Athens Criminal Record Lookup
Athens criminal records are handled by the Clarke County Sheriff's Office and the local police department. You can search for arrest records, court case files, and criminal history data through county offices or state databases run by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Clarke County Superior Court Clerk holds case files from felony and misdemeanor trials that took place in Athens. This page shows you where to find criminal records, who to contact, and what search tools cover Athens.
Athens Quick Facts
Clarke County Handles Athens Records
Athens is in Clarke County, and criminal records for Athens residents are handled at the county level. The Clarke County Sheriff's Office processes arrest records, booking reports, and criminal history checks. Sheriff John Williams leads the office. You can reach them at 706-613-3250. The Clarke County Superior Court Clerk has court case files including felony indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders.
Criminal cases that happen in Athens go through the Clarke 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 Clarke County criminal records page.
Athens Police and Criminal Records
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department handles law enforcement for the consolidated Clarke County government. Criminal records requests go through the sheriff's office at 325 E Washington Street. Athens merged with Clarke County, so one set of offices manages all records for both the city and the county.
If you need an arrest report or want to check on a pending case, the sheriff's office is the right place to start. Bring a photo ID and be ready to fill out a request form. The staff can tell you the current fees and how long the process takes. For open records requests, put your request in writing and include the person's full name and date of birth if you have it.
| Agency | Athens-Clarke County Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 325 E Washington Street, Suite 100, Athens, GA 30601 |
| Phone | (706) 613-3250 |
Find Criminal Records in Athens
Criminal records for Athens can be searched through local and state resources. The county sheriff at 706-613-3250 handles arrest records and background checks. The Clarke County Superior Court Clerk has court case files. Both offices are open during normal business hours on weekdays.
Online tools give you more options. The Georgia Justice Project costs $15 for a felony check. The Georgia Legal Aid criminal records guide is free for searching state prison records. The Georgia Courts walks you through the process of getting criminal history records from the GBI. For court records specifically, check the Georgia Pardons and Paroles website.
Under Georgia law, most criminal records are public. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 gives anyone the right to ask for public records. You do not need a reason to make the request. Some records from open investigations are not available, but closed cases are generally accessible to the public in Athens.
State Criminal Record Resources for Athens
Several state agencies hold criminal records that cover Athens and all of Georgia. The Georgia Legal Aid criminal records guide lets you look up anyone in the state prison system for free. The Georgia offender search handles parole and clemency cases. The Georgia Felon Search outlines your right to access public records from any Georgia government office.
The Georgia Courts at georgiacourts.gov covers criminal records searches for Athens and all Georgia locations.
Use this state resource to find criminal records tied to Athens cases.
You can also check the Georgia offender search at gdc.georgia.gov for records that may be tied to Athens.
This free tool covers all of Georgia including cases from Athens.
Record Restriction in Athens
Athens 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 GBI criminal history FAQ and GBI record restrictions page both offer help to Athens residents with criminal record issues.
Athens Criminal Records County Link
Athens is part of Clarke County. All criminal filings go through the Clarke County court system. For complete details on the county sheriff, court clerk, fees, and more resources, visit the full county page.