Chattooga County Arrest Records Search

Chattooga County arrest records are maintained by the sheriff's office in the Summerville area. This northwest Georgia county has roughly 25,000 residents and sits along the Alabama border. Sheriff Mark Schrader manages jail operations, bookings, and arrest record access for Chattooga County. These records are public documents under Georgia law. You can get them through the sheriff's office, through state-level criminal history databases run by the GBI, or by filing an open records request. Here is how each method works.

Chattooga County Sheriff's Office Records

Sheriff Mark Schrader runs the Chattooga County Sheriff's Office at 533 Underwood Drive, Trion, GA 30753. This is the primary place to get arrest records in Chattooga County. Every booking creates a record that includes the person's name, charges, date of arrest, and other identifying details. These records are kept at the sheriff's office and also reported to the state.

Call 706-857-3411 to ask about a Chattooga County arrest record or check on a current jail inmate. You can walk in during regular hours with a photo ID. Staff search by name or booking date. For copies of full arrest reports, a written request is the best approach. Give as much detail as you can about the person or case. Chattooga County shares a border with Alabama, so some cases may involve neighboring states, but the county arrest record stays in Georgia's system.

The sheriff's office also handles warrants and civil papers for Chattooga County. If you need to find out whether a warrant is active for someone, the office can help with that too.

Georgia Databases for Chattooga County Arrests

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation operates the statewide criminal history system. Chattooga County arrest data feeds into the GBI's Crime Information Center. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, you can see your own criminal history record for up to $15. This includes any Chattooga County arrests on file.

The GBI FAQ page explains step by step how to get your own record. Start with the Chattooga County Sheriff's Office for local requests. The GBI also runs the GAPS fingerprinting service, which is the most accurate way to verify an arrest record. The Georgia Felon Search is another option at $15 per query, but it only shows felony convictions.

Note: Fingerprint-based checks through GAPS are more reliable than name-based searches for verifying Chattooga County arrest records.

Chattooga County Offender Lookup

The GDC Find Offender tool lets you search for inmates who were sentenced after a Chattooga County arrest. Enter a name or GDC ID number. The search shows current facility location and photos when on file.

For a more direct database search, use the GDC Offender Query form. GDC does not guarantee accuracy of the data. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, requesting criminal history under false pretenses brings a fine up to $5,000 and possible prison time of up to two years. Verify info by writing to GDC Inmate Records at PO Box 1529, Forsyth, GA 31029.

Open Records in Chattooga County

Georgia's Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 makes government records available to anyone. Chattooga County arrest reports are public documents. Initial arrest reports cannot be withheld. File a written request with the Chattooga County Sheriff's Office to get copies of booking logs, arrest reports, or incident reports.

The office must respond within three business days. Copy fees may apply. Be specific about the records you need. Include the person's name and a date range. Records tied to pending investigations may have some parts held back, but the initial Chattooga County arrest report is always available. If your request is denied, you can challenge the decision under the law.

Arrest Record Restriction in Chattooga County

Certain Chattooga County arrest records can be restricted from public view under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Dismissed charges, no bills, and dead docket cases qualify. Once restricted, only law enforcement can see the record.

For arrests before July 1, 2013, submit a written request to the Chattooga County Sheriff's Office with a fee of up to $50. Later arrests go through the prosecutor's office. Guilty verdicts are never eligible. The GCIC handles the actual restriction processing once the local authority gives approval. The Sheriffs by County directory can help you find the right contact for Chattooga County or any neighboring county.

Note: Restricted Chattooga County arrest records will not show up in any public search tool.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Chattooga County in northwest Georgia. Arrest records stay in the county where the booking happened.