that certain serious offenses, including violent felonies, sexual crimes, and DUI, are generally ineligible for record restriction under Georgia law. Additionally, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(j)(4), restricted records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies, certain licensing boards, and specific employers as defined by statute.