Arrest records in Warwick, Georgia are considered public documents under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's legal right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the state's criminal history record information, while local law enforcement agencies in Warwick maintain their own arrest records.
Public access to these records serves several essential functions:
Pursuant to Georgia law, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to victims of certain crimes as specified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Warwick, Georgia may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:
Worth County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may submit a written request in person at the Sheriff's Office located at 201 N Main Street, Sylvester, GA 31791. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. A nominal fee may apply for document reproduction.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation: The GBI provides access to statewide criminal history information through its Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). Requests may be submitted online or by mail to GBI GCIC, 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034. Phone: (404) 244-2639.
Worth County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed at 201 N Main Street, Room 107, Sylvester, GA 31791. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (229) 776-8220.
Georgia Open Records Portal: State agencies utilize this centralized platform for processing open records requests pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Identification may be required when requesting records in person.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Warwick, Georgia typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. Standard components of these records include:
In accordance with Georgia law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including driver's license numbers, financial account information, and other personally identifiable data as specified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(20).
Georgia law provides mechanisms for the restriction and sealing of certain arrest records through a process formerly known as expungement, now referred to as record restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. The Georgia Crime Information Center administers this program in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies and courts.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Warwick include:
The record restriction process requires:
Upon approval, the arrest record is restricted from public disclosure but remains accessible to law enforcement agencies, certain employers in sensitive positions, and licensing boards as permitted by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i)(2).
Individuals seeking record restriction should contact:
Worth County Probate Court
201 N Main Street
Sylvester, GA 31791
Phone: (229) 776-8208
Georgia Bureau of Investigation - GCIC Record Restrictions
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639