Fulton County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fulton County
Arrest records in Fulton County are considered public information under Georgia law. Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.), most arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are accessible to the public. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including those documenting arrests, should be available for inspection by any person.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Georgia law, both types of records are generally public, though certain exceptions apply.
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for individuals processed through the Fulton County Jail system. While most arrest information is public, certain categories of records may be exempt from disclosure under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, including:
- Records that would compromise an ongoing investigation
- Records containing confidential informant information
- Juvenile records (with certain exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is legally accessible, the process for obtaining these records varies depending on the specific law enforcement agency and the age of the records requested.
What's in Fulton County Arrest Records
Fulton County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Race and gender
- Home address (at time of arrest)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Fingerprints
- State ID number and/or FBI number (if previously arrested)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Applicable Georgia criminal code sections
- Charge severity
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
- Medical screening information (non-confidential)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes (if case has progressed)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Projected release date (if sentenced)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history in Fulton County
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Immigration holds or detainers
- Special custody requirements
- Behavioral notes during detention
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and the individual circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information, such as medical details or information related to victims of certain crimes, may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Georgia law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fulton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Fulton County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple channels through which arrest records can be obtained, depending on the specific information needed and the requesting party's relationship to the case.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office Records Division
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5100
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records in person, requesters should:
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete the Sheriff's Office Open Records Request form
- Provide as much specific information as possible about the record being sought (full name of arrestee, date of birth, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
For electronic requests, individuals may submit an open records request through the official Fulton County website. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, the county must respond to requests within three business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
For arrest records related to specific law enforcement actions, requesters may also contact:
Fulton County Police Department Records Unit
130 Peachtree Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-613-6600
Fulton County Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Attorneys, court officials, and other authorized personnel may have access to additional information through the Fulton County Justice Information System, though public access to this system is restricted.
When requesting arrest records, be advised that certain processing fees apply in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c). Current fees include:
- $0.10 per page for standard document copies
- Actual cost for electronic media or specialized document reproduction
- Administrative charges may apply for requests requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time
How To Find Fulton County Arrest Records Online
Fulton County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of information available may vary.
The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Fulton County Jail Inmate Search database. This system allows users to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released from Fulton County detention facilities. To utilize this resource effectively:
- Navigate to the official Fulton County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and demographic information
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if scheduled)
- Housing location within the facility
For historical arrest records or more comprehensive information, the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court maintains an online case search system. This database includes criminal case information that may be associated with arrests. Users can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type
Additionally, the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query provides information about individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody, which may include arrest information as part of the case history.
For official copies of arrest records that require certification or contain information not available through public search portals, users must submit a formal open records request through the County Attorney Open Records Request system. This electronic submission process allows requesters to:
- Specify the exact records needed
- Provide contact information for response
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Receive documents electronically when available
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, complete arrest reports, including officer narratives and witness statements, typically require a formal records request in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act.
How To Search Fulton County Arrest Records for Free?
Fulton County residents and other interested parties can access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These free options provide basic arrest data, though more detailed information may require formal requests and associated fees.
The most comprehensive free resource is the Fulton County Jail Inmate Search database maintained by the Sheriff's Office. This searchable system provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. The database includes:
- Inmate name
- Physical description
- Booking date and time
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next scheduled court appearance
To conduct a free search:
- Access the Fulton County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate search function
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results displayed
The Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court also maintains a public access terminal at their office location where members of the public may search court records at no charge. These terminals provide access to criminal case information that often includes arrest details. The public access terminals are available at:
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For individuals seeking information about persons who have been convicted and are serving sentences in state facilities, the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Database provides free public access to basic offender information.
Local public libraries in Fulton County also offer free internet access where individuals can utilize these online resources without personal computer access or internet service.
While basic searches are free, requesters should be aware that pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, fees may apply for:
- Physical copies of documents ($0.10 per page)
- Certified copies of records
- Requests requiring extensive research or retrieval time
- Electronic media containing requested records
How To Delete Arrest Records in Fulton County
In Fulton County, individuals with arrest records may have options for restricting public access to this information through legal processes known as record restriction (formerly called expungement) or sealing. These processes are governed by Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which outlines the circumstances under which arrest records may be restricted from public view.
Record restriction and sealing represent distinct legal remedies:
Record Restriction: This process limits public access to arrest records but does not completely delete them from government databases. Law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities may still access restricted records. This is the primary method available in Georgia.
Record Sealing: This more comprehensive process physically seals court records from public view and is typically available only in juvenile cases or through specific court orders.
Under current Georgia law, arrest records may be eligible for restriction under the following circumstances:
- The case was dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
- The case resulted in a not guilty verdict
- The case was resolved through a pre-trial diversion or first offender program and successfully completed
- The arrest was for certain misdemeanors committed by youthful offenders (under 21 at time of arrest)
- The conviction was pardoned by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles
To initiate the record restriction process in Fulton County:
- Obtain a certified disposition of the case from the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
- Complete the "Application for Record Restriction" form available from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- Submit the application and supporting documentation to the arresting agency (typically the Fulton County Sheriff's Office or Atlanta Police Department)
- Pay applicable processing fees (currently $25-$50 depending on the agency)
- Allow 90-120 days for processing
For cases involving successful completion of a first offender or conditional discharge sentence, the restriction may be automatic under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, though individuals should verify this occurred.
Individuals with complex cases or multiple arrests may benefit from consulting with an attorney specializing in record restriction. The Georgia Justice Project offers resources and limited legal assistance for eligible low-income individuals seeking record restriction.
It is important to note that record restriction does not remove information from private background check companies' databases. Additional steps may be necessary to address records held by these entities.
What Happens After Arrest in Fulton County?
Following an arrest in Fulton County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several distinct phases. Understanding this sequence helps contextualize how arrest records are generated and utilized throughout the system.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
-
Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Fulton County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
- Assignment to appropriate housing unit
-
Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (typically 24-36 hours), arrestees appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Makes preliminary bail determinations
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for public representation
-
Bail Determination: The court establishes whether the defendant may be released pending trial and under what conditions. Factors considered include:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Prior criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
-
Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a preliminary hearing may be held where the prosecution must demonstrate probable cause that the defendant committed the alleged crime. This hearing may be waived if a grand jury indictment is obtained.
-
Grand Jury Indictment (Felonies): Serious felony cases in Fulton County proceed through grand jury review, where prosecutors present evidence to determine if sufficient cause exists to formally charge the defendant. Misdemeanor cases typically proceed by accusation rather than indictment.
-
Arraignment: The defendant is formally presented with charges and enters an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere). At this stage, discovery processes begin, with the prosecution required to share evidence with the defense.
-
Pre-Trial Proceedings: Various motions and hearings may occur, including:
- Motions to suppress evidence
- Discovery disputes
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases conclude through:
- Guilty plea agreement
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial
- Dismissal of charges
-
Sentencing: If convicted, defendants receive sentences based on:
- Georgia sentencing guidelines
- Judicial discretion
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Victim impact statements
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
-
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, options include:
- Direct appeal
- Motion for new trial
- Habeas corpus petition
- Record restriction application (if eligible)
Throughout this process, the Fulton County criminal justice system generates and maintains extensive documentation, including the arrest record, which becomes part of the defendant's criminal history. These records remain accessible through the methods previously described, subject to any applicable restrictions under Georgia law.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fulton County?
Arrest records in Fulton County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Georgia law and administrative regulations. The Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq.) provides the legal framework for records retention, while specific schedules are developed by the Georgia Archives in conjunction with law enforcement agencies.
Under current retention policies, arrest records are generally maintained as follows:
Law Enforcement Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: 25 years from date of arrest
- Non-criminal arrests (e.g., protective custody): 5 years from date of arrest
Booking Records and Jail Documentation:
- Booking photographs (mugshots): 75 years for felonies, 25 years for misdemeanors
- Booking reports: 75 years for felonies, 25 years for misdemeanors
- Jail registers and logs: Permanent retention
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Case files for felony prosecutions: Permanent retention
- Case files for misdemeanor prosecutions: 25 years after case closure
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
Fingerprint Records:
- Criminal fingerprints: Permanent retention by the Georgia Crime Information Center
- Civil fingerprints (e.g., employment background): Variable retention based on purpose
Different agencies within Fulton County maintain separate but overlapping record systems. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail records, while the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records related to criminal prosecutions.
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures, though in practice, many records are maintained beyond minimum requirements. Digital records systems have expanded storage capabilities, allowing longer retention of electronic records.
It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information about arrests may be maintained indefinitely in criminal history databases maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the FBI's National Crime Information Center.
Individuals seeking to limit access to older arrest records that have not been destroyed should explore record restriction options as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, rather than waiting for records to expire through retention schedules.
How to Find Mugshots in Fulton County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and document the physical appearance of individuals at the time they enter the custody of law enforcement. In Fulton County, these photographs are maintained as part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Booking photographs are standardized images taken by law enforcement during the processing of arrested individuals. These photographs typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
- Profile (side) view in some cases
- Identifying information board showing name and booking number
- Date of photograph
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Fulton County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office Records Division
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5100
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Finding Mugshots
To locate a specific booking photograph, individuals may:
- Submit an open records request to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office specifically requesting the booking photograph
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the individual
- Include the approximate date of arrest if known
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of the photograph
Can They Be Found Online
While some booking photographs may appear in the Fulton County Jail Inmate Search database for current inmates, Fulton County has limited the public display of booking photographs in recent years. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-1-19) now restricts the publication of booking photographs by law enforcement agencies on their websites except for:
- Individuals who have been convicted of the crime for which they were arrested
- Dangerous fugitives
- Certain serious offenders where public safety concerns exist
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining an official copy of a booking photograph is through a formal open records request. Requesters should:
- Complete the Sheriff's Office open records request form
- Specify that a booking photograph is being requested
- Provide as much identifying information as possible
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the county's electronic records request system
- Pay applicable reproduction fees
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Photographs of juveniles (under 17) are generally not public records
- Photographs related to restricted records under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 may not be available
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Photographs of individuals arrested but not convicted may be subject to additional restrictions under Georgia's 2013 mugshot law
Individuals concerned about their own booking photographs appearing in commercial mugshot websites should be aware that Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5) prohibits websites from charging fees for removing mugshots if the person was acquitted or the charges were dismissed.
Lookup Arrest Records in Fulton County
Sheriff's Open Records Request
County Attorney Records Requests