Gilmer County Arrest Records
Gilmer County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Ellijay, the county seat. With about 31,000 residents, Gilmer County is a mountain community in north Georgia. The sheriff handles jail bookings and stores arrest records for the public. You can search for Gilmer County arrest records through the local sheriff or through state criminal history databases run by the GBI. This page explains every option for finding and requesting these records.
Gilmer County Quick Facts
Gilmer County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson leads the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office at 1 Broad Street, Suite 103, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706-635-4162 for questions about arrest records. The office manages all bookings and keeps records of every arrest in the county.
Gilmer County draws visitors to the Ellijay area for its mountain setting. This means the sheriff's office handles arrests involving both local residents and people from out of town. Every booking creates a record with the person's name, charges, date of arrest, and arresting officer. Bond information is recorded too. These arrest records in Gilmer County are available to the public under Georgia law. A small copy fee may apply.
| Sheriff | Stacy Nicholson |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Broad Street, Suite 103, Ellijay, GA 30540 |
| Phone | 706-635-4162 |
State Databases for Gilmer County Records
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation operates the statewide criminal history database. Every arrest in Gilmer County is reported to the GCIC. You can get your own criminal history check at the sheriff's office for up to $15 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Bring a valid ID and be prepared for fingerprinting.
The Georgia Felon Search checks for felony convictions statewide at $15 per search. The GDC offender search is a free tool for finding state prison inmates. Both of these tools can show results connected to Gilmer County cases.
Below is a screenshot of the Sex Offender Registry page run by the GBI. This is one of several state databases that ties into arrest record data across Georgia, including Gilmer County.
The GBI maintains the sex offender registry under O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12. It is a separate database but connects to the same criminal justice system that handles Gilmer County arrest records.
Note: The sex offender registry is separate from the general arrest record database but uses the same GCIC system.
How to Search Gilmer County Arrest Records
Call the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office at 706-635-4162 for a direct search. Give the person's full name and an approximate date of arrest. The records clerk can check the system. For copies, visit the office in person or submit a written request.
Under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), arrest records from Gilmer County are public. Anyone can request them. Initial arrest reports are always available. Put your request in writing and send it to the sheriff's office. They must respond within three business days. Be specific about what you need to get a quick answer.
The GBI criminal history FAQ page explains the full process for getting records at the state level. It covers what information is in a criminal history record and how to request one. This applies to Gilmer County and every other county in Georgia.
Gilmer County Record Restrictions
Some arrest records in Gilmer County can be sealed under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Charges that ended in dismissal, acquittal, or no prosecution qualify. The sheriff processes these with the prosecutor's approval. A restricted record is hidden from public searches.
Convictions are not eligible. For pre-2013 arrests, a written request and fee of up to $50 are needed. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-38, obtaining records through false pretenses is punishable by fines up to $5,000 and two years of prison time.
What Gilmer County Arrest Records Show
Arrest records from Gilmer County list the standard booking information. This includes the person's name, date of birth, and physical description. Charges, arrest date, arresting officer, and bond details are all documented. Court outcomes may be added once the case is resolved.
Gilmer County arrest records typically include:
- Full name and date of birth
- Charges and booking date
- Arresting officer and agency
- Bond amount and release conditions
- Court disposition if case is closed
The GCIC state record combines data from all counties. Someone arrested in Gilmer County and Fannin County next door will have both on one state report. The GCIC keeps this system running for law enforcement statewide.
More Gilmer County Resources
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association directory lists all county sheriffs. Verify Gilmer County's contact info there. The parolee search from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles can help you check on someone released from state prison who has ties to a Gilmer County arrest.
Cities in Gilmer County
Ellijay is the county seat of Gilmer County. East Ellijay is the other main community. All arrest records for these areas flow through the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office. No cities in Gilmer County meet the population threshold for separate pages.
Nearby Counties
Gilmer County is in the north Georgia mountains. These neighboring counties keep their own arrest records.