Clay County Arrest Records Search

Clay County arrest records are available from the sheriff's office in Fort Gaines, Georgia. One of the least populated counties in the state, Clay County has about 3,000 residents. Sheriff Locke Shivers manages arrest bookings, jail operations, and records access. Despite its small size, Clay County follows the same Georgia laws for public records access as every other county. You can get arrest records here by contacting the sheriff's office directly or using statewide criminal history tools operated by the GBI.

Clay County Sheriff Arrest Data

Sheriff Locke Shivers leads the Clay County Sheriff's Office at 124 Thomas Street, Suite 1, Fort Gaines, GA 39851. This is where all arrest records in Clay County start. Each arrest creates a booking record with the person's name, charges, date, and identifying details. The data stays on file at the office and gets reported to the state system.

Call 229-768-2505 for questions about Clay County arrest records or to check on jail inmates. Walk-in visits work during normal hours. Bring a photo ID. The office is small, and staff can usually respond quickly to requests. Written requests work best for copies of full arrest reports. Clay County may not have an online search tool, so phone and in-person contact are the most reliable options.

Note: Clay County is one of Georgia's smallest counties by population, so the volume of arrest records is lower than in metro areas.

State Databases for Clay County Arrests

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation keeps a central criminal history database that covers all 159 Georgia counties, including Clay County. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, you can see your own criminal history for up to $15. This will include any Clay County arrests on file with the state.

The GBI Payment Portal accepts online payments for criminal history services. You can pay for record inspections and other GCIC services through this system. The criminal history FAQ explains the process for getting your record. Contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office first for local requests.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per query and only covers felony convictions. Clay County misdemeanor arrests will not appear. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, requesting criminal history data under false pretenses can bring a fine up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison.

Clay County Offender Search

If a Clay County arrest ended in a state prison sentence, the GDC Find Offender page can help you locate that person. Search by name or GDC ID. Photos show when on file. You must agree to a disclaimer before using the search.

The GDC Offender Query form provides a direct database lookup. GDC does not guarantee accuracy. Verify any information by writing to Inmate Records at PO Box 1529, Forsyth, GA 31029 before relying on it for Clay County arrest record data.

Open Records Requests in Clay County

Georgia's Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 makes most government records available for public inspection. Clay County arrest reports are public documents. Initial arrest reports cannot be held back. File a written request with the sheriff's office for copies.

The office must respond within three business days. Fees may apply for copies. Include the person's name and a date range in your request. Because Clay County is small, the staff usually know their files well and can find records quickly. Violations of the Open Records Act carry fines up to $1,000 for the first offense.

Record Restriction in Clay County

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, some Clay County arrest records can be restricted from public view. This covers charges that were dismissed, not prosecuted, or dead docketed. Restricted records are only visible to law enforcement after that point.

For Clay County arrests before July 1, 2013, apply to the sheriff's office with a fee up to $50. Later arrests go through the prosecutor. Guilty dispositions cannot be restricted. The GCIC handles the actual sealing. The Sheriffs by County directory lists contact details for Sheriff Locke Shivers and every other Georgia sheriff.

Note: The GCIC processes Clay County restriction requests once the local authority gives approval.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Clay County in southwest Georgia. Arrest records are filed in the county where the person was booked.