Coffee County Arrest Records

Coffee County arrest documents instances where individuals are detained by law enforcement due to suspected involvement in criminal activity. These records are a cornerstone of the justice system and include information such as the arrested individual's name, charges, arrest date, and booking details.

The Coffee County Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for generating and maintaining these records. Additionally, they are closely tied to Coffee County Court Records, which provide broader information about case proceedings, judgments, and outcomes.

Arrests in Coffee County may occur under different conditions, some of which include:

• Probable Cause: As outlined in Georgia Code § 17-4-20, law enforcement may arrest individuals if there is sufficient evidence to believe they committed a crime.
• Arrest Warrants: Arrests are also conducted when a judge issues a warrant based on sworn affidavits or other substantial evidence.
• On-site Criminal Activity: Immediate arrests are made without a warrant if an officer witnesses a crime being committed.

Once an individual is arrested in Coffee County, they are taken to the Coffee County Jail, located at:

Coffee County Jail
825 Thompson Drive,
Douglas, GA 31535

The booking process generally involves several steps:

1. Identification: The arrestee's personal details, such as name, date of birth, and address, are recorded.
2. Photographing and Fingerprinting: Mugshots and fingerprints are taken and stored in local, state, and national databases.
3. Charges Noted: The specific charges are documented, and the individual is informed of their rights under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
4. Health Screening: A medical examination is conducted to ensure the individual's well-being.
5. Property Processing: Any personal belongings are inventoried and stored until release.
6. Bail Assessment: Depending on the severity of the charges, the individual may be eligible for bail or remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.

These arrest records form part of public records and are interconnected with criminal history files managed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Are Arrest Records Public in Coffee County?

Per Georgia’s Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-70), arrest records are generally considered public records. This means most members of the public may access these records, fostering transparency within the Justice system. However, there are exceptions:

• Juvenile Records: Protected under O.C.G.A § 15-11-701, these records are not available to the public.
• Sealed Records: Records that have been expunged or sealed following court approval are not accessible.
• Active Investigations: Information that could compromise an ongoing investigation is exempt from disclosure.

To request Coffee County arrest records, individuals may contact the Coffee County Sheriff's Office:

Coffee County Sheriff's Office
825 Thompson Drive,
Douglas, GA 31535
Phone: (912) 384-4227

Coffee County Arrest Statistics

Between 2013 and 2021, 10,543 arrests were made in Coffee County. Of these arrests, 72% were for non-violent, low-level offenses. Georgia has an incarceration rate of 881 per 100,000 people and a jail population often exceeding 400 inmates.

Find Coffee County Arrest Records

Individuals may find Coffee County arrest records through various resources:

1. Coffee County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office Maintains an online inmate roster and booking information.
2. Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC): The GCIC provides statewide criminal background checks, including arrest records.
3. Federal Databases: Arrest and inmate information is also available through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and other federal platforms.

Accessing these records often requires specific details such as the full name of the individual and the date of arrest.

Coffee County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Although arrest records and criminal records are often used together, their meanings and implications differ.

Arrest Records: Document instances where individuals were detained by law enforcement. They include information about the arrest but do not confirm guilt or lead to a criminal conviction. Information contained in arrest records includes the following.

• Arrestee's name, sex, and address.
• Physical description of the arrestee.
• The mugshot of the arrested individual
• Fingerprint records
• Filed charges and the arresting agency/officer
• Bail/bond details

In contrast, criminal records provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and court proceedings. They explain all the times and circumstances an individual has had to go through the criminal justice system, including when the person was arrested and whether the individual was jailed, released, convicted, or on trial. Criminal records are usually more detailed and contain more information than arrest records.

For instance, a person may have an arrest record if detained but not convicted, while criminal records encompass finalized legal outcomes.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Georgia, arrest records remain indefinitely unless expunged under the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Expungement eligibility includes:

• Dismissed charges.
• Acquittals.
• Completion of pretrial intervention programs.

To apply for expungement, individuals must file a petition with the arresting agency or the court that handled the case. Once approved, the record is sealed, removing it from public view but retaining access for law enforcement purposes.

Coffee County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Coffee County authorizes law enforcement to detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. Issuance of warrants follows Georgia Code § 17-4-40, which requires:

• Probable Cause based on evidence or sworn testimony.
• Approval by a judge or magistrate.

Arrest warrants contain:

• The suspect’s name and identifying information.
• Description of the alleged crime and relevant Georgia Code section.
• Date and jurisdiction of issuance.

Circumstances necessitating warrants include failure to appear in court, probable cause based on investigations, and serious allegations requiring immediate action.

Do Coffee County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In general, arrest warrants in Coffee County do not expire. They remain valid until executed or recalled by the issuing court. However, the statute of limitations for the underlying crime may indirectly impact a warrant’s enforceability:

• Felonies: Serious crimes such as murder have no statute of limitations under Georgia Code § 17-3-1.
• Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses are subject to a two-year statute of limitations.

The ongoing validity of a warrant may also depend on specific county policies or changes in legal circumstances.