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Paulding County Criminal Records

What Is Paulding County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Paulding County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 and serve as the official documentation of arrests, prosecutions, and dispositions of criminal cases.

Criminal records in Paulding County encompass several distinct categories:

  • Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include booking information, charges, and mugshots.
  • Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, whether through trial proceedings or plea agreements.
  • Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, such as murder, armed robbery, or aggravated assault.
  • Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year, such as simple assault, petty theft, or public intoxication.
  • Adult vs. Juvenile Records: While adult criminal records are generally public, juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed under Georgia Code § 15-11-701 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
  • Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records.

The primary agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Paulding County include:

Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
247 Industrial Way North
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-3010
Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Clerk of Superior Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 1018
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-7527
Clerk of Superior Court

Clerk of State Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 2013
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-7541
Clerk of State Court

Georgia Bureau of Investigation
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

These criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition, including charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.

Are Criminal Records Public In Paulding County

Criminal records in Paulding County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which establishes the presumption that public records, including criminal records, should be open for inspection by any citizen. The Act states that "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any citizen of this state at a reasonable time and place."

Under current Georgia law, the following criminal records are typically available for public access:

  • Adult arrest records
  • Court proceedings and case files
  • Conviction records
  • Incarceration records
  • Sex offender registry information
  • Probation and parole records

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

  • Active criminal investigations
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Expunged or restricted records
  • Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
  • Records that would compromise personal privacy or public safety
  • First offender records after successful completion of sentence

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) operates under the authority of O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33 and serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in the state. While the GCIC maintains comprehensive criminal records, access to these records through the GCIC requires specific statutory authorization or the consent of the person whose record is requested.

In Paulding County, the Sheriff's Office Records Division and the Clerk of Superior Court are the primary custodians of criminal records. These agencies maintain public access terminals where members of the public may inspect publicly available criminal records during regular business hours. Additionally, certain records may be accessed through online portals maintained by these agencies.

It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the agencies maintaining these records may charge reasonable fees for searching, retrieving, and copying records as permitted under Georgia law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Paulding County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Paulding County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for obtaining criminal records, depending on the specific information sought and the requesting party's needs.

In-Person Requests:

  1. Visit the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:

    Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
    247 Industrial Way North
    Dallas, GA 30132
    (770) 443-3010
    Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Records Division

  2. Complete the Request for Public Records form, providing specific information about the record being requested, including:

    • Full name of the subject
    • Date of birth or approximate age
    • Date or approximate timeframe of the incident
    • Type of record requested (arrest report, incident report, etc.)
    • Requestor's contact information

  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.

  4. Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. The Sheriff's Office accepts cash, credit cards, and money orders.

Court Records Requests:

For criminal case records maintained by the courts:

  1. Visit the Clerk of Superior Court or Clerk of State Court:

    Clerk of Superior Court
    240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 1018
    Dallas, GA 30132
    (770) 443-7527
    Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Clerk of Superior Court

    Clerk of State Court
    240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 2013
    Dallas, GA 30132
    (770) 443-7541
    Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Clerk of State Court

  2. Request access to the public terminals for case searches or complete a records request form.

  3. Provide case numbers if available, or the name of the defendant.

  4. Pay applicable fees for copies of court documents.

Mail or Email Requests:

  1. Download and complete the Request for Public Records form from the Paulding County website.

  2. Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.

  3. Mail the completed form to:

    Paulding County Sheriff's Office
    Records Division
    247 Industrial Way North
    Dallas, GA 30132

    Or email to: records@paulding.gov

  4. Include payment for applicable fees or await notification of fees due.

For criminal history background checks, individuals may request their own records or, with proper authorization, the records of others through the Georgia Criminal History Record process at the Sheriff's Office.

How To Find Criminal Records in Paulding County Online?

Paulding County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many types of criminal record searches.

Paulding County Case Search Portal:

The Paulding County Case Search system provides access to court case information:

  1. Navigate to the official Paulding County Case Search portal.
  2. No registration is required for basic searches.
  3. Search by name, case number, or filing date.
  4. The system provides case summaries including:
    • Case numbers
    • Filing dates
    • Charges
    • Case status
    • Scheduled hearings
    • Disposition information when available

Note that while case summaries are available online, complete case files with all documents may require in-person requests at the appropriate clerk's office.

Paulding County Inmate Search:

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry system provides real-time information about individuals currently incarcerated in the Paulding County Detention Center:

  1. Access the Inmate Inquiry portal.
  2. Search by name or booking number.
  3. The system provides:
    • Inmate name and booking photo
    • Booking date
    • Charges
    • Bond information
    • Housing location
    • Next court date (when available)

Crime and Arrest Data:

The Sheriff's Office maintains Crime and Arrest Data statistics for unincorporated Paulding County:

  1. Visit the Crime/Arrest Data page on the county website.
  2. Access statistical reports on criminal activity.
  3. Review incident data by type, location, and time period.

Georgia Criminal History Records:

For comprehensive criminal history information:

  1. Visit the Georgia Criminal History Record page.
  2. Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information.
  3. Note that full criminal history reports require proper authorization and identity verification.
  4. Fees apply for criminal history searches.

Limitations of Online Searches:

While online resources provide significant access to criminal records, certain limitations exist:

  • Some records may only be available through in-person requests.
  • Older records may not be digitized and accessible online.
  • Sealed or expunged records will not appear in online searches.
  • Juvenile records are generally not available through public online portals.
  • Complete case files with all documents typically require in-person requests.

For records not available online, individuals should contact the appropriate agency directly or submit a formal records request through the Request for Public Records process.

Can You Search Paulding County Criminal Records for Free?

Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, members of the public have the right to inspect public records during normal business hours at no charge. However, fees may be assessed for search, retrieval, and copying of records as permitted under Georgia law.

Free In-Person Inspection Options:

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Paulding County Sheriff's Office Records Division
247 Industrial Way North
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-3010
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Records Division

Clerk of Superior Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 1018
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-7527
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Clerk of Superior Court

Clerk of State Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 2013
Dallas, GA 30132
(770) 443-7541
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Clerk of State Court

At these locations, public terminals are available for searching court records and case information at no cost. While inspection is free, fees apply for printed copies of documents.

Free Online Resources:

Paulding County provides several free online resources for accessing criminal record information:

  1. Paulding County Case Search - Free access to basic case information for court cases.

  2. Paulding County Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry - Free access to current inmate information.

  3. Crime and Arrest Data - Free access to crime statistics and reports.

Fee-Based Services:

While inspection of records is free, the following services typically incur fees:

  1. Copies of documents (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
  2. Certified copies of court documents (typically $2.50-$5.00 per document)
  3. Criminal history background checks ($15.00-$25.00)
  4. Research and retrieval services for complex or extensive records requests
  5. Expedited processing of records requests

The specific fee schedule is established by each agency in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of records.

For individuals seeking their own criminal history records for employment, housing, or other purposes, fees typically apply as these requests require verification of identity and comprehensive database searches.

What's Included in a Paulding County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Paulding County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records varies based on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories of information:

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Mugshot/booking photograph
  • Last known address
  • State Identification Number (SID)
  • FBI number (if applicable)
  • Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking number
  • Charges filed at arrest
  • Bail/bond amount and status
  • Detention facility information
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Incident report number

Court Case Information:

  • Case number
  • Court of jurisdiction (Superior Court, State Court)
  • Filing date
  • Charges filed by the prosecutor
  • Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
  • Plea information
  • Attorney information (prosecutor and defense)
  • Judge assigned to the case
  • Court dates and appearances
  • Motions filed and their dispositions

Case Disposition:

  • Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
  • Conviction date (if applicable)
  • Sentencing information:
    • Incarceration terms
    • Probation terms
    • Fines and court costs
    • Restitution ordered
    • Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
  • Appeal information (if applicable)
  • Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

  • Active warrants
  • Protective/restraining orders
  • Sex offender registration requirements
  • DUI/DWI offenses
  • Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
  • Pending charges in other jurisdictions
  • Prior criminal history references

The Records Division of the Paulding County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and booking information, while the Clerk of Superior Court and Clerk of State Court maintain court case files, including charging documents, court proceedings, and case dispositions.

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Georgia Criminal History Record system, maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), provides a complete record of an individual's arrests and prosecutions throughout the state, commonly referred to as a "rap sheet."

How Long Does Paulding County Keep Criminal Records?

Paulding County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Georgia Records Act O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 and retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives and Records Management Division. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, severity of the offense, and final disposition of the case.

Standard Retention Periods:

  • Misdemeanor Case Files: Generally retained for 7 years after case closure or completion of sentence, whichever is later.

  • Felony Case Files: Typically retained for 25 years after case closure or completion of sentence for most felonies.

  • Serious Violent Felonies: Records for murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery are retained permanently.

  • Arrest Records: Maintained by the Sheriff's Office for a minimum of 7 years for misdemeanors and 25 years for felonies.

  • Incident Reports: Generally retained for 5 years from the date of the incident.

  • Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Retained in accordance with the case type (misdemeanor or felony) and maintained in the Georgia Crime Information Center database.

  • Court Dockets and Indexes: Maintained permanently as historical records by the Clerk of Courts.

  • Probation Records: Typically retained for 3 years after the completion of probation.

  • Warrants: Active warrants remain in effect until served or recalled by the court. Executed warrant records follow the retention schedule of the associated case.

Special Considerations:

  1. Expungement/Record Restriction: Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain records may be restricted from public access earlier than the standard retention period if:

    • The case was dismissed
    • The individual was acquitted
    • The individual successfully completed a first offender program
    • The arrest was for a misdemeanor and the individual has no convictions for 5 years

  2. Juvenile Records: Generally sealed and not available to the public. Retention periods vary based on the severity of the offense and the juvenile's age at the time of the offense.

  3. Sex Offender Registry Information: Maintained for the duration required by law based on the offense level, which may be 10 years, 30 years, or lifetime registration.

  4. Digital Records: As Paulding County continues to digitize records, electronic versions may be maintained longer than their paper counterparts, subject to digital storage capabilities and policies.

It is important to note that even after the official retention period has expired, information about criminal cases may continue to exist in various databases, news archives, and third-party background check services.

Lookup Criminal Records in Paulding County

Request for Public Records

Inmate Search

Records Division

Crime and Arrest Data

Georgia Criminal History Record

Clerk of Superior Court

Case Search Portal

Clerk of State Court

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