Dade County Criminal Records

Dade County criminal records are held by the Dade County Sheriff's Office and the Superior Court in Trenton. The sheriff handles arrest records, booking reports, and background checks for the county. Court case files sit with the Superior Court Clerk. You can search for criminal records in Dade County through local offices or state databases run by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. This page covers how to find criminal records, who to call, and what tools are free to use in Dade County.

Dade County Sheriff's Office

The Dade County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency in the county. Sheriff Ray Cross leads the office, which handles arrests, serves warrants, and keeps local criminal records. If you need a copy of an arrest record or want to run a criminal history check, this office is the place to start in Dade County. They can process requests through the GCIC system and help you file under the Georgia Open Records Act.

You can visit the sheriff's office in person or call ahead to ask what you need to bring. Most criminal record requests need a photo ID and a written form. The staff can tell you the current fees and how long it takes to get your records. For general questions about criminal records in Dade County, the sheriff's office is your first point of contact.

How to Find Dade County Criminal Records

Start your search at the Dade County Sheriff's Office. Call 706-657-3233 or visit in person at 75 Case Avenue, Trenton, GA 30752. The staff can run a criminal history check through the GCIC database. They handle arrest records, booking data, and local warrants. Most requests need a photo ID and a written form.

You can also use state tools. The eAccess court records costs $15 and checks for felony convictions across Georgia. Results are instant but limited to felonies only. For a full criminal history, ask the sheriff's office to run a GCIC check. The GSCCCA explains how the state handles these requests.

Open records requests work for court files too. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, you can ask for any public record held by a Georgia government office. The Dade County Superior Court Clerk keeps criminal case files including indictments, plea deals, and sentencing orders. Write your request with the person's full name or case number. The clerk must respond within three business days under state law.

Dade County Court Criminal Records

The Dade County Superior Court handles felony cases and serious criminal matters. The court clerk office in Trenton stores all case files including indictments, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. These are public records in most cases. You can visit the clerk to review files or request copies.

The Georgia Legal Aid criminal records guide runs a statewide index that includes records from Dade County. Their search tools cover real estate, liens, and some court filings. For criminal case lookups, check the Georgia Pardons and Paroles portal to see if Dade County cases are available online. Not all counties have full online access yet.

Magistrate Court in Dade County handles misdemeanors, county ordinance violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. If you need records for a minor offense, start with the Magistrate Court clerk. Each court keeps its own files, so figure out which court handled the case before you make your request.

State Resources for Dade County

Georgia runs several databases that cover criminal records from Dade County and the rest of the state. The Georgia Justice Project lets you look up anyone in the state prison system. It is free. You search by name, GDC ID, or case number. The Georgia Felon Search handles parole decisions and clemency for criminal cases across Georgia.

The Georgia Pardons and Paroles at pap.georgia.gov is a state resource that covers Dade County criminal records.

This tool is free and open to the public for searching criminal records that may be tied to Dade County.

Record Restriction in Dade County

Georgia allows some criminal records to be restricted under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. If charges were dropped, you were found not guilty, or you completed a diversion program, you may qualify. For arrests after July 1, 2013, contact the prosecuting attorney to start the process. For older arrests, apply through the arresting agency. The fee is $25 per arrest. The Georgia Courts has the full details on who can apply.

The First Offender Act under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 is another path. If you were sentenced as a first offender and finished all terms of probation, the conviction is discharged. The record should then be restricted from non-criminal justice searches. If your Dade County record still shows up after discharge, call the GCIC helpline at (404) 244-2639 for help. The GDC offender query also assists with record restriction in Georgia.

Legal Help for Dade County Records

If you need help with a criminal record in Dade County, several groups offer free or low-cost services. The GDC offender query works with people across Georgia on record restriction, pardons, and reentry. They know the system and can guide you through the process.

The GBI criminal history FAQ covers the basics of criminal records in Georgia, including how to check your own record, how to apply for restriction, and what rights you have. The Georgia Felon Search handles parole questions and clemency requests for people with criminal records in Georgia.

Cities in Dade County

Dade County includes the city of Trenton and smaller communities nearby. All criminal cases from cities within Dade County go through the Dade County court system. The Superior Court Clerk in Trenton handles all case files for the county.