Greene County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Greene County in 2026
GreeneCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Greene County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal case filings, and inmate rosters. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest records in Greene County, Georgia, may be searched through official resources including the Greene County Sheriff's Office, the Superior Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Greene County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records that members of the public may access online or in person. The roster is updated regularly and includes the name of the arrested individual, charges, booking date, and current custody status. The Greene County Sheriff's Office provides current inmate information through its official website.
- Available information: Name, charges, booking date, bond amount, custody status
- Search capabilities: Name-based search; booking number lookup
- Update frequency: Updated daily or upon new bookings
2. Local Police Departments
Greene County is served primarily by the Greene County Sheriff's Office and the Greensboro Police Department. The Greensboro Police Department may publish press releases containing arrest information for notable incidents. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal agencies may submit a written open records request directly to the relevant department.
Greensboro Police Department 111 North East Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-7751 City of Greensboro
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Superior Court Clerk of Greene County maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records by the defendant's name to locate associated court filings, charge information, and case dispositions. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority operates a statewide case search portal that includes Greene County criminal case data.
- Search method: Name-based or case number search
- Available information: Case number, charges, court dates, dispositions
- Access: Available online through the GSCCCA eCourt portal
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Certified criminal history records are available to authorized requesters, including individuals seeking their own records.
- Available information: Arrest history, charges, dispositions, fingerprint-based records
- Fees: A fee applies for certified criminal history reports; current fee schedules are posted on the GBI website
- Access: Individuals may request their own records through the GBI's Applicant Processing Services
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Greene County Sheriff's Office 1301 South Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-7661 Greene County Sheriff's Office
- Records division: Located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification; specific information about the arrest including full name and approximate date
- Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per page
Police Departments:
Greensboro Police Department 111 North East Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-7751 City of Greensboro
- Records request procedure: Submit a written open records request in person or by mail
- Fees: Per-page copy fees apply consistent with Georgia law
Clerk of Court:
Greene County Superior Court Clerk 113 North Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-3340 Greene County Superior Court Clerk
- Criminal records division: Located at the main courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Case file inspection: Members of the public may inspect open criminal case files at the clerk's office
- Copy fees: Standard per-page fees apply
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Greene County Sheriff's Office at 1301 South Main Street, Greensboro, GA 30642. Requests should include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the five-business-day response requirement under Georgia's Open Records Act.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (706) 453-7661
- Members of the public may call to inquire about current inmate status or general booking information
- Detailed record copies require a written request or in-person visit
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors access records through established court procedures governed by the Georgia Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Greensboro Police, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Greene County
Arrest records in Greene County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all public records maintained by state and local government agencies are subject to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
The public policy rationale for open access to arrest records includes:
- Government transparency: Arrest records document the exercise of law enforcement authority
- Public safety: Community members may have a legitimate interest in knowing about arrests in their area
- Journalism and research: Members of the press and academic researchers rely on arrest records to report on crime and evaluate criminal justice policy
- Background screening: Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies may review arrest records subject to applicable legal restrictions
- Legal proceedings: Parties in civil and criminal matters may require access to arrest history
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 related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving certain offenses
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Georgia Constitution and the Georgia Open Records Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as part of the broader principle of open government. At the same time, due process considerations require that arrest records not be treated as proof of guilt, as an arrest reflects a charge rather than a conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing laws
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers and landlords using background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. Arrest records that did not result in conviction carry less legal weight than conviction records and may not be used in certain contexts.
What's in Greene County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (included in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Georgia statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public-facing records
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Superior Court, State Court, or Magistrate Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests recorded in Greene County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges
- Prior arrest history 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 (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted under Georgia law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences rather than the arrest itself
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and conviction data
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Greene County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Greene County is governed by the Georgia Open Records Act. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10 per page (standard rate) |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Electronic copies | May be provided at no charge or at cost of production |
| Search fee | Agencies may charge for staff time exceeding 15 minutes |
| Certified criminal history (GBI) | Set by GBI fee schedule |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge; fees apply only to copies
- Electronic format: Agencies that maintain records in electronic format may provide them electronically, often at reduced cost
- Search fees: Agencies may charge for the cost of staff time required to search and retrieve records when the search exceeds a reasonable threshold
- Certification fees: Fees for certified copies vary by office and are set by the clerk or agency
- Fee waivers: Georgia law does not mandate a blanket fee waiver, but agencies may waive fees at their discretion, particularly for indigent requesters or requests serving a clear public interest
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, check, or money order are accepted at most offices; some offices accept credit or debit cards
Members of the public may inspect records at the Greene County Sheriff's Office or the Superior Court Clerk's office at no charge during regular business hours. Copies of booking records and court case documents are available for the per-page fees noted above.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Greene County
Georgia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: restriction (the Georgia equivalent of expungement, which seals records from public view) and sealing (court-ordered confidentiality). Under Georgia law, the process is formally referred to as "restriction of criminal history record information" rather than expungement.
Distinction Between Restriction and Sealing:
- Restriction: The arrest record is removed from public access but is retained by law enforcement and may be accessed for certain official purposes. This is the standard remedy available under Georgia law for eligible arrests.
- Sealing: A court may order specific records sealed in limited circumstances, such as cases involving victims of human trafficking or other special circumstances.
Eligibility for Restriction:
Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have arrest records restricted in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecution was placed on dead docket and no conviction resulted
- First-offender treatment was successfully completed
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
Steps to Petition for Restriction:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to confirm the record to be restricted
- Complete the appropriate petition form, available from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- File the petition with the Superior Court of Greene County
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney and the arresting law enforcement agency
- Attend any scheduled hearing
- If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the GBI and local agencies for record restriction
Greene County Superior Court 113 North Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-3340 Greene County Superior Court Clerk
Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC 3121 Panthersville Road Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: (404) 244-2639 Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Individuals seeking restriction of their records are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully, as not all arrests qualify. An attorney familiar with Georgia criminal law can assist in evaluating eligibility and preparing the petition.
What Happens After Arrest in Greene County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Greene County, the arrested individual is transported to the Greene County Detention Center, which serves as the primary booking and holding facility for the county.
Greene County Detention Center 1301 South Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-7661 Greene County Sheriff's Office
Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to GCIC
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance hearing within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. The first appearance serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of charges
- Appointment of a public defender for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail determination
- Advisement of constitutional rights
First appearance hearings in Greene County are conducted before the Greene County Magistrate Court and may be held via video conference in some circumstances.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- Amount set by the magistrate or judge based on the bond schedule or individual assessment
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment is required
- Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- The defendant is held without the possibility of 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:
Conditions imposed at release may include:
- Regular check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision reporting
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours after bond is posted
- Personal property is returned
- A written notice of court dates is provided
- Written conditions of release are issued
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Greene County Detention Center
- Housing assignment is made based on classification
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants in Greene County are represented by the Piedmont Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined at first appearance.
Piedmont Judicial Circuit Public Defender 1400 Greene Street, Suite 300 Augusta, GA 30901 Phone: (706) 821-2330 Georgia Public Defender Council
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Georgia maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney-client consultations at the detention center are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews arrest information and determines whether to file formal charges. The review process may result in:
- Filing of a formal accusation or indictment
- A request for additional investigation
- A decision to decline prosecution
- Filing of different or additional charges
Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office Greene County Courthouse 113 North Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-3340 Piedmont Judicial Circuit
Grand Jury (for Felonies):
Felony charges in Georgia may be presented to a grand jury for indictment. The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A true bill results in a formal indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all pretrial rights. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery:
- The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings
Pretrial Motions:
- Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery may be filed and heard before trial
Pretrial Conferences:
- Attorneys and the judge meet to discuss case status, plea negotiations, and trial readiness
Plea Negotiations:
- The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
- The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal:
- Charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case
- A dismissed case may be eligible for record restriction
Diversion Programs:
- Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court
- Successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement:
- The defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
- A sentencing hearing is scheduled
Trial:
- Defendants have the right to a jury trial for most charges
- A bench trial before a judge is also available
- The prosecution and defense present their cases
- A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned
Sentencing (if Convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose:
- Incarceration in state prison or county jail
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Substance abuse treatment
- A combination of the above
Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence imposed. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | 48–72 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to several weeks |
| Arraignment to trial/resolution | Months; varies by case complexity |
| Misdemeanor cases | Typically resolved within 3–6 months |
| Felony cases | May take 6–18 months or longer |
Georgia's constitutional speedy trial provisions and statutory speedy trial demand procedures govern the maximum time within which a defendant must be brought to trial.
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Greene County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1301 South Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-7661 Greene County Sheriff's Office
Greene County Superior Court Clerk 113 North Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-3340 GSCCCA eCourt Portal
Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office 113 North Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-3340 Piedmont Judicial Circuit
Piedmont Judicial Circuit Public Defender Georgia Public Defender Council Phone: (404) 232-8200
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Greene County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Greene County is governed by Georgia law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Under Georgia's records retention framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case. The Georgia Secretary of State's Records Retention Schedules provide the authoritative guidance for local government agencies.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent at the state repository; local law enforcement retention follows the applicable Georgia records retention schedule
- Court records for misdemeanor convictions are maintained for a minimum period set by the retention schedule, with electronic records often retained permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period per the Georgia retention schedule
- Court records may be retained permanently unless restricted by court order
- Records may remain in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records per the applicable retention schedule
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Individuals acquitted at trial are eligible to petition for restriction of the arrest record
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period per the retention schedule
- Individuals whose charges were never filed may be eligible for immediate petition for restriction
- Local arrest logs may be retained for a shorter period than conviction records
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement retains records per the applicable schedule
- Individuals in this category are among those most likely to qualify for record restriction
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Georgia records retention schedule
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the evidence
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for longer periods than physical records
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party vendors may retain records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention requirements as government agencies
- Court electronic records are often retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records when restriction or sealing orders are issued
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but enforcement against non-compliant third-party sites can be limited
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
Greene County Sheriff's Office 1301 South Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-7661 Greene County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Georgia Law Enforcement Retention Schedule
- Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case
Clerk of Court:
Greene County Superior Court Clerk 113 North Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: (706) 453-3340 Greene County Superior Court Clerk
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained per the applicable retention schedule
- Electronic court records: Often retained permanently
State Repository:
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), a division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains the statewide criminal history repository. GCIC retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in Georgia. Retention policy at the state level follows GCIC's established procedures, with conviction records retained permanently and non-conviction records subject to restriction upon court order.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction:
- Permanent retention in most databases
- Appears on background checks indefinitely unless a specific legal remedy is obtained
Dismissal:
- May remain in databases unless the individual obtains a restriction order
- Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records
Restriction (Expungement):
- Physical records at local agencies are sealed or destroyed per the court order
- GCIC updates the state repository to reflect the restriction
- The FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
- Removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action
- Processing time for removal varies by agency
No Charges Filed:
- Shortest retention period in most cases
- May be purged automatically after the applicable retention period
- Individuals may petition for immediate restriction in some circumstances
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office website or GSCCCA portal with real-time or daily updates
- Older arrests: May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court; possible retrieval fee and longer processing time
- Very old arrests: May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the retention schedule
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for restriction, or pursuant to the Georgia records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
- Most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records under the FCRA
- Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law
- Georgia does not currently impose a statewide limit on reporting conviction records in employment background checks
- Arrests without conviction carry less weight and may not be considered in certain employment contexts
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Greene County Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 453-7661 or submit a written open records request to the Sheriff's Office at 1301 South Main Street, Greensboro, GA 30642. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.