Clarke County Arrest Records

Clarke County arrest records are held by the sheriff's office in Athens, Georgia. Athens and Clarke County operate as a consolidated government, known as Athens-Clarke County, with about 130,000 residents. Sheriff John Williams manages all jail bookings, arrest record storage, and records requests. The county is home to the University of Georgia, which adds to the population and activity in the area. You can search for Clarke County arrest records through the sheriff's office, state databases, or the Georgia Open Records Act.

Clarke County Sheriff Arrest Records

Sheriff John Williams leads the Clarke County Sheriff's Office at 325 E Washington Street, Suite 100, Athens, GA 30601. This office is the main source for arrest records in Clarke County. All bookings into the county jail create an arrest record with the person's name, charges, arrest date, and booking details. The data gets stored locally and reported to the state system.

Call 706-613-3250 to ask about a Clarke County arrest record or check on someone in the jail. Walk-in visits work during business hours if you bring a valid photo ID. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department handles most law enforcement duties, but the sheriff's office manages the jail and arrest records. Written requests are best for copies of full arrest reports from Clarke County. Include the person's name, date of birth, and any other details you have.

Clarke County handles more arrests per capita than many Georgia counties because of the college population and the activity that comes with it. The jail sees a steady flow of bookings throughout the year, with certain times busier than others.

State Criminal Databases for Clarke County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation keeps the statewide criminal history database. Clarke County arrest records feed into this system through the GCIC network. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, anyone can request to see their own criminal history for up to $15. This record shows all Georgia arrests, including any from Clarke County.

The GBI FAQ page walks through the steps. Start by contacting the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. For state-level requests, the GCIC lobby office in Decatur takes appointments at (404) 244-2639. The GAPS fingerprinting service provides the most accurate verification for Clarke County arrest records.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per query and only returns felony convictions. Clarke County misdemeanor arrests do not show in this tool. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, requesting records under false pretenses carries a fine up to $5,000.

Note: Clarke County arrest records may also be accessible through the Athens-Clarke County unified government website.

Clarke County Offender Lookup

The GDC Find Offender page covers anyone in state prison after a Clarke County arrest. Search by name or GDC ID number. Photos display when available. You must agree to the GDC disclaimer before searching.

The search results show current facility location for Clarke County offenders. Use the GDC Offender Query form for a direct database lookup. Always verify information through GDC Inmate Records at PO Box 1529, Forsyth, GA 31029.

Clarke County Open Records Access

Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, Georgia's Open Records Act opens government records to the public. Clarke County arrest reports are included. Initial arrest reports are not exempt. You can file a written request with the Clarke County Sheriff's Office or the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for copies of booking logs and arrest reports.

The office must respond within three business days. Copy fees may apply. Be specific about what you need. Clarke County's unified government structure means some records may be held by the police department rather than the sheriff's office. Check with both if you are unsure. Violations of the Open Records Act carry fines up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $2,500 for repeat violations within 12 months.

Record Restriction in Clarke County

Some Clarke County arrest records qualify for restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Dismissed charges, no bills, and dead docket cases can be sealed. Restricted records become invisible to the public. Only law enforcement can see them after that.

For Clarke County arrests before July 1, 2013, apply through the sheriff's office with a fee of up to $50. Later arrests go through the prosecutor. Guilty dispositions are never eligible. The GCIC processes all restriction requests after local approval. The Georgia Sex Offender Registry is a separate tool for checking registered offenders in the Clarke County area.

Note: Athens-Clarke County's consolidated structure may affect which office you contact for record restriction requests.

Cities in Clarke County

Clarke County operates as the consolidated Athens-Clarke County government. All arrest records are managed through the unified system. Athens is the only major city in the county.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Clarke County in northeast Georgia. Arrest records are kept in the county where the booking happened.