Fulton County Public Records / Fulton County Arrest Records

Fulton County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fulton County in 2026

FultonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Fulton County, including booking data, charge information, custody status, and court case details. Members of the public may find records covering criminal charges, bond amounts, arresting agency, mugshots, and case dispositions. The information presented reflects data sourced from official government repositories and is subject to the availability and completeness of underlying public records.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster and inmate search database. Members of the public may conduct an inmate search through the Fulton County Sheriff's Office to locate individuals currently in custody. The database is updated on a regular basis and includes booking number, charges, bond status, and custody information. Search capabilities allow queries by last name, first name, and booking number.

2. Local Police Departments

The Atlanta Police Department and other municipal law enforcement agencies operating within Fulton County publish arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly to request arrest logs under Georgia's Open Records Act. Each department maintains its own records division with separate request procedures.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases linked to arrests may be searched through the Fulton County Superior Court Clerk's office. Searching by an arrestee's name returns associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case status. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains criminal case records from the point of formal charging through final disposition.

Fulton County Superior Court Clerk
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 613-5313
Fulton County Superior Court Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which serves as the state-level repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may submit a request for a Georgia criminal history record check. A fee of $25.00 applies per individual name search. The database includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Georgia and reflects dispositions reported by courts and law enforcement agencies statewide.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Fulton County Sheriff's Office
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-5100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and booking number. Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Police Departments:

Atlanta Police Department – Records Unit
226 Peachtree Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 614-6544
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Atlanta Police Department

Clerk of Court:

Fulton County Superior Court Clerk – Criminal Division
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 613-5313
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Fulton County Superior Court Clerk

Case file inspection is available during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed at $0.25 per page for standard documents and $1.00 per page for certified copies.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

Fulton County Sheriff's Office: (404) 612-5100
Inmate information inquiries are accepted by phone; however, detailed record information may require an in-person visit or written request
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by court rules and applicable protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Atlanta PD, or other municipal agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Fulton County

Arrest records in Fulton County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all records prepared and maintained by public agencies in the course of their official duties are subject to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action taken by law enforcement officers acting in their public capacity.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement conduct
Public safety awareness within communities
Support for journalism and academic research
Facilitation of background screening by employers and licensing agencies
Use in civil and criminal legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Georgia law and are not subject to routine public disclosure
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt
Victim identifying information in certain categories of cases is protected
Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Georgia's Open Records Act reflects the constitutional principle that government operations are subject to public scrutiny. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that the distinction between an arrest and a conviction be clearly understood: an arrest record documents a law enforcement action, not a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating in compliance with the FCRA
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and tenant screening contexts. Employers subject to the FCRA may not use arrest records that are more than seven years old in most circumstances. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest without a resulting conviction carries no presumption of guilt and its use in adverse employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.

What's in Fulton County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Atlanta Police Department, or other municipal department)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Georgia statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following formal charging
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within the county may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted under Georgia law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Fulton County?

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Fulton County varies by agency and record type. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies are authorized to charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of public records. The statute limits fees to the actual cost of production and prohibits agencies from charging for inspection of records that do not require staff assistance.

Record Type	Fee
Standard copies (per page)	$0.25
Certified copies (per page)	$1.00
Electronic records (per request)	Varies by agency
GBI criminal history search	$25.00 per name
Sheriff's Office booking records	$0.25 per page
Court case file copies	$0.25–$1.00 per page

Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, money order, or credit card. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge where no staff assistance is required for retrieval. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a demonstrated public interest; applicants should submit a written waiver request to the relevant agency.

Online access to the jail roster and inmate search database is available at no cost through the Sheriff's Office portal. Court case information accessible through the Clerk's public terminals is also available without charge for in-person inspection.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Fulton County

Georgia law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: restriction (the Georgia equivalent of expungement, which seals records from public view) and sealing (a court-ordered restriction on access). The distinction is significant: restriction removes a record from public databases maintained by law enforcement and the GBI, while sealing is a broader court order that may apply to court files as well.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals arrested in Georgia may petition for restriction of their criminal history record in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The prosecution was placed on dead docket and no further action was taken
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program

Steps to Petition for Record Restriction:

Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the GBI to confirm the arrest appears in the state repository
Gather documentation of the case disposition (dismissal order, acquittal verdict, or diversion completion certificate)
Submit a written request to the arresting law enforcement agency requesting restriction of the record
If the agency declines, file a petition in the Superior Court of Fulton County requesting a court order for restriction
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing and present supporting documentation
If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the GBI for update of the state repository

Fulton County Superior Court – Criminal Division
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 613-5313
Fulton County Superior Court

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Individuals who were convicted of an offense are not eligible for restriction under current Georgia law unless the conviction was subsequently vacated or reversed on appeal. Restriction does not guarantee removal from third-party commercial databases, which are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records independently of the official state repository.

What Happens After Arrest in Fulton County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Fulton County Jail, which is operated by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to departure.

Fulton County Jail
901 Rice Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 612-5100
Fulton County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda advisement if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the GBI and FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Georgia law, individuals arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance hearing within 48 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond is set or denied
Rights are explained

First appearance hearings in Fulton County may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable administrative fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 12% of the bond amount under Georgia law. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and return of personal property. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Fulton County Public Defender's Office
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 4025
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-4970
Fulton County Public Defender

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail and conduct confidential consultations. The State Bar of Georgia maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Fulton County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence. For felony offenses, the case may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in Georgia are guilty, not guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase involves discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case resolution options include dismissal for insufficient evidence or legal defects, diversion programs for eligible defendants (including drug court, mental health court, and veterans court), plea agreements, and jury or bench trial. Defendants convicted at trial or by plea proceed to a sentencing hearing at which the court may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these sanctions.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under both the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Fulton County District Attorney's Office
136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-640
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 613-3000
Fulton County District Attorney

Fulton County Pretrial Services
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-5100
Fulton County Sheriff's Office

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney, including cellmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fulton County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Fulton County is governed by Georgia law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Local agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with the Georgia Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90, which establishes minimum retention periods for public records and prohibits destruction of records outside of approved schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, GBI, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide through the Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most Georgia databases
Court records maintained permanently by the Clerk of Court
GBI state repository retains records indefinitely

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years under standard retention schedules
Court records are maintained permanently unless restricted by court order
Records remain in the GBI repository unless the individual successfully petitions for restriction

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
Court records maintained permanently
Eligible for restriction from the GBI repository upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of two to five years
May be eligible for restriction upon petition to the arresting agency

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained permanently in most cases. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to Georgia's retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case outcome and offense classification
Contact: (404) 612-5100

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Electronic records: Permanent
Contact: (404) 613-5313

GBI – State Repository:

Maintains arrest records from all Georgia jurisdictions
Retention is permanent unless restricted by court order
Georgia Crime Information Center

FBI Database:

NCIC and III records are retained permanently
Accessible to law enforcement agencies for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and licensing
Federal retention policies are not subject to state law

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the individual obtains a restriction order. Expungement or restriction under Georgia law results in removal from the GBI public repository and law enforcement databases, though the FBI may retain a notation of the record. The timeframe for removal following a court order is typically 30 to 90 days for state databases.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year lookback period for arrests that did not result in conviction. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Georgia does not currently impose a statewide statutory limit shorter than the FCRA standard for private employment background checks. Arrests without convictions that have been restricted under Georgia law are not reportable on consumer background checks following the effective date of the restriction order.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records independently of official government databases. These entities are not required to update their records when a restriction order is issued, though the FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures for accuracy. Individuals whose records have been restricted may need to contact third-party operators directly to request removal.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (404) 612-5100 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Georgia Open Records Act may be required to obtain confirmation of retention status. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.