Franklin County Arrest Records
Franklin County arrest records are kept at the Sheriff's Office in Carnesville, the county seat. About 23,000 people live in this northeast Georgia county. The sheriff handles all jail bookings and maintains arrest records for public access. Whether you need a recent booking record or something from years ago, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office is the place to start. You can also use Georgia's statewide criminal history databases to search for records tied to Franklin County.
Franklin County Quick Facts
Franklin County Sheriff's Office Records
Sheriff Scott Andrews leads the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The mailing address is PO Box 310, Carnesville, GA 30521. Call 706-384-2525 for arrest record inquiries. This office processes all bookings at the county jail and stores arrest records.
Every arrest in Franklin County generates a booking record at the jail. That record lists the person's name, date of birth, charges, arrest date, and arresting officer. Bond information is also included when applicable. Arrest records in Franklin County are public under Georgia law. You can request copies by phone, in person, or by mail. There may be a copy fee involved depending on how many pages you need.
| Sheriff | Scott Andrews |
|---|---|
| Address | PO Box 310, Carnesville, GA 30521 |
| Phone | 706-384-2525 |
Note: Have the person's full name and an approximate date ready when you call the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for a records search.
State Databases for Franklin County Records
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation runs the state criminal history system through the GCIC. All arrests in Franklin County are reported to this central database. You can get your own record from the sheriff's office with a fingerprint and valid ID. The state fee is up to $15 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per search and covers felony convictions from all 159 Georgia counties. The GDC offender search is free and shows anyone in a state prison facility. Both tools can show results tied to Franklin County cases.
Here is a screenshot of the GAPS fingerprinting page. The Georgia Applicant Processing Service handles fingerprint-based criminal history checks that cover all Georgia counties including Franklin County.
GAPS provides an electronic system for submitting fingerprints for criminal history checks that include data from Franklin County and the rest of the state.
How to Search Franklin County Arrest Records
The fastest way is to call 706-384-2525 and ask the Franklin County Sheriff's Office records clerk. Give the full name and an approximate date. They can check their system and tell you if a record exists. To get a copy, you may need to go in person or file a written request.
Under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), you have the right to request arrest records from Franklin County. Put your request in writing. The office has three business days to respond. Initial arrest reports are always public, even during active investigations. Other parts of the case file may be held back until the case is closed. Copy fees should be reasonable.
For state-level searches, visit the GBI criminal history FAQ page. It explains how to request criminal history records that include Franklin County data. Attorneys can fax requests to the GBI at (404) 270-8386. The public can visit their local sheriff for a personal record check.
Restricting Franklin County Arrest Records
Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain arrest records in Franklin County can be restricted. This applies to charges that ended in dismissal, acquittal, or that were not prosecuted. The sheriff works with the district attorney on these requests. Once restricted, the record is sealed from public view.
Convictions and guilty pleas cannot be restricted. For arrests before July 1, 2013, a written request and fee up to $50 are needed. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, obtaining records through deception is a crime with penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and two years of imprisonment.
Contents of Franklin County Arrest Records
Franklin County arrest records contain the booking information collected at the jail. Each record shows the person's full name, date of birth, and physical description. The charges, arrest date and time, and arresting officer are all documented. Bond amounts and conditions are listed when set. Court outcomes may be added after the case is resolved.
Franklin County arrest records typically list:
- Full name and date of birth
- Physical description
- Charges at time of booking
- Arresting officer and agency
- Bond information
- Court disposition if available
The state GCIC record combines data from all counties. If a person has arrests in Franklin County and Hart County next door, both show on one state record. The GCIC manages this database for all Georgia law enforcement agencies.
More Franklin County Resources
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association directory lists the contact info for all 159 county sheriffs. You can verify the Franklin County sheriff's phone number and address there. The parolee search from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles is available for anyone checking the status of a person released from state custody.
Cities in Franklin County
Carnesville is the county seat of Franklin County. Lavonia, Canon, and Royston are also in the county. Arrest records for all of these communities go through the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. No cities in Franklin County meet the population threshold for separate pages.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County is in northeast Georgia near the South Carolina border. Each of these neighboring counties keeps its own arrest records.