DeKalb County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in DeKalb County
Arrest records in DeKalb County are considered public information under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This statute establishes that records created, maintained, or received by a public agency are generally accessible to the public. Law enforcement agencies in DeKalb County, including the DeKalb County Police Department, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties.
The Georgia Open Records Act specifically addresses law enforcement records in § 50-18-72(a)(4), which provides certain exemptions for ongoing investigations. However, basic arrest information remains public, including:
- The fact of the arrest
- The charges filed
- The identity of the arresting agency
- The name and address of the person arrested
- The date and place of arrest
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of the crime in a court of law. Under Georgia law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for restriction under certain circumstances.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in the state, including arrests that occur in DeKalb County.
What's in DeKalb County Arrest Records
DeKalb County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., DeKalb County Police Department, Sheriff's Office)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date warrant was issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was processed
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Whether bond was posted
- Date of release if bond was posted
Court Information:
- Court having jurisdiction over the case
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (may be redacted in public records)
- Witness information (may be redacted in public records)
These records are maintained by the DeKalb County Police Department's Central Records Unit and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, with information shared with the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) as required by state law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in DeKalb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in DeKalb County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval, each serving different purposes and offering varying levels of detail.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
DeKalb County Police Department - Central Records Unit
1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084
(678) 937-2852
DeKalb County Police Department
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
(404) 298-8100
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
When requesting arrest records in person, requestors should:
- Complete an Open Records Request form, available at the service counter
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (currently $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page)
- Allow up to three business days for processing, as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(A)
For written requests, individuals may submit a completed Open Records Request form via mail to either agency listed above, or via email to records@dekalbcountyga.gov. The form is available for download from the DeKalb County website.
Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, agencies must respond to requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a written timeline for when the records will be available.
How To Find DeKalb County Arrest Records Online
DeKalb County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may contain varying levels of detail.
The primary online resources for DeKalb County arrest records include:
-
DeKalb County Jail Inmate Search
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmates at the DeKalb County Jail. This resource provides:- Basic identifying information
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Court dates
To access this database, visit the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the "Inmate Search" function.
-
DeKalb County State Court Case Search
The DeKalb County State Court offers an online case search system that provides information about criminal cases, including those resulting from arrests. This system includes:- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case status
- Disposition information
To use this system, visit the DeKalb County State Court website and select "Case Search."
-
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody, the Georgia Department of Corrections maintains an offender database that includes:- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Conviction information
- Sentence details
- Release eligibility dates
To conduct an effective online search for DeKalb County arrest records:
- Gather all available identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
- Select the appropriate database based on the information needed
- Enter search criteria as specifically as possible to narrow results
- Review the results carefully, noting that common names may return multiple records
- Verify that the record belongs to the correct individual by cross-referencing identifying details
Online searches typically do not require payment for basic information, though fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or complete records.
How To Search DeKalb County Arrest Records for Free?
DeKalb County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several publicly available resources. These free options provide basic information about arrests and criminal cases.
The following free resources are currently available:
-
DeKalb County Jail Inmate Lookup
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office provides a no-cost online inmate search tool that displays information about individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated regularly and includes:- Inmate name and identifying information
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond status
- Next court appearance
This service is accessible through the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office website.
-
DeKalb County Magistrate Court Records
The Magistrate Court maintains public access terminals at the courthouse where visitors may search for criminal cases at no charge. These terminals provide information about:- Initial appearances
- Preliminary hearings
- Warrant applications
- Bond hearings
DeKalb County Magistrate Court
556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2261
DeKalb County Magistrate Court -
Georgia Felon Search
The Georgia Department of Corrections offers a free online database of individuals who have been convicted of felonies and sentenced to state supervision. This database includes:- Conviction information
- Sentence details
- Current custody status
- Release information
This resource is available through the Georgia Department of Corrections website.
-
Public Access Terminals at Law Enforcement Agencies
Both the DeKalb County Police Department and Sheriff's Office maintain public access terminals where visitors may view basic arrest information at no charge during regular business hours.
When using these free resources, members of the public should note:
- Information may be limited compared to official record requests
- Records may not include case disposition or outcome
- Some details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- The most current information is available for recent arrests
- Historical records may require a formal request and associated fees
For comprehensive arrest record information, including certified copies or complete case files, standard fees established under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c) will apply.
How To Delete Arrest Records in DeKalb County
Under Georgia law, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records restricted (formerly called "expungement") under specific circumstances. Record restriction limits public access to arrest records but does not physically delete them from law enforcement databases. The process is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which outlines eligibility criteria and procedures.
Eligibility for record restriction in DeKalb County typically includes:
-
Arrests that did not result in a conviction, including:
- Cases where charges were dismissed
- Cases where the individual was acquitted (found not guilty)
- Cases where the prosecutor chose not to prosecute (nolle prosequi)
- Arrests where no formal charges were filed within the statute of limitations
-
Certain misdemeanor convictions for offenses committed by individuals under 21 years of age
-
Certain first-offender and conditional discharge cases after successful completion of sentence
-
Pardoned offenses (except serious violent felonies)
The process for requesting record restriction in DeKalb County involves:
-
Obtain a certified disposition
Request a certified copy of the final disposition from the clerk of the court where the case was handled.DeKalb County State Court Clerk's Office
556 N. McDonough Street, Room 230, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2261
DeKalb County State Court -
Complete application forms
Obtain and complete the "Application for Record Restriction" form from the DeKalb County Police Department's Central Records Unit. -
Submit application with required documentation
File the completed application along with:- Certified disposition
- Copy of government-issued photo identification
- Application fee (currently $25 per case)
-
Georgia Crime Information Center review
The application is forwarded to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for review and processing, which may take 90-120 days. -
Notification of decision
Applicants receive written notification of the decision. If approved, the record will be restricted from public view.
It is important to note that restricted records remain available to:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Prosecutors' offices
- Courts
- Certain licensing boards
- Certain employers as specified by law
For complex cases or those involving multiple jurisdictions, applicants may benefit from consulting with an attorney specializing in record restriction. The Georgia Justice Project offers resources and assistance for eligible individuals seeking record restriction.
What Happens After Arrest in DeKalb County?
Following an arrest in DeKalb County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several key stages. This process ensures due process rights while moving cases toward resolution.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
-
Booking and Processing
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a DeKalb County detention facility where they undergo:- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Entry into jail management system
-
Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing
Within 48 hours of arrest (per O.C.G.A. § 17-4-62), arrestees appear before a Magistrate Judge who:- Informs the individual of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines eligibility for appointed counsel
- Sets initial bond (if eligible)
- Schedules preliminary hearing (if applicable)
-
Bond Consideration
Depending on the nature of charges, bond may be:- Set at first appearance
- Determined at a separate bond hearing
- Denied for certain serious offenses
Bond types include cash, property, or surety (bail bondsman).
-
Preliminary Hearing
For felony cases, a preliminary hearing may be held where:- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Judge determines if case should proceed
- Defense may challenge evidence or probable cause
This hearing may be waived if the case is indicted by a grand jury.
-
Formal Charging
Cases proceed to formal charging through:- Accusation (misdemeanors)
- Grand Jury Indictment (felonies)
-
Arraignment
The defendant appears in the appropriate court (State Court for misdemeanors, Superior Court for felonies) to:- Hear formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Receive trial date if pleading not guilty
-
Pre-Trial Proceedings
Before trial, several proceedings may occur:- Discovery exchange
- Motion hearings
- Status conferences
- Plea negotiations
-
Trial or Plea Resolution
Cases conclude through:- Guilty plea agreement
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial
- Dismissal of charges
-
Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing may include:- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and fees
- Community service
- Treatment programs
-
Post-Conviction Options
After conviction, individuals may pursue:- Appeal
- Motion for new trial
- Sentence modification
- Habeas corpus petition
Throughout this process, cases are tracked in the DeKalb County criminal justice information system, with records maintained by the arresting agency, jail, prosecutor's office, and courts. The DeKalb County District Attorney's Office prosecutes felonies, while the DeKalb County Solicitor-General's Office handles misdemeanors.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in DeKalb County?
Arrest records in DeKalb County are maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedules established under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, which governs the preservation of public records. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement and court records.
Under current Georgia law and administrative rules, arrest records are subject to the following retention requirements:
-
Law Enforcement Arrest Records
The Georgia Archives Records Management Division establishes that basic arrest records must be retained for a minimum of:- 25 years for felony arrests
- 7 years for misdemeanor arrests
- 5 years for non-criminal arrests (e.g., civil commitments)
After these minimum periods, records may be eligible for destruction, though many agencies maintain them permanently.
-
Fingerprint Records and Photographs
Fingerprints and mugshots submitted to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) are maintained in the state's criminal history database:- Permanently for felony arrests
- 7 years for misdemeanor arrests, unless restricted
- Indefinitely for sex offenses and certain violent crimes
-
Court Records Related to Arrests
Records maintained by the DeKalb County courts have different retention schedules:- Felony case files: 75 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after case closure
- Traffic cases: 10 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
-
Jail Records
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and incarceration records:- Booking records: 7 years minimum
- Inmate files: 7 years after release
- Jail logs: 5 years
It is important to note that even when physical records reach their retention limit, information may be preserved in electronic databases indefinitely. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be maintained permanently, even after original paper records are destroyed.
The Georgia Crime Information Center serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state, maintaining records according to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33. GCIC records are accessible to law enforcement agencies indefinitely, even when records have been restricted from public view.
Records retention serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
How to Find Mugshots in DeKalb County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the arrest record in DeKalb County. Access to these images is governed by Georgia's Open Records Act and specific policies established by local law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
- Profile (side) view of the arrestee
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In DeKalb County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
(404) 298-8100
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
DeKalb County Police Department
1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084
(678) 937-2852
DeKalb County Police Department
These images are also transmitted to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) as part of the state's criminal history record system.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots in DeKalb County, individuals may:
-
Submit an Open Records Request to the arresting agency, specifying:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Specific request for booking photograph
-
Pay applicable fees:
- $5.00 for the first page
- $0.25 for each additional page
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies
Can They Be Found Online
DeKalb County does not maintain an official public-facing database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media websites that publish booking photos
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots
- The Georgia Department of Corrections website (for convicted felons only)
It should be noted that Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5) restricts commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots and creates a cause of action against sites that fail to remove photos when charges are dismissed or individuals are exonerated.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal records request to the arresting agency. Requests can be submitted:
- In person at the agency's records division
- By mail with a notarized request form
- By email to the designated records custodian
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Cases involving juveniles (under 17 years)
- Cases that have been restricted (expunged) under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37
- Ongoing investigations where release would compromise public safety
- Cases involving certain victims of crimes (e.g., sexual assault victims)
For cases that have been restricted, mugshots should no longer be accessible through public records requests, though they remain in law enforcement databases for official use.
Lookup Arrest Records in DeKalb County
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