Look Up Valdosta Criminal Records
Searching for criminal records in Valdosta means working with the Lowndes 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 Valdosta, Georgia.
Valdosta Quick Facts
Lowndes County Handles Valdosta Records
Valdosta is in Lowndes County, and criminal records for Valdosta residents are handled at the county level. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office processes arrest records, booking reports, and criminal history checks. Sheriff Ashley Paulk leads the office. You can reach them at 229-671-2900. The Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk has court case files including felony indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders.
Criminal cases that happen in Valdosta go through the Lowndes 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 Lowndes County criminal records page.
Valdosta Police and Criminal Records
Valdosta has its own police department that handles local law enforcement. For arrest records and incident reports, contact the Valdosta police directly. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office also serves Valdosta and can process criminal history checks through the GCIC system. Sheriff Ashley Paulk leads the county office, and you can reach them at 229-671-2900.
Local police handle most day-to-day law enforcement in Valdosta. 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 Valdosta.
Search Valdosta Criminal Records
You can search for criminal records tied to Valdosta through several channels. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office processes criminal history checks through the GCIC system. Call 229-671-2900 or visit their office to start a request. You need a photo ID and may need to fill out a form. The eAccess court records explains how the state handles criminal record requests.
For online searches, the Georgia Legal Aid criminal records guide 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 Valdosta cases are at the Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk. You can visit in person to review case files or ask for copies. The Georgia Pardons and Paroles also has search tools that may cover Lowndes 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 Valdosta
Several state agencies hold criminal records that cover Valdosta and all of Georgia. The Georgia Open Records Act lets you look up anyone in the state prison system for free. The GSCCCA handles parole and clemency cases. The Georgia offender search outlines your right to access public records from any Georgia government office.
The Valdosta Police Department website at www.valdostacity.com has info on police services in Valdosta.
Contact the police department for local criminal records requests or to file a report in Valdosta.
The GBI GCIC FAQ page at gbi.georgia.gov is a state resource for searching criminal records from Valdosta and the rest of Georgia.
This tool is free and open to anyone searching for criminal records in Georgia.
Criminal Record Restriction for Valdosta 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 Georgia Justice Project 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 GBI record restrictions page helps people in Georgia with record restriction, pardons, and civil rights restoration. The Georgia Felon Search also covers what Valdosta residents should know about their criminal records.
Note: Record restriction limits who can see the record but does not destroy it.
Valdosta Criminal Records County Link
Valdosta is part of Lowndes County. All criminal filings go through the Lowndes County court system. For complete details on the county sheriff, court clerk, fees, and more resources, visit the full county page.