Search Harris County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Harris County are public under Georgia law. The sheriff's office in Hamilton keeps arrest data and booking records. The Superior Court Clerk has case files from felony and misdemeanor trials. You can get copies of these records in person, by mail, or through state search tools online. The GBI runs the Georgia Crime Information Center, which stores criminal history data from all 159 counties. This page shows you how to search for and get criminal records in Harris County.

Harris County Sheriff's Office

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency in the county. Sheriff Mike Jolley 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 Harris 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 Harris County, the sheriff's office is your first point of contact.

Find Criminal Records in Harris County

Criminal records in Harris County can be found through the sheriff's office, the courts, or state databases. The sheriff's office at PO Box 286, Hamilton, GA 31811 handles arrest records and background checks. You can walk in or call 706-628-4211 to ask about the process. Each request may need a form and a fee, so call ahead to check.

State tools give you more options. The Georgia Felon Search lets you look up anyone in the Georgia prison system for free. The GBI record restrictions page checks for felony convictions at $15 per search. For court records, the Georgia offender search connects all 159 county clerk offices. You may also find Harris County cases through the Georgia Courts portal.

Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 makes most criminal records public. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Some records tied to open investigations are exempt under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, but closed cases are generally available to anyone in Harris County.

Note: Fees for copies vary by office, so confirm the current cost before you visit.

Criminal Court Records in Harris County

Court records for criminal cases in Harris County are kept by the Superior Court Clerk in Hamilton. This office has files from felony trials, plea deals, and sentencing hearings. You can ask for copies of any document in a case file. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call the clerk to check the current fees.

Georgia has a statewide court system that connects many counties online. The GSCCCA website has links to court info across the state. The Georgia offender search provides search tools that may include Harris County records. For cases that went to appeal, the Georgia Supreme Court docket search covers the highest level of review.

State Resources for Harris County

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

The Georgia Courts at georgiacourts.gov is a state resource that covers Harris County criminal records.

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

Criminal Record Restriction in Harris County

Certain criminal records in Harris County can be restricted from public searches. O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 sets the rules. If your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may be able to restrict the arrest record. For arrests after July 1, 2013, talk to the prosecuting attorney directly. For arrests before that date, file at the agency that made the arrest. It costs $25 per arrest to apply.

First offenders who complete probation can have their records restricted under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60. The eAccess court records helps people in Georgia with this process. The Georgia Justice Project also has free info about criminal records and your rights. Record restriction does not erase the record. It just limits who can see it outside of law enforcement.

Note: Restricted records can still be seen by law enforcement and some government agencies in Georgia.

Harris County Criminal Records Resources

Several state resources can help Harris County residents deal with criminal records. The eAccess court records offers legal help with record restriction and civil rights restoration across Georgia. Their staff knows the rules for each type of case.

For general info, the Georgia Justice Project has a guide on what you should know about criminal records in Georgia. It covers the basics of checking records, understanding what shows up, and how to get errors fixed. The GCIC helpline at (404) 244-2639 can answer questions about state-level criminal history records for Harris County and all other Georgia counties.

Cities in Harris County

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