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Georgia Criminal Records.

Criminal Records Search In Georgia

State-Level Resources

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), under the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, operates as the key vault for criminal history files across the region. People can retrieve their own criminal history document, identified as a “Georgia Crime Information Center Identification (GCIC ID),” from numerous Sheriff’s Offices or Police Departments. To acquire a copy, reach out to your local law enforcement station for necessary conditions.

For a deeper probe, the Georgia Felon Search site, managed by the Georgia Technology Authority, enables seekers to locate in-state felony conviction details. This utility demands a fee, payable via credit card. The lookup is carried out by using the person’s entire name, ethnicity, gender, and date of birth.

The Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query delivers details on individuals who are incarcerated or under community supervision. This roster is frequently refreshed and offers elements like offense background, sentence facts, and projected release dates.

County-Level Resources

Fulton County

The Fulton County Superior Court provides an online case search engine to check criminal files. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. For further records, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office provides a document request mechanism.

DeKalb County

DeKalb County’s Clerk of Superior Court hosts an online portal to browse criminal cases. The DeKalb County Police Department offers a separate channel for acquiring police documents.

Cobb County

The Cobb County Magistrate Court maintains an online case search tool. For fuller criminal background records, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office handles document requests.

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County’s Clerk of Courts runs an advanced case search system on their website. The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office manages a detainee search database.

Chatham County

The Chatham County Superior Court Clerk’s Office grants access to legal files through their online system. The Chatham County Recorder’s Court offers a separate case search for misdemeanor violations.

In-Person Record Requests

Many Georgia counties allow in-person applications for criminal records at local Sheriff’s Offices and Police Departments. This process often demands:

  • A valid photo ID issued by the government
  • A completed request form (provided onsite)
  • Fee payment (varies depending on the jurisdiction)

It’s recommended to contact in advance to confirm specific requirements and operation times, as these can differ by region.

Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Checks

The Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) enables fingerprint-based background reviews for non-criminal justice purposes. This service is offered via Fieldprint Georgia, which runs fingerprinting sites across the state. The process includes:

  1. Registering online and setting an appointment
  2. Visiting a fingerprint site with proper identification
  3. Sending fingerprints electronically
  4. Results are often ready within 24 to 48 hours

This process follows O.C.G.A. § 35-3-35, which governs the authorized uses of criminal history files.

What Are Georgia Criminal Records?

Georgia criminal records, commonly known as “rap sheets,” are formal documents that capture an individual’s criminal background within the state. These records are kept by numerous law enforcement bodies and the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), functioning as the main hub for criminal history records in Georgia. The GCIC was formed in 1972 by executive directive and later entrenched in Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-30.

Criminal records in Georgia compile a broad range of details about a person’s encounters with the legal system. They offer a full scope of someone’s criminal endeavors, detentions, and court dealings within the state. These records hold significance for legal authorities, courtroom processes, and public safety tasks. The upkeep and access to these records are regulated by various state regulations, such as the Georgia Open Records Act and specific laws tied to criminal justice data.

Types of Criminal Records in Georgia

Georgia maintains multiple varieties of criminal records, each fulfilling a distinct function within the legal framework:

  1. Arrest Records: These papers outline occasions when someone has been taken into custody by police. They contain specifics like the arrest date, the agency involved, and the accusations made.

  2. Court Records: These contain data about criminal cases processed in the Georgia courts, including the charges, plea deals, and outcomes. Court records are overseen by the respective courts and can be searched through channels like the Georgia Courts Registrar.

  3. Correctional Records: These files store information regarding an individual’s tenure in Georgia’s correctional institutions, covering incarceration and parole details. The Georgia Department of Corrections manages these files.

  4. Sex Offender Registry: This unique database holds data on convicted sex offenders living in Georgia. It is controlled by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and is open to the public as required by O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12.

Content of Georgia Criminal Records

A usual Georgia criminal record might show the following details:

  • Full name and known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical attributes (height, weight, race, gender)
  • Fingerprints and mugshots
  • Social Security Number
  • Arrest timelines and arresting bodies
  • Charges brought
  • Court case identifiers and resolutions
  • Sentencing particulars
  • Imprisonment specifics

It’s key to understand that the exact content might differ based on the individual’s past and the thoroughness of the records supplied by various authorities. The Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system curated by the GCIC gives access to arrest, case outcomes, and jail data, guaranteeing a broad view of a person’s interactions with the legal apparatus.

Laws Governing Criminal Records in Georgia

The handling and access to criminal records in Georgia are governed by numerous state rules and provisions:

Public Access to Criminal Records

Per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 35-3-34, certain criminal records are regarded as public data. In particular, felony conviction records are available to the public without needing the individual’s permission. This aligns with Georgia’s dedication to openness and public protection.

Record Restriction and Expungement

O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 explains the process for limiting record access, earlier known as expungement. This law permits the sealing of certain arrest records under specific situations, making them inaccessible to the wider public. The method for restricting records depends on whether the arrest took place before or after July 1, 2013, with distinct procedures for each period.

Juvenile Records

In Georgia, juvenile records are typically treated separately from adult criminal records. The Juvenile Code, O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700, provides rules for keeping juvenile records confidential and sealed. Still, it’s important to note that certain major juvenile offenses may be categorized as adult crimes and show up on adult criminal records.

Importance of Criminal Records

Criminal records serve several important functions within Georgia’s justice system and society at large:

  1. Law Enforcement: These records assist police forces in investigating and monitoring criminal conduct. The comprehensive nature of the records supports more efficient policing and crime deterrence efforts.

  2. Judicial Proceedings: Courts use criminal records to make key decisions during sentencing and bail hearings. The historical information in these records enables judges and prosecutors to assess someone’s criminal past and the potential risk they might pose.

  3. Public Safety: Criminal records contribute to public safety by offering insights about individuals with a criminal background. This information can be pivotal for a variety of safety initiatives and community defense actions.

  4. Statistical Analysis: Combined criminal record data supports crime pattern analysis and policymaking. The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, active since 1975, offers statistical crime and arrest data, primarily aiding local agencies in optimizing the use of available resources.

Accuracy and Challenges

Although Georgia strives to maintain accurate criminal records, obstacles can occur:

  • Incomplete or incorrect submissions by agencies
  • Delays in reflecting updated data
  • Risk of identity fraud or mistaken identity

Individuals can review their own criminal records and request corrections if mistakes are found, as per O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This process helps individuals ensure the accuracy of their records and address any erroneous information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long does it take to get Georgia criminal records?

    Response times depend on the method used. Online searches may offer instant outcomes, while fingerprint-based checks typically require 24-48 hours. In-person requests could need several business days.

  2. Can I obtain someone else’s criminal records in Georgia?

    Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34(d.2), the public is allowed to view felony conviction records without the individual’s permission. You must provide the full name, ethnicity, gender, and birth date.

  3. What info is necessary to search criminal records in Georgia?

    At a minimum, the individual’s complete name and date of birth are needed. Further data like ethnicity, gender, and social security number can enhance search accuracy.

  4. Are juvenile records part of Georgia criminal history reports?

    Usually, juvenile files are sealed and unavailable to the public. However, certain grave crimes may be treated as adult offenses and appear in criminal history reports.

  5. How often are Georgia criminal records updated?

    Statewide databases are typically refreshed each day. County-level systems might vary, though most are updated within 24-72 hours after new data is processed.

  6. Can I dispute incorrect info on my Georgia criminal record?

    Yes. The procedure for correcting inaccurate details is set forth in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. You’ll need to submit a written request to the GCIC, along with supporting evidence.

  7. Is there a contrast between state and county criminal record searches in Georgia?

    Yes. Statewide searches cover the entire region but might not feature the newest county-level data. County searches provide finer details for that area but lack information from other counties.

  8. How far back do Georgia criminal records go?

    Georgia does not impose a specific limit on how far back criminal records stretch. Records are stored indefinitely unless sealed or expunged by a court order.

  9. Are sealed or expunged records shown in a Georgia criminal records search?

    No. Once a record is sealed or expunged as per O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, it is excluded from standard criminal record searches.

  10. Can I run a free criminal records search in Georgia?

    While limited info may be accessible for free via county websites, full criminal background reviews usually require fees. The Georgia Open Records Act allows reasonable charges for record gathering and reproduction.