Criminal Records in Wilkes County

Criminal records in Wilkes County are public under Georgia law. The sheriff's office in Washington 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 Wilkes County.

Wilkes County Sheriff's Office

The Wilkes County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency in the county. Sheriff Darrell Powers 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 Wilkes 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 Wilkes County, the sheriff's office is your first point of contact.

Search Wilkes County Criminal Records

There are several ways to search for criminal records in Wilkes County. The most direct option is to visit the sheriff's office in Washington or call 706-678-2224. You can ask for arrest records, booking reports, or criminal history checks in person. Bring a photo ID and be ready to fill out a request form. The office can pull records from the GCIC system run by the GBI.

For online searches, the GBI criminal history FAQ explains how to request criminal history records from the state. The Georgia Crime Information Center stores data from all 159 counties. You can also use the Georgia Felon Search tool for $15 to check if someone has a felony conviction in Georgia. This is a name-based search with instant results. It does not show misdemeanors or sealed records.

Georgia's Open Records Act under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 gives you the right to request public records from any government office. Put your request in writing and include as much detail as you can. The office must respond within three business days. The first 15 minutes of search time are free and copies cost about $0.10 per page. This law applies to criminal records held by the Wilkes County Sheriff and courts.

Note: Name-based searches are not as exact as fingerprint checks, so results may include records for people with similar names.

Wilkes County Court Criminal Records

The Wilkes County Superior Court handles felony cases and serious criminal matters. The court clerk office in Washington 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 GSCCCA runs a statewide index that includes records from Wilkes County. Their search tools cover real estate, liens, and some court filings. For criminal case lookups, check the eAccess court records portal to see if Wilkes County cases are available online. Not all counties have full online access yet.

Magistrate Court in Wilkes 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 Wilkes County

Georgia runs several databases that cover criminal records from Wilkes County and the rest of the state. The Georgia offender 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 Pardons and Paroles handles parole decisions and clemency for criminal cases across Georgia.

The GBI GCIC FAQ page at gbi.georgia.gov is a state resource that covers Wilkes County criminal records.

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

Record Restriction in Wilkes 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 GBI record restrictions page 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 Wilkes County record still shows up after discharge, call the GCIC helpline at (404) 244-2639 for help. The Georgia Justice Project also assists with record restriction in Georgia.

Legal Help for Wilkes County Records

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

The Georgia Legal Aid criminal records guide 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 Pardons and Paroles handles parole questions and clemency requests for people with criminal records in Georgia.

Cities in Wilkes County

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