Paulding County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Paulding County
Arrest records in Paulding County are considered public information under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70). This statute establishes that public records, including those created, maintained, or received by a public agency in Georgia, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public. The Georgia Open Records Act specifically includes law enforcement records among those considered public, with certain statutory exceptions.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Georgia law. Arrest records document the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be subject to restriction under certain circumstances.
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division maintains and provides access to arrest records in accordance with state law. While most arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, victim identities, or other statutorily protected information.
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
247 Industrial Way North
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-3010
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
What's in Paulding County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Paulding County law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information, if applicable
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Release conditions, if applicable
- Release date, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes and dispositions
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location if incarcerated
- Projected release date if sentenced
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
- Immigration status
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office collects and maintains this information as part of its statutory responsibility to document law enforcement activities and maintain public safety records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Paulding County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Paulding County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for processing record requests in compliance with Georgia's Open Records Act.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete the official public records request form.
- Provide specific information about the record being requested, including the name of the individual, date of arrest (if known), and case number (if available).
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (currently $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page).
- Allow up to three business days for processing, as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71.
To request arrest records by mail:
- Download and complete the public records request form from the Paulding County Sheriff's Office website.
- Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
- Mail the request package to:
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
247 Industrial Way North
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-3010
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
To request arrest records electronically:
- Visit the Paulding County Sheriff's Office public records request portal.
- Complete the online request form with all required information.
- Upload a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system.
- Receive confirmation of request submission and estimated processing time.
Requestors should note that certain information may be redacted from arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided under Georgia law, including but not limited to juvenile records, victim information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
How To Find Paulding County Arrest Records Online
Paulding County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems enhance public access while maintaining compliance with Georgia's Open Records Act.
The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Paulding County Inmate Inquiry system. This database allows users to search for individuals currently or recently in custody at the Paulding County Detention Center. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the Paulding County Inmate Inquiry portal.
- Select a search method from the available options:
- Search by name (last name, first name)
- Search by subject number
- Search by booking number
- Search by custody status
- Search by booking date range
- Enter the relevant search criteria.
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
- Housing location
- Mugshot (if available)
For historical arrest records or more comprehensive information, users may access the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Crime and Arrest Data portal. This system provides:
- Statistical information on arrests by category
- Monthly and annual crime reports
- Arrest trends and patterns
- Major case updates
Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which provides statewide criminal history information. While not Paulding County-specific, this resource may contain arrest records from the county. Access to GCIC records requires:
- Submission of fingerprints
- Payment of applicable fees
- Statutory authorization for access to complete criminal histories
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for older cases or those with special handling requirements. For comprehensive arrest record information, direct contact with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division is recommended.
How To Search Paulding County Arrest Records for Free?
Paulding County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic arrest data while maintaining compliance with Georgia's Open Records Act.
The most comprehensive free resource is the Paulding County Inmate Inquiry system, which allows public searches of current and recent jail inmates. This system provides:
- Inmate name and demographic information
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond amount and status
- Scheduled court dates
- Custody status
To access this information at no cost:
- Visit the Paulding County Inmate Inquiry website
- Enter search criteria (no account creation or payment required)
- Review the publicly available information
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office website also provides free access to:
- Daily booking reports
- Most wanted lists
- Major arrest announcements
- Crime statistics and reports
For in-person research at no cost, individuals may:
- Visit the Paulding County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view publicly available court dockets related to arrests
- Take notes on case information (fees apply only for copies or certified records)
Paulding County Courthouse
240 Constitution Boulevard
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-7527
Paulding County Courts
While basic arrest information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of records
- Certified copies
- Complete criminal history reports
- Records requiring extensive redaction or research
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and other direct administrative costs for fulfilling record requests. However, the first quarter hour of search and retrieval time is typically provided without charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Paulding County
Georgia law provides specific mechanisms for restricting or sealing arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed primarily by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which establishes the framework for record restriction (formerly called expungement) in the state.
It is important to understand the distinction between record deletion and record restriction:
-
Record deletion: Physical destruction of arrest records is generally not permitted under Georgia law, as these records constitute important historical documentation of law enforcement activities.
-
Record restriction: This process limits public access to arrest records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. When a record is restricted, it will not appear in background checks conducted by private employers or the general public.
Eligibility for record restriction in Paulding County typically includes:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
- Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Cases where the individual was found not guilty
- Certain first-offender or conditional discharge cases after successful completion
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)
- Pardoned offenses (except serious violent felonies)
The process for requesting record restriction in Paulding County includes:
- Obtain and complete the "Request for Record Restriction" form from the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Provide documentation supporting eligibility for restriction (court dispositions, discharge certificates, etc.).
- Submit the completed form and supporting documentation to:
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
247 Industrial Way North
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-3010
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Pay applicable processing fees (currently $25 per case).
- Allow 90-120 days for processing through local and state agencies.
For certain eligible cases, individuals may need to petition the court for record restriction. This process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Paulding County Superior Court
- Paying court filing fees
- Attending a hearing before a judge
- Obtaining a court order for record restriction if approved
Individuals seeking record restriction are advised that the process does not remove records from all systems. Even after restriction, records remain accessible to:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Prosecutors' offices
- Courts
- Certain licensing boards
- Certain employers in sensitive positions
What Happens After Arrest in Paulding County?
Following an arrest in Paulding County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Georgia state law and local procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages.
The initial post-arrest phase involves:
-
Transport and Booking: The arrested individual is transported to the Paulding County Detention Center, located at the Watson Government Complex in Dallas, Georgia. During booking, officials:
- Photograph and fingerprint the arrestee
- Collect personal information
- Conduct a search
- Inventory and secure personal property
- Perform medical screening
- Enter arrest information into law enforcement databases
-
Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing: Within 48-72 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a Magistrate Judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines eligibility for appointed counsel
- Sets initial bail or bond conditions
- Schedules subsequent court appearances
-
Bond Determination: The court establishes conditions for pre-trial release, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Property bond
- Surety bond through a licensed bondsman
- Release on own recognizance (ROR)
- Conditional release with monitoring
The case then proceeds through the court system:
-
Preliminary Hearing (if requested): A hearing to determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the alleged offense.
-
Grand Jury Indictment (for felonies): The Paulding County Grand Jury reviews evidence and determines if sufficient cause exists to formally charge the defendant.
-
Arraignment: The defendant appears in court to:
- Hear formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere)
- Receive trial date if pleading not guilty
-
Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery exchange
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (for misdemeanors: 6 jurors; for felonies: 12 jurors)
-
Sentencing (if convicted): The court imposes penalties that may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and fees
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Restitution to victims
-
Post-Conviction Options: Following conviction, defendants may pursue:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Motion for new trial
- Sentence modification
- Parole consideration (for eligible offenses)
Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record maintained by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division, subject to the provisions and exceptions of Georgia's Open Records Act.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Paulding County?
Arrest records in Paulding County are maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedules as established by the Georgia Archives and the Secretary of State's Office under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99. These schedules mandate specific timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement records.
For arrest records specifically, the retention requirements include:
-
Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention required. These records document the fundamental law enforcement function of apprehending and processing individuals charged with criminal offenses.
-
Arrest Warrants: Maintained for 7 years after execution or expiration of the warrant.
-
Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records: Permanent retention required for both paper and electronic formats.
-
Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention required as part of the official arrest documentation.
-
Incident Reports Related to Arrests: Maintained for 7 years after case closure for misdemeanors; permanent retention for felonies.
-
Investigation Files Leading to Arrest: Maintained for 7 years after case closure for misdemeanors; permanent retention for felonies and unsolved cases.
Different agencies within Paulding County maintain arrest records according to their statutory responsibilities:
-
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division maintains the primary arrest documentation, including booking information, photographs, and fingerprints.
-
The Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records related to arrests, including indictments, accusations, and case dispositions.
-
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history information, including Paulding County arrests, in the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) database.
The extended retention of these records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related or pattern crimes
- Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
- Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Maintains historical documentation of law enforcement activities
While records are maintained according to these schedules, access to certain records may be restricted under Georgia's record restriction statutes if the case meets specific eligibility criteria as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
How to Find Mugshots in Paulding County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual documentation of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Paulding County, these photographs are maintained as part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken of an arrested individual during the booking process at the Paulding County Detention Center. These images are captured alongside fingerprints and other identifying information to establish a visual record of the arrestee at the time of processing.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
The primary custodian of mugshots in Paulding County is the Sheriff's Office Records Division. These photographs are:
- Stored in both digital and physical formats
- Linked to the corresponding arrest record
- Maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedule
- Considered public records under Georgia's Open Records Act, with certain exceptions
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Paulding County have several options:
- In-Person Requests: Visit the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours and complete a public records request form. Specific identifying information about the arrest (name, date, case number) will facilitate the search.
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
247 Industrial Way North
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-3010
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
-
Written Requests: Submit a completed public records request form by mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Payment for applicable fees
-
Online Resources: The Paulding County Inmate Inquiry system provides mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be limited in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestee photographs (under 17 years of age) are not publicly available
- Mugshots subject to record restriction orders are not publicly accessible
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Certain victim-related arrests may have restricted photograph access
- First offender cases that have been successfully completed may have restricted photographs
Requestors should note that commercial websites that collect and publish mugshots may maintain these images even after official records have been restricted. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5) provides certain remedies for individuals seeking removal of mugshots from commercial websites, particularly in cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was exonerated.