Criminal Records in Dalton
Criminal records for Dalton residents are kept at the Whitfield County level. The county sheriff handles arrest records and background checks. The Superior Court Clerk stores court case files. You can also search for criminal records through the GBI, which runs the Georgia Crime Information Center. State databases cover all 159 counties including cases tied to Dalton. Here is how to search for and get criminal records in Dalton, Georgia.
Dalton Quick Facts
Whitfield County Handles Dalton Records
Dalton is in Whitfield County, and criminal records for Dalton residents are handled at the county level. The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office processes arrest records, booking reports, and criminal history checks. Sheriff Darren Pierce leads the office. You can reach them at 706-278-1233. The Whitfield County Superior Court Clerk has court case files including felony indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders.
Criminal cases that happen in Dalton go through the Whitfield 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 Whitfield County criminal records page.
Dalton Police and Criminal Records
Dalton has its own police department that handles local law enforcement. For arrest records and incident reports, contact the Dalton police directly. The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office also serves Dalton and can process criminal history checks through the GCIC system. Sheriff Darren Pierce leads the county office, and you can reach them at 706-278-1233.
Local police handle most day-to-day law enforcement in Dalton. 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 Dalton.
Search Dalton Criminal Records
You can search for criminal records tied to Dalton through several channels. The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office processes criminal history checks through the GCIC system. Call 706-278-1233 or visit their office to start a request. You need a photo ID and may need to fill out a form. The GBI criminal history FAQ explains how the state handles criminal record requests.
For online searches, the Georgia Felon Search costs $15 and checks for felony convictions across Georgia. Results are instant. This tool is name-based and does not return misdemeanors or sealed records. For a more thorough check, ask the sheriff's office to run a GCIC search with fingerprints.
Court records for Dalton cases are at the Whitfield County Superior Court Clerk. You can visit in person to review case files or ask for copies. The GSCCCA also has search tools that may cover Whitfield County cases. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, you can request any public record from a Georgia government office. The office must respond within three business days.
State Criminal Record Resources for Dalton
Several state agencies hold criminal records that cover Dalton and all of Georgia. The Georgia offender search lets you look up anyone in the state prison system for free. The Georgia Pardons and Paroles handles parole and clemency cases. The Georgia Open Records Act outlines your right to access public records from any Georgia government office.
The GBI GCIC FAQ page at gbi.georgia.gov covers criminal records searches for Dalton and all Georgia locations.
Use this state resource to find criminal records tied to Dalton cases.
You can also check the Georgia Felon Search at georgia.gov for records that may be tied to Dalton.
This free tool covers all of Georgia including cases from Dalton.
Criminal Record Restriction for Dalton Residents
Georgia allows certain criminal records to be restricted from public view under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. If charges were dropped or you were acquitted, you may qualify. For arrests after July 1, 2013, contact the prosecuting attorney. For older arrests, apply through the arresting agency. The fee is $25 per arrest. The GBI record restrictions page has the full details.
The First Offender Act under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 lets first-time offenders who complete probation have their records restricted. The Georgia Justice Project helps people in Georgia with record restriction, pardons, and civil rights restoration. The Georgia Legal Aid criminal records guide also covers what Dalton residents should know about their criminal records.
Note: Record restriction limits who can see the record but does not destroy it.
Dalton Criminal Records County Link
Dalton is part of Whitfield County. All criminal filings go through the Whitfield County court system. For complete details on the county sheriff, court clerk, fees, and more resources, visit the full county page.