Fulton County Arrest Records

Arrests in Fulton County, Georgia, typically occur when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime within the county's jurisdiction. These arrests can happen during routine patrols, in response to calls from the public, or as a result of ongoing investigations.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is the main law enforcement agency in the county. The Sheriff’s Office carries out arrests and generates arrest records. They maintain detailed records of all arrests made within the county, including the names of individuals arrested, charges filed against them, and other pertinent information. There are also local police departments that make arrests and maintain arrest records, including:

• Alpharetta Police Department
• Atlanta Police Department
• Chattahoochee Hills Police Department
• College Park Police Department
• East Point Police Department
• Fairburn Police Department
• Hapeville Police Department
• Johns Creek Police Department
• Milton Police Department
• Palmetto Police Department
• Roswell Police Department
• Sandy Springs Police Department
• South Fulton Police Department
• Union City Police Department

Once an individual is arrested in Fulton County, they are typically taken to one of the Fulton County Jail facilities. These facilities are where inmates are held while awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. In addition to the county jail, there are other detention centers and facilities where inmates may be housed depending on factors such as their classification and the nature of their charges:

• Alpharetta Jail
• Atlanta City Detention Center
• East Point Jail
• South Fulton Municipal Jail

Fulton County arrest records form part of Fulton County court records because they document the incidents leading to legal proceedings in the county.

Are Arrest Records Public in Fulton County?

In accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act, Fulton County arrest records are considered public information. Hence, members of the public have the right to access information relating to arrests in the county. However, it is important to note that there are certain components of arrest records that may be exempt from public disclosure. They include social security numbers, addresses, and certain details about ongoing investigations.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records typically contain the following information:

• The personal information of the arrested individual, including the person’s name, date of birth, and other personal information.
• The date and time when the arrest took place.
• The location where the arrest occurred.
• The law enforcement agency and officer responsible for making the arrest.
• Details of the charges or offenses for which the individual was arrested.
• Booking information: This may include the booking number, mugshot, and fingerprint records.
• If applicable, details regarding the bail or bond set for the individual’s release from custody.
• Information about upcoming court appearances related to the arrest.

Fulton County Crime Rate

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is the government agency responsible for collating and reporting crime statistics for all the counties in the state. According to GBI crime data for Fulton County in 2022, there was a total number of 32,566 reported crime incidents, comprising 6,051 violent crimes and 26,515 property crimes. The violent crimes included 222 murders, 326 rapes, 918 robberies, and 4,585 aggravated assaults. Property crimes in the county included 2,613 burglaries, 19,509 larcenies, 4,338 motor vehicle thefts, and 55 arsons.

Fulton County Arrest Statistics

In 2018, the total number of arrests reported were 6,338, including 992 violent crime and 5,346 property crime-related arrests. The arrests made relating to violent crimes included 17 murders, 32 rapes, 277 robberies, and 666 aggravated assaults. Regarding property crimes, there were 686 burglary, 3,697 larceny, 963 motor vehicle theft, and eight arson arrests.

Find Fulton County Arrest Records

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is the agency responsible for maintaining all inmate records in the county. It provides the public with access to jail records through the Fulton County Georgia Jail Records. This portal provides information about individuals booked into the county’s correctional facilities.

For information about persons in city correctional facilities, contact the following:

• Alpharetta Jail - (404) 612-3432 or (404) 612-3434
• Atlanta City Detention Center - (404) 865-8001, (404) 865-8000, or (404) 546-7448
• East Point Jail - (404) 761-2177
• South Fulton Municipal Jail - (770) 515-7870 or (770) 515-7869.

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) provides an offender search tool that can be searched by name, description, ID, or case number. It provides information on inmates who have been sentenced and are serving time in state correctional facilities.

In addition, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provides the online inmate locator tool. It helps individuals looking for persons convicted of a federal crime and serving time in a federal prison.

Free Arrest Record Search in Fulton County

There are online county, state and federal resources that provide arrest information in Fulton County. They include:

• The Fulton County Georgia Jail Records.
• The GDC offender search tool
• The BOP online inmate locator tool.

At the city level, you may have to contact the jail facility to get inmate information:

• Alpharetta Jail - (404) 612-3432 or (404) 612-3434
• Atlanta City Detention Center - (404) 865-8001, (404) 865-8000, or (404) 546-7448
• East Point Jail - (404) 761-2177
• South Fulton Municipal Jail - (770) 515-7870 or (770) 515-7869.

There are third-party websites that offer free arrest record searches. However, users should exercise caution when using these sites, as they may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information. Also, some third-party sites may require you to sign up for a subscription or provide personal information before allowing access to arrest records. Always read the terms of service and privacy policies carefully before using any third-party site, and be aware that the information they provide may not be comprehensive or reliable.

Get Fulton County Criminal Records

Fulton County criminal records are official documents and files about the crime-related activities of persons within the county. Criminal records have information like the subject’s personal identification data, arrest data, final judicial disposition, and information on incarceration (if any). Fulton County criminal records are available at the office of the Fulton County Sheriff. Felony conviction records are available at the state level with the GBI.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office processes requests for copies of Fulton County criminal records. Third-party requests require the signed consent of the record’s subject of the record. The signed consent should include the subject’s full name, address, date of birth, and social security number. To obtain criminal records, contact or query the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at:

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
185 Central Avenue SouthWest
9th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 612-5100
info@fultonsheriff.net

The Georgia Felon Search website provides interested persons with access to felony conviction records. Search the website with the full name of the subject, date of birth, sex, and race of the person. A requester does not need the consent of the record’s subject. Pay for this service with credit cards.

Fulton County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Fulton County, arrest records document the fact of an individual’s arrest by law enforcement, including details such as the charges filed and booking information. Criminal records, on the other hand, encompass a broader scope, including not only arrest information but also any convictions, court proceedings, and other legal actions related to criminal activity.

While arrest records detail the initial phase of involvement with law enforcement, criminal records provide a comprehensive history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, including any outcomes or dispositions of their cases.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests in Georgia remain on a person’s record indefinitely. Georgia law does not allow the automatic sealing or expungement of arrest records. However, individuals may request restriction of access to their records or sealing of such records.

Expunge Fulton County Arrest Records

In Fulton County, Georgia, the process to restrict and seal arrest records involves limiting access to these records for employers, housing providers, and other non-law enforcement entities.

You may be eligible to restrict and seal your arrest records if the charges did not result in a conviction (e.g., dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal).

The process for record restriction and sealing depends on if the arrest was made before or after 1 July 2013.

For arrests before 1 July 2013:

• Fill out Section 1 of the Request to Restrict Arrest Record form form.
• Submit the form to the arresting agency, which will complete Section 2 and forward it to the prosecuting attorney’s office.
• The prosecuting attorney’s office will complete Section 3 and notify you of approval or denial within 90 days.
• Keep a copy of the completed application for your records.

For arrests on or after 1 July 2013:

• Contact the prosecuting attorney’s office of the county where your arrest took place directly, without involving the arresting agency.
• The prosecuting attorney’s office will notify you of approval or denial within 90 days.
• Keep a copy of the completed application for your records.

If your request is approved, the prosecuting attorney will submit the approved application to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) database. If the prosecuting attorney cannot access the GCIC database, you must send the approved application and a processing fee (money order or certified check payable to “Georgia Bureau of Investigation”) to the GCIC yourself.

Mailing Address:
Georgia Crime Information Center Record Restrictions
P.O. Box 370808
Decatur, Georgia 30037-0808

The GCIC typically processes complete record restriction applications within 2-3 weeks. You will receive a letter confirming that the arrest has been restricted in the law enforcement database. Keep this letter for your records. If you do not receive a notification, contact GCIC for an update on your application’s status.

If your request is denied, you can appeal the decision to the Superior Court of the relevant county within 30 days.

Fulton County Arrest Warrants

In Fulton County, Georgia, arrest warrants are legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement officers to arrest an individual suspected of committing a crime. They are issued based on probable cause, which means there is sufficient evidence to believe that the individual named in the warrant has committed a crime. Law enforcement officers, such as police officers or sheriff's deputies, may request an arrest warrant from the court by providing evidence or sworn testimony supporting the need for the warrant.

Arrest warrants are issued when law enforcement officers have reason to believe that an individual has committed a crime and there is probable cause to arrest them. Arrest warrants may be issued for various offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged crime.

An arrest warrant typically contains the name of the individual to be arrested (the suspect), as well as any known identifying information such as their address, date of birth, and physical description. The warrant also specifies the offense for which the individual is being arrested and may include other relevant details, such as the date the warrant was issued and the name of the issuing authority.

Fulton County Arrest Warrant Search

The Warrant Section of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for processing and executing criminal arrest warrants. To find active warrants in Fulton County, individuals must go in person to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office located either at the Fulton County Courthouse or the Fulton County Jail. Only the person who is the subject of the warrant can receive warrant information. The subject must present proper photo identification to receive warrant status information.

Do Fulton County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Fulton County, Georgia, arrest warrants typically do not expire. Once issued by a judge or magistrate, an arrest warrant remains active until it is executed by law enforcement officers or otherwise recalled or canceled by the court.