Albany Criminal Records Search
Searching for criminal records in Albany means working with the Dougherty County government and state agencies. Arrest records go through the sheriff's office. Court case files are at the Superior Court Clerk. The GBI runs statewide criminal history checks through the Georgia Crime Information Center. You can also check the Georgia Felon Search tool for felony convictions. This page explains how to find criminal records in Albany, Georgia.
Albany Quick Facts
Dougherty County Handles Albany Records
Albany is in Dougherty County, and criminal records for Albany residents are handled at the county level. The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office processes arrest records, booking reports, and criminal history checks. Sheriff Terron K. Hayes leads the office. You can reach them at 229-302-3600. The Dougherty County Superior Court Clerk has court case files including felony indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders.
Criminal cases that happen in Albany go through the Dougherty County court system. The Superior Court handles felonies. State Court takes misdemeanors. Magistrate Court deals with minor offenses and preliminary hearings. For more about the county-level criminal records system, visit the Dougherty County criminal records page.
Albany Police and Criminal Records
Albany has its own police department that handles local law enforcement. For arrest records and incident reports, contact the Albany police directly. The Dougherty County Sheriff's Office also serves Albany and can process criminal history checks through the GCIC system. Sheriff Terron K. Hayes leads the county office, and you can reach them at 229-302-3600.
Local police handle most day-to-day law enforcement in Albany. The county sheriff handles county-wide matters, jail operations, and court services. Both agencies can help with criminal record requests. For records from the state level, use the GBI or other state databases that cover all of Georgia including Albany.
How to Find Albany Criminal Records
Start with the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office at 229-302-3600. They can run criminal history checks and pull arrest records. Walk-in visits work well for quick requests. For court case files, go to the Dougherty County Superior Court Clerk. They have records from felony trials, plea deals, and sentencing hearings.
State databases also cover Albany. The GSCCCA lets you look up anyone in the state prison system for free. The Georgia offender search checks for felony convictions at $15 per search. The Georgia Justice Project may have Dougherty County cases online too.
Georgia's Open Records Act under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 gives you the right to request criminal records from any government office. Put your request in writing with as much detail as you can. The first 15 minutes of search time are free and copies cost about $0.10 per page. This applies to records held by the Dougherty County Sheriff and courts that cover Albany.
Note: Some records from active investigations are exempt from disclosure under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
State Criminal Record Resources for Albany
Several state agencies hold criminal records that cover Albany and all of Georgia. The GSCCCA lets you look up anyone in the state prison system for free. The GDC offender query handles parole and clemency cases. The Georgia Pardons and Paroles outlines your right to access public records from any Georgia government office.
The Georgia offender search at gdc.georgia.gov covers criminal records searches for Albany and all Georgia locations.
Use this state resource to find criminal records tied to Albany cases.
You can also check the Georgia Department of Corrections at gdc.georgia.gov for records that may be tied to Albany.
This free tool covers all of Georgia including cases from Albany.
Record Restriction in Albany
Albany residents who want to restrict a criminal record must follow Georgia state law. O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 allows restriction for dismissed cases, acquittals, and completed diversion programs. The process depends on when the arrest happened. For arrests after July 1, 2013, go through the prosecuting attorney. Before that date, apply at the arresting agency. Each application costs $25.
First offenders who finish probation can also get relief under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60. Once the court reports discharge, the record should be restricted from non-criminal justice searches. If your record still shows up, call the GCIC helpline at (404) 244-2639. The Georgia Legal Aid criminal records guide and Georgia Open Records Act both offer help to Albany residents with criminal record issues.
Albany Criminal Records County Link
Albany is part of Dougherty County. All criminal filings go through the Dougherty County court system. For complete details on the county sheriff, court clerk, fees, and more resources, visit the full county page.