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Lamar County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lamar County in 2026

LamarCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Lamar County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, mugshots, bond information, criminal case filings, and inmate rosters. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Lamar County Sheriff's Office, the Lamar County Clerk of Superior Court, online public access terminals, and state-level databases. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records, the legal framework governing public access, and the procedures for requesting, reviewing, or seeking removal of such records.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lamar County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster that members of the public may access online. The roster reflects individuals currently held at the Lamar County Detention Center and is updated on a regular basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. Members of the public may visit the Lamar County Sheriff's Office website to access current inmate information.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Barnesville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Lamar County. Arrest information related to incidents occurring within Barnesville city limits may be obtained through the Barnesville Police Department's records division. Press releases and public arrest logs may be issued periodically for matters of public interest.

Barnesville Police Department Address: 100 Forsyth St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-0185

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal case filings maintained by the Lamar County Clerk of Superior Court. Members of the public may search court case records by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated criminal proceedings. The Georgia Superior Court case search portal provides statewide access to case information. Court records reflect charges formally filed following an arrest and may include disposition information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records submitted by law enforcement agencies across Georgia. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). A fee of $25.00 applies to civilian criminal history requests submitted through the GBI. The database includes arrests from all jurisdictions within the state and reflects information reported by participating agencies.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Lamar County Sheriff's Office 408 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5155 Lamar County Sheriff's Office

  • Records division is located at the main office address above
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
  • Specific information about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and approximate date of arrest, should be provided
  • Copy fees apply per page; cash and money orders are accepted

Clerk of Court:

Lamar County Clerk of Superior Court 326 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145 Lamar County Superior Court

  • Criminal records division handles case file inspection requests
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Case files may be inspected in person during business hours
  • Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state fee schedules

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Lamar County Sheriff's Office at 408 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204. Requests submitted by mail should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if available, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request in the form of a money order or certified check. Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on volume.

By Phone:

  • Sheriff's Office: (770) 358-5155
  • Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
  • Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to the online inmate roster or advised to submit an in-person or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request detailed arrest and investigative records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

  • Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Booking number, if known
  • Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Barnesville Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Lamar County

Arrest records in Lamar County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all records maintained by state and local government agencies are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action taken by law enforcement officers acting in their public capacity.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental and societal interests:

  • Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement conduct
  • Public safety awareness within the community
  • Support for journalism and investigative reporting
  • Facilitation of background screening by employers and licensing agencies
  • Use in legal proceedings and civil litigation
  • Academic and policy research

What Arrest Information Is Public:

  • Arrestee name and known aliases
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer information
  • Charges filed at the time of arrest
  • Booking number
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Bond or bail amount and type
  • Current custody status
  • Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

  • Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not available to the general public
  • Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
  • Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
  • Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
  • Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt from disclosure
  • Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain categories of cases
  • Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Georgia Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that the distinction between an arrest and a conviction be clearly understood; an arrest record does not establish guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

  • Members of the general public
  • Media organizations and journalists
  • Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing laws
  • Professional licensing agencies
  • Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when those records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures, when using arrest information in decision-making. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest alone does not constitute evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Lamar County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Sex and gender
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Eye color and hair color
  • Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest, including street address or general area
  • Arresting agency (Lamar County Sheriff's Office, Barnesville Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, or other)
  • Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of booking
  • Georgia statute numbers alleged to have been violated
  • Charge descriptions in plain language
  • Classification of each charge (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
  • Number of counts for each charge
  • Domestic violence designation, if applicable
  • Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

  • Name and location of the booking facility (Lamar County Detention Center)
  • Intake process timestamp
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
  • Bond amount as set by the court or bond schedule
  • Bond type:
    • Cash bond
    • Surety bond
    • Personal recognizance (PR bond)
    • No bond
  • Release date and time, if the individual has been released
  • Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned following formal charging
  • Court jurisdiction (Superior Court, State Court, or Magistrate Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Lamar County may appear in booking records and may include previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence collected during the investigation
  • Investigative techniques or methods
  • Medical or mental health information
  • Substance abuse information
  • Social Security number (redacted by law)
  • Bank account or financial information
  • Detailed home address or personal phone number

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

  • Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available to the public
  • Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
  • Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
  • Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lamar County?

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Lamar County varies depending on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested. Under Georgia law, agencies are authorized to charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying of public records.

Record TypeFee
Standard copy (per page)$0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copyAdditional certification fee applies
Electronic recordsMay be provided at no charge or at reduced cost
GBI criminal history check$25.00 per request
Court record copiesSet by Clerk of Superior Court fee schedule
  • Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge during regular business hours
  • Copy fees are assessed per page and vary by agency
  • Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing an official seal is requested
  • Electronic format records may be provided at reduced or no cost depending on the agency's capabilities
  • Search fees may apply when extensive staff time is required to locate records
  • Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a clear public interest; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency
  • Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash and money orders; the Clerk of Court may also accept checks

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lamar County

Georgia law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: restriction (the Georgia equivalent of sealing) and record restriction with potential expungement. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public view, meaning the records are removed from public access but retained by law enforcement and accessible to criminal justice agencies.

Eligibility for Record Restriction:

  • Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (prosecution declined)
  • The individual was acquitted at trial
  • The arrest did not result in formal charges being filed
  • The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
  • The offense was a first-offense misdemeanor under specific statutory provisions
  • Certain felony charges may be eligible under limited circumstances defined by statute

Ineligible Offenses:

  • Serious violent felonies
  • Sexual offenses
  • Offenses against children
  • Offenses resulting in conviction

Steps to Seek Record Restriction:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Lamar County Clerk of Superior Court
  2. Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case
  3. Complete the petition for record restriction form, available through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or the Clerk of Court
  4. File the petition with the Lamar County Superior Court
  5. Serve copies of the petition on the arresting agency and the prosecuting attorney's office
  6. Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
  7. If granted, the court order is forwarded to the GBI, which updates the state criminal history repository

Relevant Contacts:

Lamar County Superior Court Clerk 326 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145 Lamar County Superior Court

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC 3121 Panthersville Rd, Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: (404) 244-2600 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Lamar County Public Defender's Office Lamar County Courthouse, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145 (contact through Superior Court)

Individuals seeking record restriction are advised to consult with a licensed Georgia attorney, as the process involves court filings and legal determinations specific to each case. The Georgia Legal Aid website provides resources for individuals who may qualify for free legal assistance.

What Happens After Arrest in Lamar County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Lamar County Detention Center, which serves as the county's primary holding facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested individual is handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Lamar County Detention Center 408 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5155 Lamar County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

  • Recording of personal identification information
  • Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
  • Fingerprints collected and submitted to GCIC and the FBI
  • Criminal history check conducted
  • Outstanding warrants check performed
  • Personal property inventoried and secured
  • Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
  • Medical screening completed
  • Brief mental health screening conducted
  • Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance hearing within 48 hours of arrest. The first appearance serves the following purposes:

  • Formal notification of the charges
  • Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
  • Bond or bail determination
  • Advisement of constitutional rights

First appearance hearings may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules are maintained by the Lamar County Magistrate Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

  • The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
  • The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
  • Amount is set by the magistrate or judge at the first appearance hearing, or by a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

  • A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
  • The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10–15% of the bond amount
  • The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

  • The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
  • No monetary payment is required
  • Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

  • The individual is held without the possibility of bond
  • Circumstances warranting no bond include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed upon release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

  • Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
  • Personal property is returned upon release
  • A written notice of court dates is provided
  • Written conditions of release are issued
  • The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

  • The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
  • A housing assignment is made within the facility
  • Inmate orientation is conducted
  • Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Lamar County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is determined based on income and financial circumstances.

Lamar County Public Defender Lamar County Courthouse, 326 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Georgia provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the detention center are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Lamar County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:

  • File formal charges by accusation or indictment
  • Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
  • Decline to prosecute and close the case
  • File different or additional charges beyond those listed at booking

Lamar County District Attorney's Office 326 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145 Lamar County Superior Court

Grand Jury (Felony Cases):

Felony charges in Georgia may be presented to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor to resolve the case through a reduced charge or agreed-upon sentencing recommendation.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may create eligibility for record restriction.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose any combination of the following:

  • Incarceration in state prison or county jail
  • Probation
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution to victims
  • Community service
  • Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
  • Electronic monitoring

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence imposed. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

  • Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours under Georgia law
  • First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
  • Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
  • Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most instances
  • Felony cases: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
  • Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

  • Right to remain silent
  • Right to counsel
  • Right to a speedy and public trial
  • Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
  • Right to present a defense
  • Right against self-incrimination
  • Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Lamar County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 408 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5155 Inmate information: (770) 358-5155 Lamar County Sheriff's Office

Lamar County Clerk of Superior Court 326 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145 Lamar County Superior Court

Lamar County District Attorney's Office 326 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145

Lamar County Public Defender 326 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204 Phone: (770) 358-5145

What to Do If Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Politely invoke the right to remain silent
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
  5. Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lamar County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Lamar County is governed by Georgia state law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-93, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with approved retention schedules. The Georgia Secretary of State's records retention schedules govern the minimum periods for which law enforcement and court records must be maintained.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Superior Court, the GBI's GCIC repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
  • Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Retained permanently in most Georgia databases
  • Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in accordance with state retention schedules
  • State repository retains records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule, typically several years
  • Court records may be retained permanently unless restricted by court order
  • Records may remain accessible unless the subject successfully petitions for record restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

  • Local law enforcement records are retained per the applicable retention schedule
  • Court records are often retained permanently
  • The subject may be eligible to petition for record restriction

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records are retained for a minimum period per the state schedule
  • Local arrest logs are retained accordingly
  • These cases may be eligible for record restriction or removal upon petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

  • Law enforcement records are retained per the applicable schedule
  • Cases in this category are among those most commonly eligible for record restriction

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the state schedule
  • Photographs are retained for the applicable period
  • Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law

Digital Records:

  • Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per the state schedule
  • Records management system entries are often retained permanently
  • Mugshot databases vary in retention policy by agency
  • Court electronic records are often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention requirements as government agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records when a restriction or expungement order is issued. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain accuracy in the records they report, but enforcement of this requirement requires action by the affected individual.

Retention by Agency:

Lamar County Sheriff's Office:

  • Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Georgia law enforcement records retention schedule
  • Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition
  • Contact: (770) 358-5155

Barnesville Police Department:

  • Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable state schedule
  • Contact: (770) 358-0185

Lamar County Clerk of Superior Court:

  • Felony case files are retained permanently
  • Misdemeanor case files are retained per the state court records schedule
  • Electronic records are retained permanently in most instances
  • Contact: (770) 358-5145

State Repository:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains the state criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in Georgia. The retention policy for the state repository is governed by state law and GBI administrative rules. Members of the public may contact the GBI GCIC for information about records maintained at the state level.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by participating agencies. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks without time limitation.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains a record restriction order. Dismissed charges are not always reported on standard background checks, but the underlying arrest record may remain accessible.

Record Restriction (Expungement): Following a court order granting record restriction, local law enforcement and the GBI update their records accordingly. The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an indication of the restriction. The timeframe for removal from various databases varies.

No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest typical retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires. Individuals may also petition for immediate restriction in some circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

  • Available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate roster and the GBI GCIC portal
  • Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests:

  • May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
  • Records may be stored in archives and subject to a retrieval fee
  • Processing time may be longer than for recent records

Very Old Arrests:

  • Records predating digital systems may not be available in electronic format
  • Paper records may be held in archives or may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
  • Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (770) 358-5155 for information about specific historical records

Destruction of Records:

Records are destroyed only after the applicable retention period has expired, following a court order such as a record restriction order, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Georgia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions in private employment background checks. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts, and employers are advised to consult applicable federal and state guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Lamar County Sheriff's Records Division at (770) 358-5155 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 408 Thomaston St, Barnesville, GA 30204. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.