Fulton County Criminal Records
What Is Fulton County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Fulton County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Georgia Code § 35-3-33, which establishes the framework for criminal history record information in the state.
Criminal records in Fulton County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information, fingerprints, and mugshots
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including charges, hearings, and case dispositions
- Conviction Records: Records of guilty verdicts or pleas, which have more permanent status than arrest records
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county jail facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody but do not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea agreement.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Fulton County:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5100
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for individuals processed through the Fulton County Jail system.
Fulton County Superior Court
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4518
Superior Court of Fulton County
The Superior Court maintains records of felony cases, including charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions.
Fulton County District Attorney's Office
136 Pryor Street SW, 3rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4981
Fulton County District Attorney
The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records for criminal cases within the county.
Adult criminal records generally remain accessible to the public, while juvenile records (for offenders under 18) are typically sealed and not available for public inspection under Georgia Code § 15-11-701, which protects the confidentiality of juvenile proceedings.
Are Criminal Records Public In Fulton County
Criminal records in Fulton County are generally considered public information under the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA), codified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. This statute establishes that public records, including criminal records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia.
The Act states: "All public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying, except those which by order of a court of this state or by law are specifically exempted from disclosure."
In accordance with this legislation, the following criminal records are typically available to the public in Fulton County:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Probation and parole information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records expunged or restricted under Georgia's First Offender Act or Conditional Discharge statute
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by state law
The Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts serves as the official custodian of court records, including criminal case files. The Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining these records and making them accessible to the public in accordance with state law.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests and paying applicable fees for copies. Government agencies are required to respond to record requests within three business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of such information is regulated by various state and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which governs how criminal history information can be used for employment, housing, and other purposes.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Fulton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Fulton County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each providing access to different components of the criminal justice system.
To conduct a criminal record search in Fulton County, individuals may follow these procedures:
Online Court Record Search:
- Visit the Fulton County Clerk's eServices portal
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Create a user account if required or proceed as a guest user
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies if needed
In-Person Record Requests:
Records not available online may be requested in person at:
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-155
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5344
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records in person:
- Complete a record request form (available at the clerk's office)
- Provide specific information about the case or individual
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Inmate and Jail Records:
For information about current inmates:
- Access the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search database
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review basic custody information
Criminal History Background Checks:
For official criminal history reports:
- Visit the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website
- Complete a background check request form
- Submit fingerprints if required
- Pay the required fee
- Receive results by mail or electronically
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, individuals may also request their own criminal history record or authorize the release of their record to a third party through notarized consent.
How To Find Criminal Records in Fulton County Online?
Fulton County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records digitally. These electronic systems offer convenient access to various components of the criminal justice system without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Fulton County include:
Fulton County Clerk's eServices Portal
The Fulton County Clerk's eServices platform serves as the central online repository for court records. This system allows users to:
- Search case records by name, case number, or filing date
- View case summaries and docket information
- Access digital copies of certain court documents
- Track case status and upcoming court dates
The system contains records from both the Superior Court and State Court of Fulton County. Users should note that while basic case information is freely accessible, document downloads may require payment of statutory fees.
Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search database provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This resource includes:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking information and charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Release information
This database is updated regularly and serves as an official source of custody information for the Fulton County Jail system.
Fulton County District Attorney Public Record Access
The Fulton County District Attorney's Public Record Access portal provides information about criminal prosecutions. Users can access:
- Case status information
- Charging documents
- Court calendars
- Disposition information
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
For information about individuals sentenced to state prison, the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query allows searches for:
- Current inmates in state facilities
- Probationers under state supervision
- Released offenders
- Basic offense and sentence information
When using these online systems, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Some older records may not be digitized and require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive or sealed records are not available online
- Complete case files typically require in-person requests
- Registration may be required for some search functions
- Search functionality may be limited to basic identifiers
Can You Search Fulton County Criminal Records for Free?
Fulton County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act. This legislation establishes that public records shall be open for inspection by any citizen, though reasonable fees may be charged for search, retrieval, and copying services.
Free In-Person Record Inspection
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost by visiting:
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-155
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5344
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
While inspection is free, the following fees may apply:
- Document copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50 per document plus copy fees
- Record search fees: $10.00 per name/case (if staff assistance is required)
Free Online Resources
Several online databases provide free access to basic criminal record information:
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Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search The Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides free access to current inmate information, including charges and booking details.
-
Fulton County Court Case Search Basic case information is available without charge through the Fulton County Clerk's eServices portal, though document downloads may incur fees.
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Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search The Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query provides free information about individuals in state custody or under state supervision.
Free Public Access Terminals
Computer terminals are available for public use at:
Fulton County Law Library
136 Pryor Street SW, 7th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
These terminals provide free access to court records and legal research resources.
Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), agencies may charge for the cost of search, retrieval, and other administrative costs when requests require significant staff time. However, the first quarter hour of staff time must be provided without charge.
What's Included in a Fulton County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Fulton County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Fulton County Police Department, South Fulton Police Department)
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including statute numbers)
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
Court Case Information
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior, State, or Magistrate)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by the District Attorney's Office
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearance dates
- Motion filings and judicial orders
Case Disposition
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing information:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the status of the proceedings. Records maintained by the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court typically contain the most complete documentation of criminal proceedings.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34.1, certain information may be restricted from public access, including records that have been sealed, expunged, or are subject to first offender protections.
How Long Does Fulton County Keep Criminal Records?
Fulton County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act and the Georgia Archives' Records Management Division. These schedules dictate the minimum period records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
The retention periods for criminal records in Fulton County vary by record type:
Arrest Records and Booking Information
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 25 years from date of arrest
- Arrest photographs (mugshots): 5 years after case disposition
Court Case Files
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 10 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
Judgment and Sentencing Documents
- Felony convictions: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor convictions: 25 years after completion of sentence
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
Jail Records
- Inmate files: 7 years after release
- Jail logs and incident reports: 5 years
These retention periods are established pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, which authorizes the State Records Committee to establish retention schedules for government records.
It is important to note that while records may be maintained for the periods specified above, certain records may become eligible for restriction or expungement under specific circumstances:
- First Offender Act cases: Records may be restricted upon successful completion of sentence
- Conditional Discharge cases: Records may be restricted upon successful completion of probation
- Non-conviction records: May be eligible for restriction under certain conditions
- Juvenile records: Generally sealed at age 18, with certain exceptions
The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state and follows these retention guidelines for records originating in Fulton County.
Even after local retention periods expire, criminal history information may continue to be maintained in state and federal databases according to their respective retention policies.
Lookup Criminal Records in Fulton County
Fulton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
Fulton County Court Records Search
Fulton County District Attorney Public Record Access