Fulton County Arrest Records

According to the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) § 17-4-1, an arrest occurs when an individual either voluntarily submits to the authority of an officer or yields. In contrast, the officer exercises discretion over their freedom of movement. Law enforcement agencies usually preserve the official documentation accompanying an arrest as arrest records. Georgia laws are written to foster public access to arrest records while protecting people's privacy by keeping sensitive information private.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Georgia?

Yes. All public records, including arrest and booking information kept by law enforcement, are open for inspection and copying, according to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. Code § 50-18-71). The release of "criminal offender record information" is also covered under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, a statute that rules how specific criminal history information can be shared with people not part of the criminal justice system.

Under Georgia law, record custodians must respond to requests within three business days and give access unless they are not allowed to. However, officials may not share information protected by federal privacy laws, such as juvenile records, information that is part of an ongoing investigation, or records sealed or erased for privacy reasons. To access such restricted records, interested persons would need to obtain a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

Fulton County Arrest Search

Individuals seeking arrest information in Fulton County can access records through state law enforcement agencies like the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). Each pathway provides a different way to access these records.

The GBI operates the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which manages a central database of criminal history records, including arrests. Someone can get these records by submitting a request to the GCIC. For in-person help with criminal history searches and record checks, the GCIC Lobby Office is available by appointment at 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034. They can schedule an appointment by calling 404-244-2639, option 1. People can also mail their request to:

The GDC has a tool on its website for searching for offenders. People can use this online tool to find arrest-related information about incarcerated individuals by searching with a name, ID, or case number. Likewise, for persons arrested by a federal agency like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and held in a federal prison, arrest information may be accessed by looking up the FBI inmate locator. The locator supports name-based searches.

Fulton County Inmate Locator

The most direct method of searching for arrests in Fulton County is through the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff maintains an online inmate locator that serves as the county's primary database for individuals in the Fulton County Jail. The Sheriff's Office provides this database as a public service for residents and members of the local justice system.

Because the system updates once daily, the Sheriff's Office does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information displayed. Users may enter a name, booking number, or other identifier to obtain custody status, charges, arrest dates, and bond information. The locator also displays mugshots and supplies near real-time updates, offering a practical resource for families, attorneys, and journalists. Although the tool only covers current detainees, it remains one of the most efficient and transparent arrest information systems available in Fulton County.

Residents must submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office through the Fulton County Open Records Requests Center for historical records. These requests fall under the Georgia Open Records Act and are processed by the Sheriff's Office in the order received. To submit a request, individuals must log in to the Records Center (new users are required to create an account before proceeding). Once logged in, they must select the Sheriff from the dropdown menu under "Department Requesting Record(s) From," clearly describe the records sought, then click submit.

When requesting a booking photo, applicants must also complete the required release form and attach it to their submission. While the process provides transparency and formal access to historical records, residents should anticipate several days or longer before receiving a response, especially during periods of high demand.

Active Warrant Search in Fulton County

According to O.C.G.A. Code § 17-4-40, an arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to detain an individual for violating Georgia's penal laws. Judges of superior, state, city, or magistrate courts and municipal officers with magistrate powers issue warrants upon finding probable cause. Retired judges may do so with written authorization. Warrants may result from officer or citizen applications. In the latter case, a hearing usually determines probable cause, unless urgent circumstances justify immediate issuance. Each warrant identifies the accused and the alleged offense and bears the judge's signature. Special rules require higher-level judges to issue warrants against certain public officials.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office manages warrant information and executes warrants through its Field Operations division. The office maintains a database of active warrants, but does not provide an online search option. To learn whether a warrant exists, individuals must visit the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in person at:

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Fulton

Several free resources provide access to arrest information. They include the following:

• The Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search allows the public to view booking details and custody status for current inmates online at no cost.
• The Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search enables free statewide searches by name or ID number.
• The Clerk of Superior Court eServices offers free access to court case files, including those related to arrests.

While these tools provide quick and convenient information, they also have some limitations, as seen below:

• Older arrest records may not appear
• Incident reports are excluded
• Redactions may obscure sensitive details.

Fulton County Arrest Report

Within the legal system, arrest reports and arrest records have distinct functions. An arrest record is a record of the arrestee's identification, charges, and booking information entered into custodial or case management databases. It provides a concise snapshot of the arrest without a narrative explanation.

On the other hand, an arrest report is a written document prepared by the arresting officer. It offers a detailed account of the incident, including evidence, witness statements, and the justification for the arrest. Prosecutors and defense attorneys rely on arrest reports because they explain the reasoning behind the custodial action. Although the Open Records Act grants access to both, arrest reports are more likely to undergo redaction due to their sensitive content.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Fulton County

For arrests after July 1, 2013, individuals may request restriction through the prosecuting attorney's office if charges were dismissed, not prosecuted, or resulted in acquittal. The Fulton County District Attorney typically processes these requests. No formal application is required, but eligibility depends on meeting the criteria in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, such as having no prior felony convictions.

For arrests made before July 1, 2013, individuals must apply for record restriction through the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. The application requires fingerprints, case details, and the official Georgia Record Restriction Package with a copy of the court disposition. The Sheriff's Office forwards the request to the GCIC for review. If the GCIC denies the request, the individual may petition the Superior Court for a hearing. Each request carries a $25 fee, payable in advance by U.S. Postal money order through the mail or by cash or money order in person. Applications must be submitted to:

Record restriction ensures employers and landlords cannot access the information during background checks. In rare cases, courts may fully seal arrest records, particularly when the individual proves wrongful arrest or when youthful offenders qualify for additional protection.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records From the Internet?

Online mugshot websites have created challenges for individuals attempting to rebuild their reputations after an arrest. Georgia law addresses this issue through O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5, which requires publishers to remove booking photographs upon receiving a certified written request when charges are dropped, records restricted, or the person acquitted.

To enforce removal, individuals must provide their name, date of birth, arrest date, and the arresting agency. Publishers have thirty days to comply. If they fail, the individual may file a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, which has the authority to impose fines.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

According to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search Result, a typical public arrest record in the county includes the following elements:

• Booking number
• Defendant name
• Date of arrest
• Date of release
• Arresting agency
• Charge(s)