Barrow County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Barrow County
Arrest records in Barrow County are considered public information under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70). This statute establishes that public records, including those created, maintained, or received by a public agency in Georgia, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains that arrest records are public documents that can be accessed by citizens, employers, and other interested parties. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain arrest records may be restricted from public access if:
- The case was dismissed
- The individual was acquitted (found not guilty)
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program
- The case was placed on dead docket for more than 12 months
The Barrow County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and provides access to these records through established procedures that balance public access rights with privacy protections.
Barrow County Sheriff's Office
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3080
Barrow County Sheriff's Office
What's in Barrow County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Barrow County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Warrant type
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted, denied)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains the central repository of arrest records for all counties in Georgia, including Barrow County, as mandated by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Barrow County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Barrow County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
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Visit the Barrow County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Barrow County Sheriff's Office Records Division
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3080
Barrow County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Complete a Public Records Request Form, providing:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being requested (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Purpose of the request (personal information, employment verification, etc.)
- Requestor's signature and date
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees:
- $5.00 for the first page
- $0.25 for each additional page
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies
Mail Requests:
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Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Barrow County Sheriff's Office website.
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Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
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Enclose a check or money order for the applicable fees.
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Mail the completed form, ID copy, and payment to:
Barrow County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
Email Requests:
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Download and complete the Public Records Request Form.
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Scan the completed form and a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
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Email the documents to records@barrowsheriff.com with "Public Records Request" in the subject line.
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Payment arrangements will be communicated by the Records Division staff.
For criminal history records that include arrest information from multiple jurisdictions, requestors may also contact:
Georgia Bureau of Investigation - GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Processing times typically range from 3-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.
How To Find Barrow County Arrest Records Online
Barrow County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:
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Barrow County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests.
- Visit the Barrow County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review the results, which typically include booking information, charges, and custody status
This resource is updated regularly but may not include historical arrest records.
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Georgia Judicial Gateway
The Georgia Courts E-Access system provides a centralized portal for accessing court records, including those related to arrests and criminal cases.
- Visit the Georgia Judicial Gateway website
- Select "Barrow County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Pay any applicable access fees
This system primarily contains court records rather than arrest records, but it provides valuable information about the judicial proceedings following an arrest.
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Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody, the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query provides detailed information.
- Visit the GDC Offender Query website
- Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
- Review the results, which include conviction information, sentence details, and custody status
This database only includes individuals who have been sentenced to state custody and does not contain records of arrests that did not result in state incarceration.
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Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest records from multiple jurisdictions:
- Visit the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website
- Follow the instructions for requesting a criminal history record
- Complete the required forms and provide fingerprints if necessary
- Pay the required fees ($25.00 for personal records, $42.00 for employment or licensing purposes)
This method provides the most comprehensive criminal history but requires more time and documentation than other online options.
When using online systems, users should be aware that some information may be restricted or redacted in accordance with Georgia privacy laws and that the most current and complete records may still require an official request through the Sheriff's Office.
How To Search Barrow County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Barrow County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods provide basic arrest information, though they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through paid services. The following free resources are currently available:
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Barrow County Sheriff's Office Website
The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup tool that provides basic information about recent arrests and current inmates.
- Visit the Barrow County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the individual's name
- Review the basic booking information provided
This resource is limited to current inmates and recent bookings but is updated regularly.
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Barrow County Jail Roster
The Sheriff's Office publishes a daily jail roster that is available for public inspection:
- Visit the Barrow County Detention Center during public hours
- Request to view the current jail roster
- No fee is charged for viewing this public document
Barrow County Detention Center
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3080
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Public Access Terminals
The Barrow County Clerk of Superior Court provides public access terminals for searching court records related to arrests:
- Visit the Clerk's Office during business hours
- Use the public access terminals to search for cases by name
- Print fees may apply ($0.25 per page), but searching is free
Barrow County Clerk of Superior Court
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-6060
Barrow County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Georgia Department of Corrections maintains a free online database of individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody.
- Visit the GDC Offender Query website
- Enter the individual's name
- Review the results, which include conviction information and custody status
This database only includes individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction.
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Local Newspaper Archives
The Barrow County Public Library provides free access to local newspaper archives, which often report on arrests:
- Visit the Barrow County Public Library
- Request access to newspaper archives
- Search by date or individual's name
Barrow County Public Library
175 Lanthier Street
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 867-2762
Barrow County Public Library
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
It is important to note that while these free resources provide basic arrest information, they may not include complete records or historical data. For comprehensive criminal history information, official requests through the Sheriff's Office or Georgia Bureau of Investigation may be necessary, which typically involve fees as prescribed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Barrow County
In Georgia, including Barrow County, individuals may be eligible to have arrest records restricted (commonly referred to as "expungement") or sealed under specific circumstances. The process is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which outlines the criteria and procedures for record restriction. It is important to understand the distinction between these legal remedies:
Record Restriction (Expungement): Limits public access to arrest records but does not physically destroy them. The records remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain employers.
Record Sealing: A court order that restricts access to records more comprehensively, making them unavailable to the general public.
Eligibility Criteria for Record Restriction in Barrow County:
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Arrests that did not result in a conviction:
- Case was dismissed
- No accusation or indictment was filed within the statute of limitations
- Charges were dropped
- A grand jury returned two "no bills" (declined to indict)
- The individual was acquitted (found not guilty) by a judge or jury
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Certain misdemeanor convictions:
- First offender treatment was successfully completed
- Conditional discharge was successfully completed
- The conviction was for certain misdemeanors committed while under 21 years of age
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Pardoned offenses:
- The individual received a pardon from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles
Record Restriction Process:
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Obtain Criminal History Report:
- Request a personal criminal history record from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
- Pay the required fee ($25.00)
Georgia Bureau of Investigation - GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation -
Complete Application:
- Obtain and complete the "Request for Record Restriction" form
- Forms are available from the Barrow County Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Superior Court
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Submit Application to Arresting Agency:
- File the application with the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Include supporting documentation (court dispositions, dismissal orders, etc.)
Barrow County Sheriff's Office
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3080
Barrow County Sheriff's Office -
Agency Review:
- The arresting agency reviews the application
- If approved, the agency forwards the application to the prosecuting attorney's office
- If denied, written notification with reasons for denial will be provided
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Prosecuting Attorney Review:
- The District Attorney's Office reviews the application
- If approved, the application is forwarded to GCIC for restriction
- If denied, the applicant may file a civil petition in Superior Court
Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3040
Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney -
Court Petition (if necessary):
- If the application is denied, file a civil petition in Barrow County Superior Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $200)
- A hearing will be scheduled to determine if restriction is appropriate
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GCIC Processing:
- If approved, GCIC will restrict the record from public access
- Processing typically takes 30-90 days
It is important to note that record restriction does not eliminate all traces of an arrest. Law enforcement agencies, certain employers (particularly those in public safety, education, and healthcare), and licensing boards may still have access to restricted records. Additionally, private background check companies may have already collected and stored the information, requiring separate requests for removal from their databases.
What Happens After Arrest in Barrow County?
Following an arrest in Barrow County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. This process, governed by Georgia state law and local court procedures, typically progresses as follows:
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Arrest and Booking:
- The individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
- Transportation to the Barrow County Detention Center
- Booking procedures include:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Creation of arrest record
Barrow County Detention Center
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3080
Barrow County Sheriff's Office -
Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing:
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Presided over by a Magistrate Judge
- The defendant is informed of:
- Charges
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Bail determination (if eligible)
- Appointment of public defender if the defendant qualifies
Barrow County Magistrate Court
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3060
Barrow County Magistrate Court -
Bail/Bond Process:
- Cash bond: Full payment of bail amount
- Property bond: Property used as collateral
- Surety bond: Commercial bondsman guarantees appearance for a fee (typically 10-15% of bail amount)
- Signature bond/Own Recognizance (OR): Release without payment based on promise to appear
- Conditions of release may include:
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Electronic monitoring
- Regular check-ins
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Preliminary Hearing (if requested):
- Determination of probable cause
- Prosecution presents evidence
- Defense may cross-examine witnesses
- Judge decides if case proceeds to Superior Court
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Grand Jury (for felonies):
- Reviews evidence presented by prosecutor
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
- Proceedings are closed to the public
- No defense presentation at this stage
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Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea:
- Guilty
- Not guilty
- Nolo contendere (no contest)
- Case scheduling
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Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
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Trial:
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
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Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation
- Victim impact statements
- Sentencing hearing
- Possible sentences include:
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Incarceration
- Alternative sentencing programs
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Post-Conviction:
- Appeal process
- Probation supervision
- Incarceration
- Reentry programs
Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through plea agreements, diversion programs, or dismissal. The timeline varies significantly based on case complexity, court caseload, and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 3-6 months, while felony cases may take 6-18 months or longer to reach disposition.
The Barrow County criminal justice system operates within the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, which includes Banks and Jackson counties. Court proceedings take place at the Barrow County Courthouse in Winder, Georgia.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Barrow County?
Arrest records in Barrow County are maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedules as established by the Georgia Archives and the Secretary of State's Office. These retention periods are governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, which authorizes the State Records Committee to establish retention schedules for government records, including law enforcement records.
Standard Retention Periods for Arrest Records:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: 25 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: 7 years from date of arrest
- After the retention period, records may be transferred to archival storage
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Fingerprint Cards and Photographs (Mugshots):
- Maintained permanently in the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) database
- Local copies may be destroyed after verification of GCIC receipt
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Incident Reports Related to Arrests:
- Felony cases: 25 years from date of incident
- Misdemeanor cases: 7 years from date of incident
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
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Investigation Files:
- Felony cases resulting in conviction: 25 years after completion of sentence
- Unsolved felony cases: 25 years from date of incident
- Misdemeanor cases: 7 years from date of incident
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
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Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Felony case files: 75 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years from final disposition
- Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
It is important to note that different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
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Barrow County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigation files according to law enforcement retention schedules.
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Barrow County Clerk of Superior Court: Maintains court records related to criminal cases according to judicial retention schedules, which typically require longer retention periods than law enforcement records.
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Georgia Crime Information Center: Maintains a permanent central repository of criminal history information, including arrest data, for the entire state.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records. However, due to the ease of digital storage, many records are maintained beyond their required retention periods. Additionally, even after official government records are destroyed according to retention schedules, information about arrests may persist in private databases, news archives, and other sources not subject to government records retention policies.
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Background checks for employment and licensing
- Historical documentation of criminal justice system operations
Individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records before the expiration of retention periods may pursue record restriction (expungement) through the process outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 if they meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Find Mugshots in Barrow County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are considered public records in Georgia under the Open Records Act. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are maintained by law enforcement agencies. The following information outlines the nature of mugshots and methods for accessing them in Barrow County.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. These typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) photograph
- A profile (side-view) photograph
- A placard or identification board showing the arrestee's name, booking number, and date
- Sometimes multiple angles or additional photographs documenting identifying marks
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Barrow County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
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Barrow County Sheriff's Office
- As the agency operating the county detention center, the Sheriff's Office creates and maintains the primary record of booking photographs
- Digital copies are stored in the jail management system
- Physical copies may be maintained in individual case files
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Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
- The state's central repository for criminal history information
- Receives and maintains copies of booking photographs from local agencies
Finding Mugshots:
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Direct Request to Sheriff's Office:
- Submit a completed Open Records Request Form to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office
- Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable fees ($5.00 for first page, $0.25 for each additional page)
Barrow County Sheriff's Office Records Division
652 Barrow Park Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 307-3080
Barrow County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Georgia Bureau of Investigation:
- Submit a criminal history record request to the GBI
- Complete fingerprint card and required forms
- Pay applicable fees ($25.00 for personal records, $42.00 for employment purposes)
Georgia Bureau of Investigation - GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
The Barrow County Sheriff's Office currently provides limited online access to recent booking photographs through:
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Inmate Search Function:
- Available on the Sheriff's Office website
- Displays basic booking information and photographs for current inmates
- Typically does not include historical booking photographs
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Third-Party Websites:
- Several commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records
- These sites may maintain photographs even after cases are dismissed or records are restricted
- Information on these sites may be outdated or inaccurate
- Some sites charge fees for removal of photographs
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to booking photographs may be limited under certain circumstances:
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Record Restriction:
- If an arrest record has been restricted under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, the associated mugshot should no longer be publicly accessible through official channels
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Juvenile Records:
- Photographs of juvenile arrestees (under 17) are generally not public records unless the juvenile is charged as an adult
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Active Investigations:
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
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Privacy Legislation:
- Georgia's Mugshot Law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5) prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots if the individual was acquitted or if charges were dismissed
When seeking mugshots, requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject and the arrest incident to facilitate accurate record retrieval. The Sheriff's Office typically requires 3-5 business days to process mugshot requests.